TV and Movies

[jlkz]

Suing for medical negligence ?  Beware.

Unnamed hospital had a patient die due to several major medical errors by different doctors.  She lasted almost a week in unbearable pain...drugs couldn’t lessen the pain.  Her family was distraught.

Yes, they had a real case; however, the big medical negligence law firms wouldn’t take it because the case would have to be tried in county “ X “ which had a reputation for extremely low monetary awards.

They didn’t think the amount they would have to pay for expert doctors’ testimonies warranted their taking the case.

No justice there.  Just be aware that suing on a good case may not be enough.

[Nataliesgramma]

---

@jlkz wrote:

Suing for medical negligence ?  Beware.

Unnamed hospital had a patient die due to several major medical errors by different doctors.  She lasted almost a week in unbearable pain...drugs couldn’t lessen the pain.  Her family was distraught.

Yes, they had a real case; however, the big medical negligence law firms wouldn’t take it because the case would have to be tried in county “ X “ which had a reputation for extremely low monetary awards.

They didn’t think the amount they would have to pay for expert doctors’ testimonies warranted their taking the case.

No justice there.  Just be aware that suing on a good case may not be enough.

---

This IS TRUE....The Hospital killed my Dad giving him the wrong medication...even the Family DR said so.........no justice for us...

[lenapecci]

I had so many different emotions while watching this.

The patient suffered so much. And all she wanted was to go home and be able to drive her car. It was so sad to watch all that she has endured.

The docotrs and the hospital were a nightmare. A camera watching ICU patients! And the camera was not even turned on.

Doctors and nurses changing reports. That horrible woman with the short hair and the glasses even said she did not care about the patient.

What I do not understand is why the son stuck with that lawyer. He too did not care.

How do you drop the surgeon and the anesthesologists from the lawsuit.

If that were my mom and I lived thousands of miles away. I would have found a way to get my mom to LA and find her better health care. Even when she had the stroke the hospital said she did not.

Then the uncle. UGH what can I say.

This was so frustrating to watch.      

[Annabellethecat66]

@Goldengate8361  I just had a similar conversation with my little sister at lunch 2 days ago.

She was telling me she is petrified of hospitals.  I have 3 nieces and 2 sisters who are all RN's.

The stories they tell would make anyone's hair stand up.  This sister I mentioned worked at MedStar emergency where they helicopter people in who've been in terrible accidents.  She also worked in the operating room and recovery.

One of my nieces is a specialist in phlebotomy.

I'm only mentioning this to reinforce that they have first hand knowledge of mess ups over the years.  They don't give specifics (i.e. names, etc) doubt if they'd even remember, but they do remember they probably (ummmm...most likely been avoided).  

I think, in most cases the people didn't die but there were complications.  We don't talk about that part of it.

My sister said, "As far as I'm concerned a hospital is THE most dangerous place to be".  

I said, "Wow!  That's some statement".  She said, "Yes, and I mean every word of it.  Stay away from a hospital for any reason as long as you can".

This is kinda different but it is medical.  Did you people realize the mortality rate for mothers and children in this country is among the highest in the world?

http://time.com/4508369/why-u-s-women-still-die-during-childbirth/

https://www.npr.org/2017/05/12/527806002/focus-on-infants-during-childbirth-leaves-u-s-moms-in-dange...

https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/maternalinfanthealth/pregnancy-relatedmortality.htm

These statistics are alarming and surprising (to me, anyway).  

I had no idea this was happening considering other health care in this country is 'supposedly' top notch.  

I do know my family has always told me from day one that IF you do have to go to the hospital; get out of there as quickly as you can without putting yourself in danger by leaving too early.

In other words, as soon as the doctor says, "I think you can go now".  Throw those clothes on and 'get out of Dodge'.  Ha!

[mousiegirl]

@Annabellethecat66  I have told doctors that I am leaving today, period, lol, and I did,  difficult to heal in a hospital when you can't sleep.

Just as I was being wheeled into a room, a young girl next to me was complaining of pain, and finally her doctor came in to tell her that  her colon was perforated and emergency surgery was needed, obviously someone messed up during the surgery she just had.

She was wheeled out crying as an earlier intern, I assume, who had no bedside manner, told her she may need a "bag," etc., which terrified her, I was appalled, and she was asking for her Dad.  A while later, her distraught parents came to the room, saw me where their daughter used to be, and ran out.

Another time, my IV came out, and no nurse came to the room for three hours, said she was too busy when I asked her why no one came, unbelievable!

Another nurse yelled at me when I asked for pain meds, said it should be on my chart, and it WAS, so I reported her.

Many more personal horror stories, but will refrain from going into those.

I used to have a nurse neighbor and when I told her a story I had been told about her hospital, she said that she could tell me horror stories about any and all hospitals, SCARY!

[Reba055]

Thank goodness I’ve not experienced anything like this in a hospital setting but the medical practice is severely screwed up. I used to work in the medical field years ago. I blame it on the fact that insurance companies are now calling the shots and staff are overwhelmed with paperwork. Many nurses I know that truly care have gotten out of the field because they say they can’t do patient care like they feel like they should due to paperwork and time spent with patients being dictated by quotas.

[sidsmom]

I question the provocative, splashy declaration of,

”Medical error is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.”

So many variables to fit one’s narrative.

I wonder how they came about that statistic.

2016 CDC will say

• Heart disease: 635,260
• Cancer: 598,038
• Accidents (unintentional injuries): 161,374

Unless it somehow is piggybacked within the vastly descriptive

‘unintentional injuries’, it’s not a true indicator.  

And just for that reason alone, I would question the accuracy

of the documentary. 

[Annabellethecat66]

@mousiegirl  I'm so sorry you've had to go through so much.  I hope you are feeling better.

I understand too well the life changing problems that occurs when it involves bags and intestines.

A few years ago I had to be rushed to the hospital.  I was in so much pain my friend called an ambulance because I couldn't sit up in a car.

I have unbelievable back pain 24/7 so I'm used to a lot of pain.  I waited for at least a day and a half before I even called my friend.

When I got into the emergency room (and after x-rays, etc) the surgeon informed me I had a split in my colon but because I'd waited it had healed on it's own but not before the bacteria had leaked out.  That was causing the pain.

Thank goodness a surgeon who wasn't CUT HAPPY was on duty that day.  He was an older Dr and had a lot of patience.

Anyway, I was in the hospital for at least 5 days (a long time these days), being pumped with antibiotics.

But it all worked (thank GOD).  I never loose sight had I had a cut happy surgeon (because that's all surgeon's do....they're trained to cut) I'd have had a bag.

My best friend's mother had one until she died, as did her sister's husband.  I know how life-changing it can be.

My son-in-law's Aunt had one but they were able to re-attach it.  You'll never convince me though that one reason for re-attaching it was because his father was a world renown surgeon and she worked directly for Bill Clinton at the time (also John Kerry's wife was their best friend).  Meaning, not what you know but WHO you know.

Anyway, also my granddaughter's friend (the girl was only 14 at the time) was in constant pain and had to wear a bag.  She's now 16 and according to my granddaughter is doing great (still with the bag).  Her father and mother are both doctors.  She said the girl was in so much pain, the relief she felt was worth it.  An upside to the story.

Anyway, sometimes a person (I guess) is just lucky (or unlucky) however you look at it.

I was thinking earlier how I'd hate to have to go into the hospital around a holiday because the best Drs, etc are probably taking off on holiday.  

This is just my idea and maybe is totally wrong, but it makes sense, doesn't it.

Kinda same but similar.  I have an arthritis Dr and a cardiologist Dr.  They both said they NEVER want their children to become doctors.  The cardiologist's children are under 6 or 7, but the arthritis Dr's sons (2 of them) are just now in college.

She's told me how she did everything in her power to keep the kid from becoming a Dr.  They (she and the kid) finally agreed that he was study primarily accounting (something like that) and minor the medical field.  She said the red tape, etc was a night mare.  She said she hires people who JUST deal with medicare and she mentioned all of the numbers that must be put in for reimbursement.  My head fogged over....Ha!

The cardiologist told me his children are so young because he just finished paying off his education bills.  He said he wanted to wait until then!  He must be in his 50's at least.

I've known all of my Drs for many, many years.  Some have gotten so old (in their 70's) they retired.  

The arthritis Dr has just given me something new to try (she's amazing and keeps up with unconventional things that helps her patients).  I adore her.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your story about the hospital.  You brought back a memory of when I was 18 years old.  I lived with my older sister and her 4 children (she was divorced).  I'd been in a car accident and had fractured 3 vertebrae in my back.  I was in the hospital for a spinal tap and myelogram (sp).  They put too much dye in my spine and gave me IV's to try to get some of it out (really severe headaches).

My sister walked into my hospital room and saw my hand where the IV was and it looked like it was going to pop!  She ran to get the nurse and the nurse wouldn't pull out the needle.  My sister reached over and pulled out the needle.  My sister wasn't a nurse but she could have been she knew so much about medical procedures, etc.  This was my older sister.

It took days (many) for my body to absorb that fluid.  It was from then on I decided I knew my body better than any Drs or nurses and how it reacts (I've had lots of things done to me too).

Bottom line is no one on this earth is going to look after us better than we are.  You are one wise person.  If I was here with you I'd give you one of my hugs.  I'm a hugger and I don't care if someone likes it or not.....I'm a hugger.

Take care and have a nice Christmas.  We here are better because people like you come here and share their stories and we can all feel the love all of you send out.

Hugs to you all.  Annabelle...

[mousiegirl]

---

@Annabellethecat66 wrote:

@mousiegirl  I'm so sorry you've had to go through so much.  I hope you are feeling better.

I understand too well the life changing problems that occurs when it involves bags and intestines.

A few years ago I had to be rushed to the hospital.  I was in so much pain my friend called an ambulance because I couldn't sit up in a car.

I have unbelievable back pain 24/7 so I'm used to a lot of pain.  I waited for at least a day and a half before I even called my friend.

When I got into the emergency room (and after x-rays, etc) the surgeon informed me I had a split in my colon but because I'd waited it had healed on it's own but not before the bacteria had leaked out.  That was causing the pain.

Thank goodness a surgeon who wasn't CUT HAPPY was on duty that day.  He was an older Dr and had a lot of patience.

Anyway, I was in the hospital for at least 5 days (a long time these days), being pumped with antibiotics.

But it all worked (thank GOD).  I never loose sight had I had a cut happy surgeon (because that's all surgeon's do....they're trained to cut) I'd have had a bag.

My best friend's mother had one until she died, as did her sister's husband.  I know how life-changing it can be.

My son-in-law's Aunt had one but they were able to re-attach it.  You'll never convince me though that one reason for re-attaching it was because his father was a world renown surgeon and she worked directly for Bill Clinton at the time (also John Kerry's wife was their best friend).  Meaning, not what you know but WHO you know.

Anyway, also my granddaughter's friend (the girl was only 14 at the time) was in constant pain and had to wear a bag.  She's now 16 and according to my granddaughter is doing great (still with the bag).  Her father and mother are both doctors.  She said the girl was in so much pain, the relief she felt was worth it.  An upside to the story.

Anyway, sometimes a person (I guess) is just lucky (or unlucky) however you look at it.

I was thinking earlier how I'd hate to have to go into the hospital around a holiday because the best Drs, etc are probably taking off on holiday.  

This is just my idea and maybe is totally wrong, but it makes sense, doesn't it.

Kinda same but similar.  I have an arthritis Dr and a cardiologist Dr.  They both said they NEVER want their children to become doctors.  The cardiologist's children are under 6 or 7, but the arthritis Dr's sons (2 of them) are just now in college.

She's told me how she did everything in her power to keep the kid from becoming a Dr.  They (she and the kid) finally agreed that he was study primarily accounting (something like that) and minor the medical field.  She said the red tape, etc was a night mare.  She said she hires people who JUST deal with medicare and she mentioned all of the numbers that must be put in for reimbursement.  My head fogged over....Ha!

The cardiologist told me his children are so young because he just finished paying off his education bills.  He said he wanted to wait until then!  He must be in his 50's at least.

I've known all of my Drs for many, many years.  Some have gotten so old (in their 70's) they retired.  

The arthritis Dr has just given me something new to try (she's amazing and keeps up with unconventional things that helps her patients).  I adore her.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your story about the hospital.  You brought back a memory of when I was 18 years old.  I lived with my older sister and her 4 children (she was divorced).  I'd been in a car accident and had fractured 3 vertebrae in my back.  I was in the hospital for a spinal tap and myelogram (sp).  They put too much dye in my spine and gave me IV's to try to get some of it out (really severe headaches).

My sister walked into my hospital room and saw my hand where the IV was and it looked like it was going to pop!  She ran to get the nurse and the nurse wouldn't pull out the needle.  My sister reached over and pulled out the needle.  My sister wasn't a nurse but she could have been she knew so much about medical procedures, etc.  This was my older sister.

It took days (many) for my body to absorb that fluid.  It was from then on I decided I knew my body better than any Drs or nurses and how it reacts (I've had lots of things done to me too).

Bottom line is no one on this earth is going to look after us better than we are.  You are one wise person.  If I was here with you I'd give you one of my hugs.  I'm a hugger and I don't care if someone likes it or not.....I'm a hugger.

Take care and have a nice Christmas.  We here are better because people like you come here and share their stories and we can all feel the love all of you send out.

Hugs to you all.  Annabelle...

---

@Annabellethecat66  The "bag" was my roommate, a young girl, not me, thank goodness. I felt so sorry for her, and so angry at the young intern who terrified her for no reason.  Her doctor should have broken it gently to her.  I doubt it was a permanent situation, only while she healed, but I have no way of knowing, over ten years ago.

Talk about going through so much, you certainly did, but thank goodness you recovered.  Your ordeal with the IV, and infection, sounds horrific.

  You are right in that we have to take control over ourselves re doctors.  I debated through emails, for months, earlier this year with a new doctor, my previous moved, about a test he wanted me to take, which would have been painful and very stressful.  I researched and found another test which would reveal the same result with no pain or stress to me, and he finally agreed.  He had threatened to stop refilling my monthly prescription, so I told him how unprofessional it was to threaten a patient's well being, and that I had never been treated this way.  He is older and very high up in the hospital, should have gone with another doctor.  This guy is booked through next December.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

[Annabellethecat66]

When I had my middle daughter, the Dr used forceps to try to get her out.

In the process he cut my bladder.  The pain was unbelievable!  He didn't realize he did it.  They took me back to my room after delivery and I was still in crazy pain.  

Someone decided it was just 'afterbirth' pain.  The pain went on for a full day....getting worse.

Finally, the Dr came in and told me my bladder had been cut so they gave me sulfur to help it heal.

My lips swelled up.  I looked like I had 2 balloons sitting on my face.  It was then I found out I was allergic to sulfur!

Those were minor stories.  I'll not bore anyone with the really big one's, as I'm sure many here have as bad or worse stories.

In the end we all try to do what's best.  We have to try to have faith in our Drs.  That's why when I get a Dr I think is the best, I'll follow him to the ends of the earth!  Ha!

There have been a few occasions when I've been sitting in my back (orthopedic) Dr's waiting room and met people who've come from other states to get treated. 

Two time I met people who came from other countries to be treated by my Drs.