Been to the Hospital Lately?
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TV ClubHouse: archives: Been to the Hospital Lately?

Cablejockey

Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 02:52 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Has anyone been in a hospital lately? I would be interested in hearing how they were treated, the attitude of the drs and nurses and if they any had close calls with errors being made. I ask because I have been back and forthing to the hospital for the past 2 months because of my dad. He broke his hip at the beginning of May, then his mind got all foggy from the anesthetic, so that he climbed out of bed two weeks after surgery, still in the hospital, fell and broke other hip. My siblings and I went to see him everyday and make sure little things were done, and the big things. Bit by bit we could see the nurses getting miffed and surly because we asked questions, demanded answers. They would make him wait sometimes 20 or 30 minutes to take him to the bathroom and if he he couldnt hold it and we asked why the long wait, it was always---we have other patients to look after--they suggested we hire someone to help look after him but we couldnt afford the several hundred dollars a week it would take. Other things we noticed was the noise level, it was loud most of the time, especially if the nurses started hooting and hollering over a joke, or a big story involving work. Things werent passed on to the next shift, so you were constantly telling the nurses about things that should be in dad's chart or medications that were being forgotten. Some nurses would talk about my father in front of him but not to him mostly because his mind was still not clear. They say things like "your dad isn't going to walk again" "he'll be lucky if he even lives". So I'll stop my rant now and let the rest of you tell your stories.

Wargod

Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 03:28 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Cablejockey, I am so sorry you're going through this. I know that alot of hospitals (especially here) are under-staffed, under-paid, and have too many patients, but I don't think that that is an excuse to tell a family something like, "he'll be lucky if he even lives." How awful to have to deal with that.

When my step father had his heart attack and passed away two years ago, everyone from the paramedics who arrived on the scene to the nurses, doctors, and even the cleaning staff, were very polite and helpful. If the doctor told us something, we could ask the nurses for clarification no problem. I stayed at the hospital night and day, and never encountered anyone who was rude. The one time we had a problem was when one doctor who was there to check the activity in his brain did not know us, or David. He left paperwork refusing to shut off life support and told us it wouldn't happen. The nurse who had been his nurse for four day, and by then knew the preferences of the family and the patient, acted as our advocate and called the cardioligst on our behalf. He came right in, explained to the whole family that my step father would never recover and that by leaving him on life support he would spend the rest of his life that way. When the family made the decision to remove him from life support, the doctor and nursing staff acted quickly to see to the family and the patients wishes. (We all knew he would have had a fit to know the paramedics were called in the first place, but to know we had allowed them to hook him up to machines would have outraged him.)

Over the next two days, they did everything they could to help us with paperwork, making us comfortable, and keeping us well informed. While it was an experience I never want to go through again, nor wish anyone else to, these doctors, nurses, paramedics, and hospital staff were very helpful. After David died, I sent letters thanking the fire station, the ER staff, the nurses, doctors, and clergy who helped us through a horrible time. I even sent a letter to the local paper thanking them all (since at the time there had been some criticism of the hospital.)

I do hope that things work our for you. And am hoping that you're dad we'll recover quickly. I'll be sending good thoughts and prayers you're way.

Faerygdds

Saturday, July 13, 2002 - 11:28 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I was in the hospital just last week... I found the care to be less than adequate. Here I am... toxic system.. kidney infection and possible kidney damamge and I started asking for WATER at 6 AM... I finally got it around 4 PM... one whole shift later... I pressed that damned call button and asked for it on no less than 6 occasions. And worse... the nurses kept coming in and getting upset that I hadn't gone to the bathroom! Everytime they did this I kept saying, "I have to intake liquid to have any OUTPUT!" They would apologize and promise to get me water. But never did. When I finally got water at 4 PM I drank it all down immediately (I was SO thirsty) I told the nurse I would need more. I finally got it 5 minutes before they released me at 8 PM!!!!! Thank Goodness I like crunching ice!

I went in for anemia... they gave me 2 units of blood... then had to give me a diuretic (procedure)... I was also diagnosed with long term uncontrolled tyroid problems and diabetes... the WORST thing for me was not drinking enough.. and it took a small "Act of God" to get some lousy WATER!!! UGH...

so I totally feel for you...

positive vibes being sent your way!

Ketchuplover

Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 06:56 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I hope I never end up in a hospital.

Sunshinemiss

Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 08:36 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
(((Cablejockey)))

My Dad passed away this past January, and it was awful. He had a "supervirus" of some sort, and had such fluid build up in his lungs it was backing up and a nurse had to suction out his esophagus and upper/ back of throat because he wasn't well enough or strong enough to cough it up. Only one of the nurses was even semi-humane about it- the other two shift nurses would jam the plastic rod down his throat and my Dad would twist away and cry out in obvious distress.. and when I would say something they had the nerve to ask me to hold his hands still so they could get done faster! It still rips me up to think about it. The one nurse was tender anfd considerate and didnt cause ANY distress, so I knew there was a better way. I complained and complained and all I got was an "ok, yah, fine, we'll pass it along" and I suspect a rolling of the eyes after I left the room.It still wrenches my heart to think about it. He passed away 2 days later, and would it have been so hard to take a few extra minutes to see his last days were a little less horrid?

So, you see I relate. I'm getting tearful just thinking about it. I don't know what more could have been done or what to do about the system as a whole (it was Kaiser, those of you on the west coast can understand I am sure) but thanks for listening. Don't stop complaining, at least it gives you the comfort of knowing you tried.

Faerygdds

Sunday, July 14, 2002 - 09:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Big hugs for {{{{{cable}}}}} and {{{{{sunshine}}}}}...

Cablejockey

Monday, July 15, 2002 - 01:23 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
War, thanks for the good thoughts and prayers. Faerygdds, thanks for the positive vibes; and I;m sorry to hear of your stressfull experience. Sunshine, your experience sounds horrendous also. Many times when I would hear the edge in the voice of a caregiver or that patronizing attitude of "we know better" or the blunt ignorance I would encounter, I felt like screaming!!!! But I would try to stay calm and forge on. I always wondered why oh why these people who obviously dislike being around those who were sick, in pain and complaining, got these jobs?? Someone suggested they may like the power they have over people who at their most vulnerable, because power they have over the simplist and most necessary things those weakened people need. I;m sure nursing professionals would protest that we dont realize how hard and demanding their jobs are. That is true, but true professionals dont take their stress and anger out on the patients. You dont know how many times I wish I had a 60 Minutes or PrimeTime crew at my disposal just to let eveyone see what happens. Eventually my father got off the second floor but put on third which is set up like a nursing home, and old folks are treated way worse!!!! After 2 wks up there his mind cleared up and he's shocked and depressed about his situation and wants to come home. Now we are fighting to get the services he needs---some paid for by the gov--and he waits hating every minute of his time there. They treat the elderly like retarded children--even thoses whose minds are sharp. Nobody really knows what goes on outside because the families rarely show up for a visit.

Car54

Monday, July 15, 2002 - 02:53 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I had "day" surgery last year, and my gynecologist referred me to the doctor in her office who did the surgery.

On the day of my procedure, he showed up 2 hours late, never spoke with me, did the procedure and left.

The nurses could not release me without instructions and he left none...finally his office sent down a nurse practitioner who didn't know me or anything about the procedure I had done and she signed the orders and instructions so I could go home.

Recently a co-worker had surgery and the hospital told her she HAD to have someone in the room with her at all times. Isn't that their job? I am single and it makes me worry about what I would do if I got really sick...who I would be able to depend on.

Marysafan

Monday, July 15, 2002 - 02:56 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
The state of health care today is abysmal. It used to be that people became doctors and nurses because they had calling. Today it is because of the money. Trust me ...they are NOT underpaid!

I recently went to the emergency room because of severe chest pains. I was either having the worst indigestion of my life ...or a heart attack. Since I have a younger brother who has had TWO nearly fatal heart atttacks and a heart transplant...I decided not to chance it.

My little trip to the emergency room cost me over $1,000.00 to learn it was just indigestion. I didn't even get to see a doctor. I was treated and released by a Physician's assistant.

For the record it was my doctor's office that told me to go straight to the emergency room.

Even nurses will tell you that they would not enter a hospital without having a patient's advocate. Nursing is no longer about care giving.

It is time we address this issue. The freakin system is corrupt and needs overhauling.

Riviere

Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 12:17 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Just spent 2 1/2 miserable weeks visiting my dear 85 yo Granny who was in hospital over a month with kidney failure and general old age issues. She was released the 6th day after I arrived to make her home ready (my useless 63 yo uncle lives with her but as I say, useless).. Granny had a few annoying roomates, wonderful nurses, and one nasty nurse aide (male) who walked in one night and saw her arm bent (she was supposed to keep it straight) so he grabbed her wrist so hard it about dislodged her IV, then he snapped at the roomate (who was yakking on phone at 11pm) to shut up and go to sleep! Later they told us they had 4 complaints about the aide that night and he would be fired, he'd logged over 20 complaints in 2 months.. Medicine today isn't about care, it's all about HMO and insurance and redtape and $ and union contracts.. Hope I never need hospitalized again myself though where I live outpatient care and in-office surgery has been fine.

Boredtart

Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 02:18 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I must add my two cents. I was in the hospital for three months after a bad car accident. It happend on Christmas day several years ago. I was in a hospital about an hour away from my home. I was treated very nicely. They felt sorry because of the holidays and made an effort to cheer me up. One week later I was tranfered to a hospital closer to my home for some surgeries. As with all hospitals in California, they were understaffed. I did have to wait a few times for meds or water but when it arrived it was always with a smile an a apology.

On another note, I did have to spend three weeks in a nursing home. At 38 and basicaly helpless it was a nightmare. No electronic beds. All hand cranked. I had to wait hours until someone could change the bed position. There were 4 people cramped in a room. The stench was horrible! The people were nice but it was so understaffed. They cut the staff by 20% on the weekends. It mad a bad situation even worse! I felt sorry for any of the folks who still had there wits about them.

So that is my nightmare. I'm so very glad to be healthy now! I will start to drive agian Next week!!!

Lyn

Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 11:04 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Ten years ago my sister went to the hospital after having terrible stomache cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. She was in so much pain that she couldn't stand, sit or lay down. After a quick examination they decided that there was nothing (medically) wrong with her, and told her she was an hysterical female and it was all in her head. For a week BIL brought her to and from the emergency room before anyone took her seriously. After another exam the drs narrowed it down to either her gallbladder or appendix. At six the next morning I got a phone call from BIL telling me that if I wanted to say goodbye to my sister then I'd better hurry to town (I lived 2hrs away). Turns out that she had a clot in her large intestines and with all their farting around (excuse me) that week, it killed all of her large and most of her small intestines. She, by sheer good luck, managed to survive the whole thing (And we thank God, literally). She had an ostomy for five years before she was healthy enough for them to reconnect her (she had JUST enough intestines to do it).

What makes me mad is that if they had taken her and her symptoms seriously, she'd have only lost 6 - 12 inches of intestines and been perfectly fine. Now she'll never be able to work again because she doesn't have any control over her bowels and has to take major medications every day to live.

Kstme

Saturday, August 10, 2002 - 07:37 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
In 30 years, I've had 10 surgeries. Each time has been different as far as care goes. The best hospital I've ever been in was UCLA Med Center. The worst was the ER visit at a local hospital here. I needed emergency surgery to swallow and it took over 8 hours to get a dr! Thank God, I was able to breath!

After my last go-around, I vowed NEVER to let anyone with a knife and face mask come near me again!

Snoopyenta

Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 08:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I am so sorry for all of you that have had such terrible experiences. I went to the emergency room in Feb for a broken arm-was there 5 1/2 hours and never saw a Dr. once. The whole time I was there I was left in a room alone (with the exception of the nurse coming in twice for just a few minutes) and I waited 4 hours for an xray and a pain pill. After 5 hours, my boyfriend arrived and I told him to tell the nurse I wanted to leave and she told him I couldn't due to "trauma", I waited another half hour and finally left. It was 2 hours before they realized I was missing and called me at home. When I got a bill for $2,000.00 ($500 of which was for the "phantom" Dr), I called the CEO of the hospital and demanded an investigation. I can understand that there might be something more serious than a broken arm but there were no patients in the waiting room and the Dr was sitting in the nurse's station just shooting the breeze... I received 2 calls from the Risk Management guy but I am still waiting for a determination from their "investigation". I also filed a formal complaint with my insurance company. Doctors want to know why their malpractice insurance costs are so high...go figure.

Rissa

Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 08:58 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Oh wow!! All of you with these terrible stories, I am so sorry you all went through that!! Out of curiousity (and without me checking every single profile) are you all American? Just wondering if the difference is inherent in the system. I am in Canada and have been in hospitals a lot in the last decade (for relatives mostly). Two daughters broke bones (a finger and a toe. LOL) and were treated quickly and with a lot of attention and care. Father with brittle diabetes has been in hospital a few times due to diabetes related heart problems. ER is always very good although I think my dad feels they should be more frantic about finding a problem instead of laid back. They have been through it before, he hasn't. LOL He had a triple bypass and again, great care except that they keep all similiar procedures in the same room and he watched most of his bunkies pass away in the days after the surgery which freaked him out to such an extent that it would take a thread of it's own to get into. Grandmother who passed away Sept. 9th, 2001 (sigh, wasn't a good week) had been in and out of the hospital multiple times a year for the last decade. We did notice that as she got older and sicker (was 96 when she died) that the care remained good but the level of actual treatment went down. At the end she died at her home because they couldn't even see the point of taking her to the hospital (her Dr. made that decision).

The biggest problem I have seen is understaffing and funding and it does (I am sure) make for a tenser work place. But as long as we have been upbeat and not pushy we haven't had a problem. My dad always asks us to open the curtain around his bed so the nurses/doctors see him every time they walk by and he stares at them hoping to make eye contact, then he just smiles. LOL Makes it hard to forget he is there. :)

Kstme

Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 09:35 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Rissa...US here. Los Angeles, Las Vegas and 4 different hospitals in Seattle. I think the hospitals ARE better in Canada...from what I've been told by friends who live in Vancouver.

I, too, am so sorry for those of you that have had to fight the fight!

Sia

Sunday, August 11, 2002 - 09:53 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
*Gulp* I'm seeing a surgeon this week, and it's not on a blind date! I dread this like you wouldn't believe. My hysterectomy was rather unpleasant last summer, and I'm not up for a repeat-performance of the post-op pain and suffering. (Not having another hysterectomy, fortunately.) Health care is an absolute nightmare. I could tell several stories, none of which would have happy endings.

Rissa

Monday, August 12, 2002 - 06:35 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Sia,

Don't know if this will make a difference for you or not, but, for me the worst part of surgery is the nausea. My stomach is nervous before the surgery starts and then with the aesthetic I wake up nauseous which makes the whole recovery worse. I figured out a good trick is just ask the anaesthesiologist to put gravol in my IV line while I am under. What a difference!!! You just generally feel better, don't have that icky/flu/ill feeling when you are just coming round. My family doc recommended this to me years ago, she does it too and it really does help.

Lyn

Monday, August 12, 2002 - 10:40 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I'm Canadian. My sister's expierence was at a LEARNING hospital (where the latest research is tested) and in the end they gained a lot of info from my her case (it is now in their medical journals). Too bad she had to be their "what not to do".

On the plus side, anything medical she needs gets done instantly once her file comes up. Major butt kissing by the drs/hospital because she didn't sue them.

Sia

Monday, August 12, 2002 - 11:44 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Thanks, Rissa. I will research what you mentioned; I've never heard of that before. I hate the current state of health care/insurance/managed care in the U.S. I think it's just awful. I was treated very well by the hospital staff during and following the operation, but when I went to the E.R. the following weekend (released from hospital too early, got dehydrated and sick/flu bug?) I was abused by an E.M.T. who was working in the emergency room. The male nurse who took care of me, however, was wonderful. I think what the E.M.T. did is what has caused my current troubles.

Last year the huge incision I had (transverse abdominal) was unpleasant. It wasn't healing the incision itself on the outer layers of skin that was difficult, it was the discomfort of having so much muscle/fat/whatever they cut through separated and then knitted back together. It was painful to move around for such a long time. Thank God for good mothers. My mom was here to take care of my and of my small children. God Bless Granny!!! :)