My experience with Alberta’s healthcare system deserves to be investigated. How many more are in my situation?

I am contacting you because I believe my experience with Alberta’s healthcare system deserves to be investigated.

I have been waiting approximately one year for a CT scan of my sinuses, despite suffering from severe headaches that can wake me from sleep. I am still waiting, with no clear answer about when I will actually receive the scan.

What makes this especially frightening is that I am a breast cancer survivor. I have already gone through the fear of hearing the word “cancer” and everything that came with my diagnosis and treatment. I understand that my headaches may have nothing to do with my cancer, but when you have a history of cancer and are experiencing severe, persistent symptoms, you should not have to spend a year wondering why you cannot get the testing your doctor requested.

And this is not the only procedure I am waiting for.

I also need a colonoscopy and have yet to receive an appointment. I have a previous history of polyps, yet I am still waiting to be booked.

At this point, I feel like I am being left in limbo.

I don’t know where I stand on the waiting list. I don’t know what priority I have been assigned. I don’t know whether my referrals are still active or whether something has been lost along the way. Most importantly, I don’t know how much longer I am expected to wait.

Patients should not have to become their own healthcare administrators just to find out whether a referral was received or where they are on a waiting list.

I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for reasonable access to medical investigations that my doctors have determined I need.

After going through breast cancer, the uncertainty is incredibly difficult. Every new symptom can bring back the fear that something may be wrong, and waiting months and months for answers only adds to that anxiety.

I am sharing my story because I want to know how many other Albertans are in the same position. How many people are waiting months or even years for diagnostic testing while continuing to live with symptoms? How many don’t know where their referral is or when they will finally be seen?

I believe this is bigger than just my situation. Patients deserve answers, transparency and timely access to the healthcare they have been referred for.

L.B.