Normally these days I can manage with other people's lack of acceptance of my brain damage as most are nice people. However, yesterday morning I had to call CentreLink regarding my rent increase as they had made an error. The woman on the phone was very rude and spoke very quickly making it difficult for me to understand what she was saying. She did ask me for my phone number and I said just a moment please as I don't remember any numbers and she then said, well what is your disability number and I said just one moment please, she then said, well, what is your bank account number and I said, just one moment please, so she then was getting very frustrated (so was I) what is your address, that I was able to give her straight away. At this time, I was getting very frustrated and very upset and was able to give the phone to my friend to finish the conversation as I was unable to do that. This is a woman who was working in the area for disabilies....God help us all!! Does anyone else have the same difficulties in these areas?
Hey Lesley,
So sorry the phone person was extremely rude with you! If possible, I'd encourage you or a friend to report the experience to customer service. Hopefully, "customer service" is better in Australia than in the U.S. ;)
It's hard coping with what we've been through & have to deal with in the aftermath of a bleed & treatment and unfortunately, there will always be those exceptionally rude folks who will not try to understand, empathize or take the time to work with us on a situation such as yours.
Take care & hope today is a better day. :)
Lesley,
She's a twit. I do not usually call people names, but I'm sorry, people whose job it is to work with those with disabilities should never do that. That whole incident must have been extremely frustrating for you. Perhaps she was having a bad day, but as you well know that doesn't fly in the customer service world. I'm sorry you had to go through that, but definitely say something like Patti said, it's not just wheelchairs that identify the disabled! ::: ok getting off my soapbox now ::: Hope you are well :J
Lesley, you handled it nicer than I would have.................
My memory is (mostly) ok, but my hearing is going out. Several times on the phone, if it's a woman talking, with either a heavy accent, speaking quickly, or softly, I'm not the least bit embarrassed. I simply say: "Mamme, I have a hearing issue, and cannot understand a word you are saying. Please speak up, and speak slowly, and I will be able to communicate with you."
Most of the time, they do and we can talk. A few times, I simply say, "I'm sorry, but I'll have to call back as I cannot understand a word you are saying to me."
It AIN'T my fault and I don't feel the least bit wrong in doing what I do.
Hope this helps.
Ron, KS
Lesley, I have the same problem alot! People just don't understand us. They see us and think we look just fine. But they have no idea how hard it is for us to remember simple things. I put my address and phone number taped right near my phone, so I have it when I'm asked for that information. If I were you, I would ask for her supervisor and explain what kind of brain damage you have and that the woman you spoke with was rude. Perhaps then the supervisor can talk to the rude lady and explain your situation. Hang in there, Twin...I think quite a few of us go through this issue alot.
Love you! XXXXOOOOOXXXXX
Hi Lesley...I'm sorry that the person that you was speaking to was rude to you. I've experienced something similar before, but with the doctors who I had to see after surgery and after my seizure. If there was something that I misunderstood, they would give me a "look" or repeat what they had said in a rude manner. This used to surprise me because I thought they would be at least somewhat understanding considering they deal with people who had went through what I had went through, or something similar. Plus they knew what I had went through, so I thought that they would be a somewhat understanding. Naivete on my part I guess.
I commend you for how you handled the situation. Send me a message if you ever need to vent. *Hugs*
I love, love, love what Ed says! Thanks for sharing it with us Ann!
Thank you my friends for your support as always!! Thank you Ann for Ed, it is excellent!