A week ago, I sent a message to my health care provider that I would run out of blood pressure medicine in a week so could she reorder more for me to pick up at the Palo Alto VA as I had 3 appts up there, and I would get it faster if I just pick it up rather than mail it.
After I finished my morning appointments, but before my afternoon one, I went to the Pharmacy to pick up my order.
The Pharmacist: We have a mailing address on file for you, so we have to mail your prescription.
Me: But I specifically asked that it be held here for me to pick up.
Pharmacist: No, we have to mail it.
Me: I took my last blood pressure pill yesterday, counting on picking up my new prescription today.
P: I can give you a 7 day emergency supply.
Me: (on the verge of losing it) Have you heard of the slide that closed Big Sur in Feb of 2024? Well that slide is between my post office and me. My postmaster has to drive around every Friday to deliver our mail, so it takes a week to get to my rural box, and usually a week or more for me to pick it up. One week supply is not going to cut it. I need a minimum of two.
P: I am only authorized to give you a week.
Me: Do you want me to have a stroke? (Eyes closed)…breathe in for a count of 5, breathe out for a count of 8. Breathe in for a count of 5 and out for a count of 8. This went on for a good 30 seconds in front of the pharmacist.
P: Your prescription will be ready at 12:30 pm.
Me: Is this for two weeks?
P: It is for 90 days.
Me: Thank you
12:30 pm
P: I am sorry, but we only had 7 days in stock. I have requested overnight delivery, so it will be here tomorrow.
Me: Thank you, I’ll be back and I am not leaving without that prescription.
I and my neighbors have been dealing with these kinds of issues since February of 2024. We adapt and overcome. How many of you could do the same? Is your “inconvenience” that you can’t reach your surf spot or your favorite camping spot? It is so much more than that for us.
Caltrans, San Luis Obispo? Sacramento…are you listening???
Post Script: It was ready by 9 an the next morning when I stopped it to pick it up.
This is from a member of the BigSurKate community. She shared it with me and…
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Thanks for your news Kate and I hope that you did get the 90 day supply of medicine…… and perhaps Caltrans and the”Gods” will see your comments and do something about getting the road open for you and your neighbors
…… All the best to you
Alan
Yes, get it fixed!!
I love your breathing technique in front of the pharmacist. You got his attention as to the gravity of the situation. And probably brought down your blood pressure. Sorry you had to wait another day for that Rx. All good now?
Kate,
I really empathise with you in that situation. I have great friends who live in Big Sur. I know that this is almost untenable.
But I want to point out about the problem you have… is the total insanity of a pharmacist being unable to take the discretionary step or the system being so convoluted they cannot quickly make a phone call to your medical facility doctor, the VA, or whoever it should be to authorise giving you a larger prescription quantity.
The bureaucracy/red tape/lack of guts or initiative that exists in this supposedly advanced, enterprising, creative country - is absurd.
Of course I realise at the moment we can hardly call this an advanced enterprising creative country as we are actually living under a regime that will test sanity now and for the foreseeable future.
I just want to point out that your exasperation is totally and 100% understandable… May I even say quite right!
I just hope that things can be improved in all the component parts that need to be made Simply better.
With very best wishes,
And to your good health, best, Roger
I did get my full 90 supply first thing the next morning. As I told the pharmacist, I could understand if this were a controlled substance, but bp meds?
Even old Al Clark left the coast at some point. It’s a wild and lonely coast and not for the faint of heart.
On a side note all the folks who had that dinner with Gavin where he told them the road was done, have sold out or listed for sale. The roads done folks. Why should 340milion Americans subsidize our highway based existence,if we can’t suport thier access? Seems absurd
Short term solution. (Direct)
https://www.costplusdrugs.com/
Mid term solution. (Make your own)
https://fourthievesvinegar.org/
Long term solution. (Grow your own)
http://www.tcmip.cn/ETCM/
Ridiculous! However, your little vignette at the pharmacy would be a hilarious spot in a comedy act if it wasn't so friggin' frustrating!