I'm Really Really Upset!!!-To Cammie

[Guest guest]

Hi Cammie,

Thank you for writing yesterday. I appreciated your words of wisdom

and offense hasn't been taken. Regarding calling a lawyer. I never

intended to because I dont think it would be appropriate action at

this time. My family was very dismayed for me and wanted to charge in

there yelling on my behalf. (I can't yell very well! ) And like you

said, I told them that we don't know who is to blame at this time

(though I suspect the residents and not the surgeon based on my

various conversations with everyone). Since I am not armed with

knowing all I need to know, I am not in a position to make

accusations. A conversation with the doctor is definitely in order.

And the first words out of my mouth to them before ever posting here

yesterday were yours exacly- I still need my surgeon. I am still

working with him and depending on him!!! I'm not heedlessly burning

any bridges for myself!! Anyway, the responsibility for the situation

seems to lie most with the residents. I will know best after my

appointment with my surgeon tomorrow where I plan to talk with him

about everything. I want to know and want him to know the whole

story.

I think your post will be not only a benefit to me, but everyone.

Like Fran's post, everyone should read it and learn from it.

What is ironic is that I am an excellent advocate for myself. I

definitely know how to assert myself and communicate what I need to

communicate. I am usually the last person to be complacent and let

things go. In this circumstance, I didn't know I needed to be

advocating for myself. I didn't know that my instructions were

inadequate. Initially I thought my problems with my meds were due to

my error. I usually look to what I am responsible for and try to fix

that first before turning to others and their responsibilities. It

only became apparent later that my instructions were inadequate and

incorrect through subsequent conversations with the surgeon and

several residents. I don't tend to jump in guns ablazing " before all

the facts are in " . I am pretty judicious about responsibility and

handing out accusations. When I spoke with my surgeon yesterday after

posting here, he was shocked I wasn't given all his direct contact

information and gave it to me right then and told me how to reach him

at any time, promising that I can call him any time I might need

anything.

About the nurses, I was actually fortunate to have recieved excellent

and attentive care which I really needed with all of the vomiting all

night long. I agree with you that they aren't always as on top of

their game as they think they are. Had I known that my instructions

were incorrect or somethine was wrong, I would have called without

hesitation!! Not knowing what to expect, not knowing what was within

or beyond the limits of normal/acceptable, and not knowing What is

was that I didn't know - simply put I didn't know I should be calling

anyone.

Yes, the medication allergy will have to be addressed. I've never

reacted allergically to any medication prior to this. Fortunately

from the day I came home from the hospital I have kept careful track

of what meds I was taking and when... I have for each day ever since.

Beyond that I have a rediculously good memory, so I will besure to

pursue sorting out this allergy. Thank you for highlighting that I

need to make it omnipresent in my medical information everywhere!

As it stands now, I am on aleve instead of motrin. I normally take

aleve and always without problem. I am on one antibiotic that I have

used in the past without problem. All other medications have been

discontinued. At this point, it's the motrin that is suspect! I am

taking benadryl for the insanely itchy rash I now have that is taking

its sweet time to clear up.

The swelling was only at the site of the rash. Inflammation of the

area would be a more accurate description. I believe you are

referring to swelling of the area surrounding the airways-

anaphylaxis or something like that is the name. I DO know to seek

medical attention for that immediately as consequences for delay in

help can be grave indeed for such a problem. I, however, had no

breathing problems. My rash is on my arms and abdomen. I work at an

animal hospital, and in this regard what applies to humans also

applies to dogs. I've seen enough bee sting reactions.... very

scary!!!

I have learned from this and am looking forward to talking with my

surgeon tomorrow about everything to have it all sorted out. As I

said, I think at this point responsibility lies with the residents.

There are three I've dealt with and have felt the entire time that

working with them is like trying to work with the three stooges. They

can't give consistent advice between the three of them. Since dealing

with all of this I've found that everyone of them has had a different

opinion about what I should do regarding the medications for each

different medications! (I learned quickly on that one and finally had

them have my surgeon call me directly). I agree with you that letting

the doctor know is very important, but just as important is HOW I let

him know. I totally believe in " approach " . My position is that he

needs to be aware of what my experience has been with this entire

situation and particularly with his residents. They need to learn

from this as they are still learning. Yes, a measured and rational

approach is always wise versus an intemperate and heedless REACTION.

I am feeling better now... everyone's replies to my post were

instrumental in that, for which I am very appreciative. I also

appreciate your taking the time to post and share with me your

knowledge and insight. I daresay you are more experienced with such

matters than I. I have gotten more sleep now and am feeling better. I

will be better yet when this rash disappears!!! (The surgeon had

already recommended the benadryl before I read your post, but thank

you!) Yes, the time passed has helped. I am ready to start feeling

a lot better (any day now I hope), ready for the swelling and gross

yellow skin discoloration to go away, and am ready to put this way

way behind me. I will let you and everyone know how my appointment

with my surgeon goes tomorrow!!! Thank you again!! Take care, Katja