Very Confusing
What gets me is that some places will get an interpreter for me, and then they will do it one time, but not the next. It creates a lot of anxiety for me, wondering if I will have "clear communication" with doctors, etc. Sometimes I can call and make my own appointments and ask for an interpreter. Other times, i it seems like I have to use a relay or an "advocate," because people don't listen to a word I say when I try to do it myself. It's like they don't get it or something.
I tried to get treated at a local "urgent care" recently and I was having a lot of trouble with my asthma, and I was "freaking out," (felt like I couldn't breathe), and this doctor refused to let me communicate with written English. He basically INSISTED that I speak, and I do NOT think that someone should be forced to communicate that way, especially when that person is having trouble breathing/is in pain, etc. I ended up just walking out.
Also, I have tried to communicate with some doctors, etc via spoken English and THEY DON'T SLOW DOWN. I wish people would FACE me, speak slowly and clearly, etc. Seems to me this sort of thing wld be COMMON SENSE.
