Guest guest Posted June 22, 2001 Report Share Posted June 22, 2001 Hi all, I am finally home. I am switched. I am grateful to be alive. I know I could never know how much pain I would be in til I was in it, but that fact amplified by the worst care I could have imagined was almost more than I could bear. My surgery was scheduled for between 11-am & 1am. It didn't actually happen until 5:30pm. All day I worried that I would be bumped because they had no clear information on when (and actually if) this might begin. My advice - make sure you get the doctor's block time. Even Dr. Herron surprised me by seemingly not being that familar with my case (moments before surgery) when he said something to the effect " ok I will attempt lap and hope that works for us " . I reminded him that he had adamantly suggested open because of table time two weeks prior. He revisted my history, re-examined me and I reminded him of his concerns about an enlarged liver and then slowly turned his attention back to open. Quite frankly, I am glad I was not on the table for more then my 5 hours (with open) because in hindsight the idea of being in surgery for 7-8 hours (which he mentioned) is terrifying given the ppl at the hospital. Although I am sure " open " had alot to do with my intense pain. I repeatedly asked for a pillow or some padding to be put under my back as I knew the length of stay on the table and the fact that my flab does not allow my back to actually touch the table would contribute to all of the pain afterwards. That never happened. Needless to say my mother says I screamed most of the night in recovery about my back and that I thought I would die. Dr. Herron said the surgery went terrific. For that I am grateful that I chose him. However, I would not chose him again based on the hospital and their uncaring staff. Thankfully I had one person from my personal life there every day at some point to help where I no longer had a voice. I spoke with pain management every day and every day they indicated that I was being treated sufficiently even though the pain was excruciating. Not intolerable or uncomfortable but excruciating. Perhaps as a supersized person it simply takes much more to ease my pain, I didn't have the answer but knew I was suffering unbearably. Yes, I had toradol, some other drip and on occasion tylenol for the intense headaches. Some say the edge was taken off a bit - my edge was very much there but perhaps not as serrated as it could have been without all the pain meds. The first time I tried to get up I was obviously in a stupor. I was mentally unable to adjust my bed (didn't know they could be adjusted in my stupor) and the screams I let out caused 8 staff people to run into my room. NOT ONE OF THEM ASSISTED ME. They stood over me, did not adjust the bed for ease, did not offer a hand for leverage but continued to tell me my screams were scaring the other patients. The first two attempts at wrenching my body up using the bed guards for pulling were unsuccessful because my altered body could not pull up my weight - something the 8 ppl seemed surprised at. I fell back into the bed and started hyperventilating - all the while being stared at by 7 staff members and the other coaching me. Finally she put her arm down on the bed so I could use it as leverage and I yanked myself up. I had a fever two or three times and had to do the GI series. Again there was this expectation of the patient being able to manipulate their body during what would have been a challenge without surgery. I no longer had the strength and told them they either helped with some leverage or I stayed on the GI machine indefinitely. The staff was rude and angry about doing their jobs. They ignored you regularly by yelling from across the room, someone will come in to help you, but hours later no one came. One particular night my iv was leaking down my arm and I asked a nurse to change it. Only to find out he put me off for several hours till the next shift arrived who of course knew nothing about it. My arms were severely swollen probably because of the IVs and my concerns about them went unanswered. The IV was eventually switched to the other arm about 8 hours later with no comments on the swelling. I actually had a pain management surveyist visit me on occasion and I stupidly hoped she would faciliate assistance however after the second visit she clearly indicated she could offer none but was doing the survey for future evaluations and better service. There was one nurse Janet who seemed to really care and when she was there offered as much assistance as she could given the " its not my job " attitude surrounding her. Forget about having someone help you wash up or guide you while walking, it didn't happen. Up until the moment that I left almost all of the staff there seemed to be doing you a favor by any small effort they put out. I was told I was leaving on Thursday when I just had the IVs for pain out and was getting adjusted to just oral meds. I refused to leave. NOT THAT I LIKED IT THERE. But at least by Thursday I started to feel quasi human and wanted another day to regain my strength before having to deal with the ins and outs of home life by myself. Dr. H didn't argue with my refusal. When I asked for a wheel chair to bring me downstairs I was again ignored for hours. I had a few thing with me and quite frankly was very concerned I would fall in the maze like corridors trying to figure out how to reach my destination. When they did bring me a wheelchair it was of course for an average size person. When I then waited longer for another chair I was told, " We brought you one but you don't fit so you may have to walk " . I told them I would take a nap and when they had a chair, let me know. Finally several hours later, it arrived. The orderly left it by the door and said " whenever you are ready " . I got in it and my friend took my things. When we got to the exit the orderly insisted that he did not have to bring me down the ramp to the curb as that was " outside the hospital and it is really there so bikes use it for parking " . My friend wound up pushing me to the car 25 feet from the ramp. The orderly took advantage of his " down " time to smoke that much needed cigarette. I am home, tired and my stomach is grumbling and adjusting. The protein drink didn't sit well, but at least it stayed down. My BMs are basically the runs but I expected that this soon out. At least I have a bathroom in my room That was my story. I made it through but would not recommend Mr. Sinai to any person for any reason, even with the " great doctors " . In my opinion it was a hell hole. Thank you for anyone who tried to contact me. And thanks to for getting through. My phone got turned on somewhere around the 3rd day after the nurses station got tired of yielding calls from my family and friends. Going to get some much needed rest. Sondra BPD/DS w/Dr. Herron 6/18/01 - In duodenalswitch@y..., gwen20852@a... wrote: > In a message dated 6/19/01 4:21:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ruisha@a... > writes: > > > > Hi, everyone --- I called Sondra and she made it through the surgery > > ok. However, she's in quite a bit of pain and has been since she came > > to. The nurses and pain management people have been notified but they > > haven't adjusted the pump enough, etc. I suggested torodol (not sure > > if she already has that or not), but it worked for me (Gagner > > automatically administers it but I'm not sure about other surgeons) > > and many others. > > > > I feel so bad that she's in such pain now --- She said she's having > > those 'second thoughts' about 'what did I do to myself' (she had an > > open BPD/DS).. But, she sounds good. She's in decent spirits despite > > the pain she's been having. > > > > > > I had my surgery June 12th and I think the worst and most unexpected was the > amount of pain I had. I had toradol starting around the clock in the recovery > room and a fentanyl pca and had to have the pain management people see me > more than once a day starting in the recovery room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2001 Report Share Posted June 22, 2001 I was expecting you to say you had your surgery at FairFax Hospital the service is about the same --- sondra_en@... wrote: > Hi all, > > I am finally home. I am switched. I am grateful to > be alive. I > know > I could never know how much pain I would be in til > I was in it, but > that fact amplified by the worst care I could have > imagined was > almost > more than I could bear. > > My surgery was scheduled for between 11-am & 1am. > It didn't actually > happen until 5:30pm. All day I worried that I would > be bumped > because they had no clear information on when (and > actually if) this > might begin. My advice - make sure you get the > doctor's block time. > Even Dr. Herron surprised me by seemingly not being > that familar with > my case (moments before surgery) when he said > something to the effect > " ok I will attempt lap and hope that works for us " . > I reminded him > that he had adamantly suggested open because of > table time two weeks > prior. He revisted my history, re-examined me and I > reminded him of > his concerns about an enlarged liver and then slowly > turned his > attention back to open. Quite frankly, I am glad I > was not on the > table for more then my 5 hours (with open) because > in hindsight the > idea of being in surgery for 7-8 hours (which he > mentioned) is > terrifying given the ppl at the hospital. Although > I am sure " open " > had alot to do with my intense pain. > > I repeatedly asked for a pillow or some padding to > be put under my > back as I knew the length of stay on the table and > the fact that my > flab does not allow my back to actually touch the > table would > contribute to all of the pain afterwards. That > never happened. > Needless to say my mother says I screamed most of > the night in > recovery about my back and that I thought I would > die. > > Dr. Herron said the surgery went terrific. For that > I am grateful > that I chose him. However, I would not chose him > again based on the > hospital and their uncaring staff. Thankfully I had > one person from > my personal life there every day at some point to > help where I no > longer had a voice. I spoke with pain management > every day and every > day they indicated that I was being treated > sufficiently even though > the pain was excruciating. Not intolerable or > uncomfortable but > excruciating. Perhaps as a supersized person it > simply takes much > more to ease my pain, I didn't have the answer but > knew I was > suffering unbearably. Yes, I had toradol, some > other drip and on > occasion tylenol for the intense headaches. Some > say the edge was > taken off a bit - my edge was very much there but > perhaps not as > serrated as it could have been without all the pain > meds. > > The first time I tried to get up I was obviously in > a stupor. I was > mentally unable to adjust my bed (didn't know they > could be adjusted > in my stupor) and the screams I let out caused 8 > staff people to run > into my room. NOT ONE OF THEM ASSISTED ME. They > stood over me, did > not adjust the bed for ease, did not offer a hand > for leverage but > continued to tell me my screams were scaring the > other patients. The > first two attempts at wrenching my body up using the > bed guards for > pulling were unsuccessful because my altered body > could not pull up > my > weight - something the 8 ppl seemed surprised at. I > fell back into > the bed and started hyperventilating - all the while > being stared at > by 7 staff members and the other coaching me. > Finally she put her > arm > down on the bed so I could use it as leverage and I > yanked myself up. > > I had a fever two or three times and had to do the > GI series. > Again there was this expectation of the patient > being able to > manipulate their body during what would have been a > challenge > without surgery. I no longer had the strength and > told them they > either helped with some leverage or I stayed on the > GI machine > indefinitely. > > The staff was rude and angry about doing their jobs. > They ignored > you > regularly by yelling from across the room, someone > will come in to > help you, but hours later no one came. > > One particular night my iv was leaking down my arm > and I asked a > nurse > to change it. Only to find out he put me off for > several hours till > the next shift arrived who of course knew nothing > about it. My arms > were severely swollen probably because of the IVs > and my concerns > about them went unanswered. The IV was eventually > switched to the > other arm about 8 hours later with no comments on > the swelling. > > I actually had a pain management surveyist visit me > on occasion and I > stupidly hoped she would faciliate assistance > however after the > second > visit she clearly indicated she could offer none but > was doing the > survey for future evaluations and better service. > > There was one nurse Janet who seemed to really care > and when she was > there offered as much assistance as she could given > the " its not my > job " attitude surrounding her. > > Forget about having someone help you wash up or > guide you while > walking, it didn't happen. Up until the moment that > I left almost > all > of the staff there seemed to be doing you a favor by > any small effort > they put out. I was told I was leaving on Thursday > when I just had > the IVs for pain out and was getting adjusted to > just oral meds. I > refused to leave. NOT THAT I LIKED IT THERE. But > at least by > Thursday I started to feel quasi human and wanted > another day to > regain my strength before having to deal with the > ins and outs of > home > life by myself. Dr. H didn't argue with my refusal. > > When I asked for a wheel chair to bring me > downstairs I was again > ignored for hours. I had a few thing with me and > quite frankly was > very concerned I would fall in the maze like > corridors trying to > figure out how to reach my destination. When they > did bring me a > wheelchair it was of course for an average size > person. When I then > waited longer for another chair I was told, " We > brought you one but > you don't fit so you may have to walk " . I told them > I would take a > nap and when they had a chair, let me know. > > Finally several hours later, it arrived. The > orderly left it by the > door and said " whenever you are ready " . I got in it > and my friend > took my things. When we got to the exit the orderly > insisted that he > did not have to bring me down the ramp to the curb > as that was > " outside the hospital and it is really there so > bikes use it for > parking " . My friend wound up pushing me to the car > 25 feet from the > ramp. The orderly took advantage of his " down " time > to smoke that > much needed cigarette. > > I am home, tired and my stomach is grumbling and > adjusting. The > protein drink didn't sit well, but at least it > stayed down. My BMs > are basically the runs but I expected that this soon > out. At least I > have a bathroom in my room > > That was my story. I made it through but would not > recommend Mr. > Sinai to any person for any reason, even with the > " great doctors " . > In > my opinion it was a hell hole. > > Thank you for anyone who tried to contact me. And > thanks to > for getting through. My phone got turned on > somewhere around the 3rd > day after the nurses station got tired of yielding > calls from my > family and friends. > > Going to get some much needed rest. > > Sondra > BPD/DS w/Dr. Herron 6/18/01 > > - In duodenalswitch@y..., gwen20852@a... wrote: > > In a message dated 6/19/01 4:21:53 PM Eastern > Daylight Time, > ruisha@a... > > writes: > > > > > > > Hi, everyone --- I called Sondra and she made it > through the > surgery > > > ok. However, she's in quite a bit of pain and > has been since she > came > > > to. The nurses and pain management people have > been notified but > they > > > haven't adjusted the pump enough, etc. I > suggested torodol (not > sure > > > if she already has that or not), but it worked > for me (Gagner > > > automatically administers it but I'm not sure > about other > surgeons) > > > and many others. > > > > > > I feel so bad that she's in such pain now --- > She said she's > having > > > those 'second thoughts' about 'what did I do to > myself' (she had > an > > > open BPD/DS).. But, she sounds good. She's in > decent spirits > despite > > > the pain she's been having. > > > > > > > > > > I had my surgery June 12th and I think the worst > and most > unexpected > was the > > amount of pain I had. I had toradol starting > around the clock in > the > recovery > > room and a fentanyl pca and had to have the pain > management people > see me > > more than once a day starting in the recovery > room. > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2001 Report Share Posted June 22, 2001 Wow! Sondra I am sorry you had such an awful time of it. I can certainly sympathize. Glad you are home and beginning your adjustment. Goodluck, GwenT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2001 Report Share Posted June 22, 2001 Sondra, So happy that at least you are home. And switched. As I read your tale, it seemed like an April Fool because it was so surreal. Almost a parody of what should happen, but did not happen. This was terrible thing to happen to any human being. When you get to feeling better and have some time on your hands during recovery, you might want to send your tale to the hospital administrator and demand answers. In the meantime, get rest and hydration. Don't worry too much about protein for now. drinking water and keeping it down and doing your breathing exercises and walking when possible are your first priorities. Best wishes for a change in luck, Steve -- Steve Goldstein, age 61 Lap BPD/DS on May 2, 2001 Dr. Elariny, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Virginia Starting (05/02/01) BMI = 51 BMI on 06/15 = 44.7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2001 Report Share Posted June 22, 2001 Sondra- Were you on the 10th floor at Mt. Sinai? I stopped in there after I visited with on the 9th floor on Wednesday 6/20. I asked the ward clerk about you and some other people and was told that " All those people went home. " Sorry I missed meeting you, but I'm glad you're ready to " ease on down the road " Ashford Pre-op with Dr. Pomp 9/5/01 -- In duodenalswitch@y..., sondra_en@m... wrote: > Hi all, > > I am finally home. I am switched. I am grateful to be alive. I > know > I could never know how much pain I would be in til I was in it, but > that fact amplified by the worst care I could have imagined was > almost > more than I could bear. > > My surgery was scheduled for between 11-am & 1am. It didn't actually > happen until 5:30pm. All day I worried that I would be bumped > because they had no clear information on when (and actually if) this > might begin. My advice - make sure you get the doctor's block time. > Even Dr. Herron surprised me by seemingly not being that familar with > my case (moments before surgery) when he said something to the effect > " ok I will attempt lap and hope that works for us " . I reminded him > that he had adamantly suggested open because of table time two weeks > prior. He revisted my history, re-examined me and I reminded him of > his concerns about an enlarged liver and then slowly turned his > attention back to open. Quite frankly, I am glad I was not on the > table for more then my 5 hours (with open) because in hindsight the > idea of being in surgery for 7-8 hours (which he mentioned) is > terrifying given the ppl at the hospital. Although I am sure " open " > had alot to do with my intense pain. > > I repeatedly asked for a pillow or some padding to be put under my > back as I knew the length of stay on the table and the fact that my > flab does not allow my back to actually touch the table would > contribute to all of the pain afterwards. That never happened. > Needless to say my mother says I screamed most of the night in > recovery about my back and that I thought I would die. > > Dr. Herron said the surgery went terrific. For that I am grateful > that I chose him. However, I would not chose him again based on the > hospital and their uncaring staff. Thankfully I had one person from > my personal life there every day at some point to help where I no > longer had a voice. I spoke with pain management every day and every > day they indicated that I was being treated sufficiently even though > the pain was excruciating. Not intolerable or uncomfortable but > excruciating. Perhaps as a supersized person it simply takes much > more to ease my pain, I didn't have the answer but knew I was > suffering unbearably. Yes, I had toradol, some other drip and on > occasion tylenol for the intense headaches. Some say the edge was > taken off a bit - my edge was very much there but perhaps not as > serrated as it could have been without all the pain meds. > > The first time I tried to get up I was obviously in a stupor. I was > mentally unable to adjust my bed (didn't know they could be adjusted > in my stupor) and the screams I let out caused 8 staff people to run > into my room. NOT ONE OF THEM ASSISTED ME. They stood over me, did > not adjust the bed for ease, did not offer a hand for leverage but > continued to tell me my screams were scaring the other patients. The > first two attempts at wrenching my body up using the bed guards for > pulling were unsuccessful because my altered body could not pull up > my > weight - something the 8 ppl seemed surprised at. I fell back into > the bed and started hyperventilating - all the while being stared at > by 7 staff members and the other coaching me. Finally she put her > arm > down on the bed so I could use it as leverage and I yanked myself up. > > I had a fever two or three times and had to do the GI series. > Again there was this expectation of the patient being able to > manipulate their body during what would have been a challenge > without surgery. I no longer had the strength and told them they > either helped with some leverage or I stayed on the GI machine > indefinitely. > > The staff was rude and angry about doing their jobs. They ignored > you > regularly by yelling from across the room, someone will come in to > help you, but hours later no one came. > > One particular night my iv was leaking down my arm and I asked a > nurse > to change it. Only to find out he put me off for several hours till > the next shift arrived who of course knew nothing about it. My arms > were severely swollen probably because of the IVs and my concerns > about them went unanswered. The IV was eventually switched to the > other arm about 8 hours later with no comments on the swelling. > > I actually had a pain management surveyist visit me on occasion and I > stupidly hoped she would faciliate assistance however after the > second > visit she clearly indicated she could offer none but was doing the > survey for future evaluations and better service. > > There was one nurse Janet who seemed to really care and when she was > there offered as much assistance as she could given the " its not my > job " attitude surrounding her. > > Forget about having someone help you wash up or guide you while > walking, it didn't happen. Up until the moment that I left almost > all > of the staff there seemed to be doing you a favor by any small effort > they put out. I was told I was leaving on Thursday when I just had > the IVs for pain out and was getting adjusted to just oral meds. I > refused to leave. NOT THAT I LIKED IT THERE. But at least by > Thursday I started to feel quasi human and wanted another day to > regain my strength before having to deal with the ins and outs of > home > life by myself. Dr. H didn't argue with my refusal. > > When I asked for a wheel chair to bring me downstairs I was again > ignored for hours. I had a few thing with me and quite frankly was > very concerned I would fall in the maze like corridors trying to > figure out how to reach my destination. When they did bring me a > wheelchair it was of course for an average size person. When I then > waited longer for another chair I was told, " We brought you one but > you don't fit so you may have to walk " . I told them I would take a > nap and when they had a chair, let me know. > > Finally several hours later, it arrived. The orderly left it by the > door and said " whenever you are ready " . I got in it and my friend > took my things. When we got to the exit the orderly insisted that he > did not have to bring me down the ramp to the curb as that was > " outside the hospital and it is really there so bikes use it for > parking " . My friend wound up pushing me to the car 25 feet from the > ramp. The orderly took advantage of his " down " time to smoke that > much needed cigarette. > > I am home, tired and my stomach is grumbling and adjusting. The > protein drink didn't sit well, but at least it stayed down. My BMs > are basically the runs but I expected that this soon out. At least I > have a bathroom in my room > > That was my story. I made it through but would not recommend Mr. > Sinai to any person for any reason, even with the " great doctors " . > In > my opinion it was a hell hole. > > Thank you for anyone who tried to contact me. And thanks to > for getting through. My phone got turned on somewhere around the 3rd > day after the nurses station got tired of yielding calls from my > family and friends. > > Going to get some much needed rest. > > Sondra > BPD/DS w/Dr. Herron 6/18/01 > > - In duodenalswitch@y..., gwen20852@a... wrote: > > In a message dated 6/19/01 4:21:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, > ruisha@a... > > writes: > > > > > > > Hi, everyone --- I called Sondra and she made it through the > surgery > > > ok. However, she's in quite a bit of pain and has been since she > came > > > to. The nurses and pain management people have been notified but > they > > > haven't adjusted the pump enough, etc. I suggested torodol (not > sure > > > if she already has that or not), but it worked for me (Gagner > > > automatically administers it but I'm not sure about other > surgeons) > > > and many others. > > > > > > I feel so bad that she's in such pain now --- She said she's > having > > > those 'second thoughts' about 'what did I do to myself' (she had > an > > > open BPD/DS).. But, she sounds good. She's in decent spirits > despite > > > the pain she's been having. > > > > > > > > > > I had my surgery June 12th and I think the worst and most > unexpected > was the > > amount of pain I had. I had toradol starting around the clock in > the > recovery > > room and a fentanyl pca and had to have the pain management people > see me > > more than once a day starting in the recovery room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2001 Report Share Posted June 23, 2001 Churie, I am so surprised to hear this. I had my revision to DS on May 24 at Fairfax Hospital. It was my 4th surgery---2 at Fair Oaks, one at Mount Vernon--and i found the service to be top notch--the best! I'm so sorry you had a different experience! It makes such a difference. For me, some things were so miserable, but all I really remember is how nice and attentive the staff were. Fairfax Sharon > > Hi all, > > > > I am finally home. I am switched. I am grateful to > > be alive. I > > know > > I could never know how much pain I would be in til > > I was in it, but > > that fact amplified by the worst care I could have > > imagined was > > almost > > more than I could bear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2001 Report Share Posted June 23, 2001 My god. O my god. Do they know about this???? Maybe they imagine their surgery service is so great that they don't have to worry about the surgery support services. Well, if I hesitated for a moment choosing another group, that hesitation is surely gone now. I'm so sorry you had to deal with this- it's really too much. Sondra's switch Hi all,I am finally home. I am switched. I am grateful to be alive. Iknow I could never know how much pain I would be in til I was in it, but that fact amplified by the worst care I could have imagined wasalmost more than I could bear.My surgery was scheduled for between 11-am & 1am. It didn't actually happen until 5:30pm. All day I worried that I would be bumped because they had no clear information on when (and actually if) this might begin. My advice - make sure you get the doctor's block time. Even Dr. Herron surprised me by seemingly not being that familar with my case (moments before surgery) when he said something to the effect "ok I will attempt lap and hope that works for us". I reminded him that he had adamantly suggested open because of table time two weeks prior. He revisted my history, re-examined me and I reminded him of his concerns about an enlarged liver and then slowly turned his attention back to open. Quite frankly, I am glad I was not on the table for more then my 5 hours (with open) because in hindsight the idea of being in surgery for 7-8 hours (which he mentioned) is terrifying given the ppl at the hospital. Although I am sure "open" had alot to do with my intense pain.I repeatedly asked for a pillow or some padding to be put under my back as I knew the length of stay on the table and the fact that my flab does not allow my back to actually touch the table would contribute to all of the pain afterwards. That never happened. Needless to say my mother says I screamed most of the night in recovery about my back and that I thought I would die.Dr. Herron said the surgery went terrific. For that I am grateful that I chose him. However, I would not chose him again based on the hospital and their uncaring staff. Thankfully I had one person from my personal life there every day at some point to help where I no longer had a voice. I spoke with pain management every day and every day they indicated that I was being treated sufficiently even though the pain was excruciating. Not intolerable or uncomfortable but excruciating. Perhaps as a supersized person it simply takes much more to ease my pain, I didn't have the answer but knew I was suffering unbearably. Yes, I had toradol, some other drip and on occasion tylenol for the intense headaches. Some say the edge was taken off a bit - my edge was very much there but perhaps not as serrated as it could have been without all the pain meds.The first time I tried to get up I was obviously in a stupor. I was mentally unable to adjust my bed (didn't know they could be adjusted in my stupor) and the screams I let out caused 8 staff people to run into my room. NOT ONE OF THEM ASSISTED ME. They stood over me, did not adjust the bed for ease, did not offer a hand for leverage but continued to tell me my screams were scaring the other patients. The first two attempts at wrenching my body up using the bed guards for pulling were unsuccessful because my altered body could not pull upmy weight - something the 8 ppl seemed surprised at. I fell back into the bed and started hyperventilating - all the while being stared at by 7 staff members and the other coaching me. Finally she put herarm down on the bed so I could use it as leverage and I yanked myself up. I had a fever two or three times and had to do the GI series. Again there was this expectation of the patient being able to manipulate their body during what would have been a challenge without surgery. I no longer had the strength and told them they either helped with some leverage or I stayed on the GI machine indefinitely. The staff was rude and angry about doing their jobs. They ignoredyou regularly by yelling from across the room, someone will come in to help you, but hours later no one came. One particular night my iv was leaking down my arm and I asked anurse to change it. Only to find out he put me off for several hours till the next shift arrived who of course knew nothing about it. My arms were severely swollen probably because of the IVs and my concerns about them went unanswered. The IV was eventually switched to the other arm about 8 hours later with no comments on the swelling.I actually had a pain management surveyist visit me on occasion and I stupidly hoped she would faciliate assistance however after thesecond visit she clearly indicated she could offer none but was doing the survey for future evaluations and better service. There was one nurse Janet who seemed to really care and when she was there offered as much assistance as she could given the "its not my job" attitude surrounding her. Forget about having someone help you wash up or guide you while walking, it didn't happen. Up until the moment that I left almostall of the staff there seemed to be doing you a favor by any small effort they put out. I was told I was leaving on Thursday when I just had the IVs for pain out and was getting adjusted to just oral meds. I refused to leave. NOT THAT I LIKED IT THERE. But at least by Thursday I started to feel quasi human and wanted another day to regain my strength before having to deal with the ins and outs ofhome life by myself. Dr. H didn't argue with my refusal.When I asked for a wheel chair to bring me downstairs I was again ignored for hours. I had a few thing with me and quite frankly was very concerned I would fall in the maze like corridors trying to figure out how to reach my destination. When they did bring me a wheelchair it was of course for an average size person. When I then waited longer for another chair I was told, "We brought you one but you don't fit so you may have to walk". I told them I would take a nap and when they had a chair, let me know. Finally several hours later, it arrived. The orderly left it by the door and said "whenever you are ready". I got in it and my friend took my things. When we got to the exit the orderly insisted that he did not have to bring me down the ramp to the curb as that was "outside the hospital and it is really there so bikes use it for parking". My friend wound up pushing me to the car 25 feet from the ramp. The orderly took advantage of his "down" time to smoke that much needed cigarette.I am home, tired and my stomach is grumbling and adjusting. The protein drink didn't sit well, but at least it stayed down. My BMs are basically the runs but I expected that this soon out. At least I have a bathroom in my room :)That was my story. I made it through but would not recommend Mr. Sinai to any person for any reason, even with the "great doctors". In my opinion it was a hell hole.Thank you for anyone who tried to contact me. And thanks to for getting through. My phone got turned on somewhere around the 3rd day after the nurses station got tired of yielding calls from my family and friends.Going to get some much needed rest.SondraBPD/DS w/Dr. Herron 6/18/01- In duodenalswitch@y..., gwen20852@a... wrote:> In a message dated 6/19/01 4:21:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, ruisha@a... > writes:> > > > Hi, everyone --- I called Sondra and she made it through the surgery > > ok. However, she's in quite a bit of pain and has been since she came > > to. The nurses and pain management people have been notified but they > > haven't adjusted the pump enough, etc. I suggested torodol (not sure > > if she already has that or not), but it worked for me (Gagner > > automatically administers it but I'm not sure about other surgeons) > > and many others. > > > > I feel so bad that she's in such pain now --- She said she's having > > those 'second thoughts' about 'what did I do to myself' (she had an > > open BPD/DS).. But, she sounds good. She's in decent spirits despite > > the pain she's been having. > > > > > > I had my surgery June 12th and I think the worst and mostunexpected was the > amount of pain I had. I had toradol starting around the clock inthe recovery > room and a fentanyl pca and had to have the pain management people see me > more than once a day starting in the recovery room.---------------------------------------------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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