A simple infection, cured by one lonely little pill, has caused me such grief.

I called this morning, clearly stated my symptoms as well as my suspicion about what my infection may be, and got a same-day appointment at Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center. Thirty minutes later, CAIHC called me back bemoaning computer glitches, telling me I needed to reschedule, after I’d made travel arrangements. I was referred to another nurse, with whom I have only had the best of experiences, who promised that my appointment would be honored, and that I would indeed be treated at my late afternoon appointment.

I arrived for my appointment, was greeted with glares and mumbles by the front office staff, was briskly brought into the back, told to offer a urine sample, placed in the wrong room, and ignored for the next forty minutes. What happened after this appalls me beyond belief.

When the provider, Marilyn John PA-C, finally came in, she told me that I do not have a urinary tract infection. Thank you, I figured that I didn’t. She was rude, but she’s always been rude to me. Maybe it’s just me that she doesn’t like, but I would hope for more professionalism to see past personalities. She has been so rude that I had previously informed everyone I could at CAIHC that I would not allow her to treat me or my son. This simple request has been repeatedly ignored by CAIHC staff.

I tried again to explain to John. She said that she wouldn’t examine me for any feminine infections. That that’s not something they do in triage anyway. That I would have to call back tomorrow to set something up with someone else. That no matter what, I was not being treated tonight. I demanded to be seen by another provider. She said, “Well, that’s just not going to happen.” I reminded her that I was promised medical treatment by her colleague, and demanded to be examined as promised. She was dismissive and rude. I told her that I really needed to be seen, that I didn’t want to just be ignored, that I demanded the medical treatment afforded me. She said, “Yeah, we’ll see you,” and walked out.

Maybe two minutes later, CAIHC security came in to tell me that there was no way I was being seen by anyone today, and escorted me out. Seriously.

Seriously.

I was diagnosed at Tanana Valley Clinic tonight with a yeast infection, given a prescription for fluconazole, and after taking one lonely little pill, have my cure.

I am outraged at my treatment by CAIHC staff. As an Alaska Native member of the Fairbanks community, I am entitled to adequate health care by Chief Andrew Isacc Health Center. Nearly every interaction I have had with support staff at CAIHC has been far from adequate. Most, in fact, has been sub-standard. Their incompetence seems almost criminal.