Medical Appointment

Today I went for my follow-up medical appointments. The one at 1pm was a brisk. The ones at 2.30pm and 3.45pm where I gave stool sample, had blood test and consultation were somewhat frustrating. The first spark of dismay was the long queue at the registration. I stood in the queue for 40 mins and it took another 10 mins for registration.

Flashback: When discharged, I was given 2 bottles for 2 samples. These samples must be produced at different times and cannot be left overnight. I told the nurse it is not often I do my big business twice within half a day. So she suggested to put my sample in 1 bottle then consult the doctor/nurse if it can be shared if they really need 2 samples. So I, being an obedient girl, followed strictly. I prepared my sample in the morning in one bottle.

Back to current: After registration, I handed in my stool sample and took my blood test. They need the blood test results before I can see the doctor. So I waited. 2 hours went by, I walked into the room and she only said my potassium level was back to normal. I asked how are my Iron, B12 and folate levels since I am low on these. She replied this consultation was only for my body salts. I wondered if those I asked were examined. The doctor requested me to submit another stool sample (because they need 2) this coming Friday between 8am to 4pm. I asked for the collection bottle which they refused to give me. Then, to my horror, they told me the sample must be less than 4 hours old (i.e. to produce 2 piles of different samples in 4 hours). So means, the one that I submitted failed. It was way past that limit. But the nurse said since I have already submitted, they will let it pass. Huh??? Can meh? (Pardon me for my Singlish here) So I have to submit one more sample on-site. Ok fine, if I have that 'inspiration' to do so on Friday. This doctor consultation only took about less than 10 mins. Arghhh...

Then it was another 20 mins of waiting before payment time. Finally I left the clinic at 5.20pm.

For those of you who knew where I went, avoid that place as much as you can. On a broader view, the service must be improved and upgraded if Singapore aims to become a regional medical hub.