Everyone knows what a merry-go-round is, right?

an amusement park ride with seats often in the form of animals (such as horses) revolving about a fixed center

That one comes to mind first. For children. Adults have a different definition.

a cycle of activity that is complex, fast-paced, or difficult to break out of

The medical system in the U.S. can be considered a merry-go-round.

First, a visit to a primary care physician who recommends a specialist. That takes a few weeks. Then, the specialist requires tests. That’s a few more weeks. If tests do not determine a cause, then another specialist gets added to the process.

Repeat. Adnauseam.

From emergency room physicians, primary care physician (PCP), gastroenterologist, and rheumatologist, suddenly I’m aging faster than expected. So, I asked my PCP to start doubling down. Get a neurologist, pulmonologist, and cardiologist at about the same time.

That worked. Until it didn’t.