Traumatic Brain Injury

Okay, I am breaking my own habit by avoiding sharing an issue when I am in the midst of a storm.

Background: I have been on an extended medical leave due to a TBI diagnosis. I was supposed yo return to work March 8 the day after a follow-up appointment with my neurologist. We had a scheduled 1:00PM video, “telemed” appointment. I arrived at the site 10 minutes before the meet time, as required. The doctor did not join the session until 1:20PM. As I waited, and re-entered the video waiting room 2 times because I thought surely my connection must be wrong: no other “participants” appeared for 30 minutes. So, I called the doctor’s office 2 times to confirm the appointment: no answer. Finally, the doctor and I connect. It looked as if she was obviously at home in a living room wearing casual clothes. I asked if there was a technical issue. She explained how the neurology department “had” 3 doctors, but 2 left and now she has a heavier workload.

We spoke for approximately 24 minutes. We ended the call as she let me know to “be on the lookout” because she will submit my “Return to Work” letter in my hospital app’s email account. A week later, no letter, still. I sent her a reminder Thursday, 2 days after the meeting. But noticed how the typical post appointment “summary” was not showing nor was the appointment listed as a past appointment.

Long story short, today, a week later, I called the neurologist office, but a hospital call center rep answered. As I explained the situation while asking for the promised necessary return to work letter, the representative told me the hospital’s site states “patient was a no show.” I informed her that that information is wrong. She sceptically questioned my claim. I had to defend my claim and try to convince her that I did in fact attend the neurology appointment as well as the second appointment, with Behavioral Health, that happened at 2:00PM the same day. Both appointments are not registered anywhere on the hospital’s charts. The only thing their records state is “patient was a no show.”

So, now, my company waits for me to return to work. Note, thankfully, I have kept them up to date with every appointment even with sending images of appointment reminders. But the hospital records claim I never attended any March 7 follow-up and assessment appointments. And I now sit at home in limbo. Therefore, I am writing this account and sharing it with others to release the stress and anxiety my mind habitually runs to when distress occurs.

Any thoughts? Please, no inquires or advice. My brain is spinning nearly out of control trying to solve this crazy issue, which I simply cannot do.