Wife is back in the Hospital

September 30, 2002

Hello everyone,

My wife is back in the hospital today. I feel so helpless. My words

of compasion seem to do nothing for her. Last week she was in the

ER, they gave her, pain meds, and everything else she needed. Then

promptly admitted her. This time, we got a previous ER doctor, that

seems to have it in his head, that my wife is phycotic, because her

enzymes are not elevated. Demoral was not getting the job done.

They had to give her three doses to stop the pain. Then the ER

doctor called in the " floor doctor " . The doctor on the floor where

she stayed the last visit. He came to visit in the ER, at a time

when my wife received the third dose. So she was feeling better. He

wrote an order to give another liter of IV fluids and pat on the back

and send her home. No more orders for pain meds. She slept for an

hour and woke up with the pain. She is still suffering from the

pain. Why are the doctors so stingy with the pain meds. My God,

she is in a hospital and suffering for pain, it makes no sense.

Thank you for letting me vent. Even though one of the GI doctors,

at the same hospital, has indicated that it is Chronic Pancreatitis,

some doctors are not convinced unless the enzymes are elevated. They

suggest an antidepressent, or worse they think she is drug seeking.

And none of them want to talk to me or my wife about what they

actually think, so that I can Educate the Doctor. They hide behind

the nurses, who are for the most part trying very hard to do their

job. I blame the doctors.

Is there a good reason to " limit " the pain meds, when the pain is not

being controlled?

Bob

October 1, 2002

Hi Bob,

I sorry that your wife had such a bad experience at your local ER. I have had

similar experience, so now I carry a list of my Medical Information with me at

all times. It list at the top of medical condition Chronic Pancreatitis with NO

ENZYMES ELEVATION in Bold Bright Red Letters, so they are sure to see it.

Under the PAI web site there is a outline on how to do this info in a orderly

fashion. It also list all the meds I on. I hope you wife is feeling better by

now.

You might have her doctor call the hospital and let then know she is coming in.

I hope this helps a little.

Take Care,

Louie in WV