Dec
Logical Rage
Posted by The *Angriest* Pharmacist as Courtesy, Drug Seekers, Insurance Companies, Just a question, Lazy People, Me being a dick, Me hating others, Patient Education, Rude, Stupid People, True Story, Work Sucks
I’m sitting here desperate to post something. I’ve literally stared at this empty text box for going on 10 minutes. All I’ve typed amounts t0 25 words…no 29…wait, 30.
My thoughts have staggered and stammered here and there, back and forth. I started to post about a lady, angry at me because she had to drive 8 miles both ways twice because her doctor’s office sent in 1 eRx at 1pm and another at 5:45pm….totally my fault. She also had to wait each time. Totally my fault. What was her gripe? Gas money. Gas money? I drive a car that get’s 26 miles per gallon. Even if she drives a truck getting 16mpg, she’s out what? $2.50 — That’s the cost of being sick. Going to the doctor and then them being inconsiderate and doing a crappy job at clicking OK.
I also thought about bitching about that same doctor’s office sending ALL their eRx’s for the day at 5:45pm — when my main staff was all gone and I had around 50 prescriptions to process with a young, untrained, skeleton crew at best. One called in sick. It was loads of fun. I (and every other pharmacy) let them know of our displeasure with that practice and how it would stop. I went as far as telling them I would make it known to their patients that if they continued that practice, having no respect towards my staff and business practices, those prescriptions would not be filled until the following morning. [Which is of course bullshit. I would just have 2 or 3 hour waits -- finishing most sales and Rxs up after close]
I’ve also, for a long time, wanted to write a post about some weird ambitions I’ve had for some time. I’ve considered converting some of my stories and anecdotes into a short comedy routine / spot and going to an open mic night somewhere. I know it sounds absurd. I’d probably bomb.
Ya never know though. I’m a funny guy outside of my serious job. I can make up bullshit to make people laugh on the spot. But, can I make pharmacy funny? Can I convert my anger, hostility, and, most recently, pain, into something enjoyable? Something to brighten someone else up? As a reader, you might quickly say — “c’mon of course you can this shits hilarious dood!” And it is…to us. The average reader reads my stories an empathizes with my plight. Can a layperson empathize? Can they even sympathize?
It’d be much easier to convert to a tv show…like “The Office,” which is perhaps one of my most favorite shows. Or perhaps a different concept. Maybe three short 8-minute episodes in a half-hour spot. Pharmacy is 15 minutes or less anyway right?
So, whose going to pay for her fucking gas money? I don’t know what hit me in that moment, but I was struck by the rod of golden logical rage.
“Who’s going to pay for your gas money? Well, I guess I will. But, from now on, I’m going to start charging you for all the free services I once provided. Next time you have a question about whether you should take APAP, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin, call me with your credit card number ready, and I’ll be glad to help. When your daughter has the flu and you have no clue what to do with the 7 different types of Triaminic, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Sinus, and Motrin Cold and Sinus you have in your closet, I’d be glad to help you for a price.You see, you expect me to always be here for you — always free. You pay for your prescriptions, yes, guaranteeing you a certain set of specific services, but I’m so much more to you — whether you realize it or merely respect me so little you don’t care. I’m your “doctor said” fact-checker, your pill identifier, your prescription insurance problem finder AND fixer, your store-next-door-phone-number finder, your late-night fever buster, your icky medicine flavorer, your idea man for reducing rx costs. Always there….a phone call away. Do you really want to bother me with 3 dollars worth of gas? Is it so important to you that you simply must rant and rave until I dig a few dollars out of my pocket? I thought not. ”
PS — Go check out THE RAGING SERVER. He’s back and cooking up some good shit…
PPS — Since it’s the Christmas Season, T-shirt sales have shot through the roof. Apparently, pharmacists enjoy getting bomb ass shirts for Christmas.
The *Angriest* Pharmacist Store
The raging server link is broken.
Fixed! Thanks!
Also, I really wish you could say that amazing speech to a patient and get away with it!
I did…she just thought it was a joke.
TaestP, was this lady the * knowing* recipient of the services you outlined? If so, I think you should deliver your speech to her. David, he does not have to “get away with it.” He earned the RIGHT to say it!
TaestP, you have written a Gettysburg Address for the profession. May I quote your “specific services” speech in an upcoming post of mine?
For sure…
Glad to see you back! I was getting worried they had done you in… I had an MRI on Tuesday, the office was HUGE. I counted 5 office staff for 3 patient windows and about 15 people waiting. No ringing phones, no screaming children, no whiners demanding to be seen, no drive-thru, just peaceful ambience. WHY CAN’T A PHARMACY BE LIKE THAT??
I wish you had posted this before my post in “Busting a fraudulent script.” I would have stolen (quoted) your whole last paragraph!
As for the TV show, why not do a web series or something on You Tube. This would be one thing you wouldn’t mind going viral!
Well done as always! Good to have to have you back.
I just need a handful of pharmacy students as actors!
Yes, the Raging Server has “returned”, and soon I’ll even put up a real post, other than just the site updates and criticisms of all the anti-tippers in the world. And don’t forget, the RagingServer Store is also online!
I have officially ended my stint as a retail pharmacist, and only after 6 months, frankly i could not last a minute longer!!
Hi, I first want to say how much i enjoy reading your blogs. I had no idea how much you guys have to put up with. I do cringe though when i read about the lowlife scum sucking drug-seekers though. I guess i am one. I am 38 and have been on benzo,s since i was 20. I was given xanax after my first panic attack. I only see one docter and go to one pharmacy. My problem is that i have been chasing away anxiety for 18 years. It took me a long time to realize that most of it is re-bound anxiety caused by the drug itself. Switching to klonopin helped. But i get ahead of my schedule chasing away this horrible anxiety that turns into terror if i go long enough without one. I dont have insurance but did manage to find place that would detox me for 1000 dollars. I went and was completely out of my element, getting every thing i brought with me ripped off by herion juncky,s. The doc there saw me for 2 minutes and the set me on a wean down plan. From 8 to 10 milligrams of klonopin to nothing in 3 days. I dont think i need to tell a pharmicist that that is way to fast. So I am one of those people that calls in early, no more than 4 days, i cant risk getting cut off. I am not getting high or having fun. Just searching for a way off of these things. I have tried weaning at home, i end up seeing things that are not there, i have had 2 siezures, the terror gets the best of me so i end up saying to hell with this. I know that so many pharmicist read this site i guess i was hoping for some advice. My name should be changed to fear and self-loathing in texas. so If you guys have someone trying to get thier benzo filled a couple of days early every month please opt for some compassion. If my pharmacist says not today, the earliest i can get it to you is this date i say o.k and dont argue. I know i am not fooling him, i am grateful he doesnt treat me like shit. I hate knowing now i am prolly talked about every time i leave there.
If you are only treating a severe panic disorder with benzos, you need to find a better doctor. I can accept benzo use — they are effective at treating anxiety and helping with sleep. However, their long term benefit doesn’t always outweigh the risk of addiction, tolerance, etc.
Really, you need to be on at LEAST an SSRI like Zoloft…or Buspar. They’d kick in after 4-6 weeks and perhaps you can reduce your benzo use. If not? Add another drug indicated for anxiety — like Amitriptylline or Nortriptylline. You could also use Trazodone for sleep. Ever try Vistaril for anxiety attacks?
I think I’ve made my point. BZD monotherapy for 20 years is ridiculous.
oh the main thing I wanted to say was if your a patient please educate yourself about your meds. I have been told several times by my pcp that this drug or that drug is not addictive. Only to recheck with my pharmicist and be told it was, then he will call my doc back and ask for an alternative. Anytime this has happened it was always a very new, very expensive drug. I dont think its a coincidence.
Good points. I think if researchers are required to declare their conflicts of interests in research papers, your MD should be required to do the same in the form of a sign in his waiting room.
Thank you for the advice! I will write these meds down and talk to my doc about them. I am on zoloft. You read my mind about me having trouble sleeping. It was the new drugs for sleep that he said werent addictive, lyrica, lunesta, ambien cr. I believed him at first because i saw the commercials and they said they were non- narcotic. Give my pharmicist another point for telling me that some of the most addictive drugs are non-narcotic. As someone who does not work in the medical field i have to say that i think that i think its a little like trying to pull the wool over the publics eyes. I dont consider myself stupid, but when they make a point to tell you its non- narcotic i bet most people think, oh then its not addictive. I didnt know the klonopin i am addicted to is non-narcotic. My pharmacist has saved me from addictive drugs several times. I get so angy reading on here people calling ya,ll pill counters. Keep up the good work. There are people out there that respect your education.
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