posted
My father has had some serious health problems for a few years now. His initial complaint among others was a pain in his shoulder and arm.
To make a very long story as short as possible.
After several doctors visits, test, and such around here we were told there was nothing they could find wrong with him...even told us it was possibly “just in his head”. After hounding his doctor they agreed to send us to Mayo Clinic..after three weeks there and several test...same thing...”it’s just in his head”. About two weeks later he goes to the hospital with chest pains...he has a couple of stents put in for arteries with a 98% blockage...hard to believe those can happen in just two weeks!
In the next few years he’s in and out of the doctor’s offices and hospitals with a total of 7 stents put in. The last of which when he came out of the procedure he said he felt the best he had in some time. When they get him up and walking around he goes to use one of those in room wooden chair type port-a-potties and it collapsed. (Just for the record he’s a 200lb man) When he fell he damaged some nerves causing permanent bowl problems and no bladder function for the rest of his life. (He’s 63)
The doctors were very adamant about immediately doing an MRI to find out what had happened...my stepmother kept referring to a card they gave us stating NO MRI’s for 8 weeks after a stent. After going back and forth about this they finally said they would not be responsible for the damage if we wouldn’t let them do the MRI...telling us this was a different kind of stent...a few minutes latter a Doc comes in and says “were sorry...we can’t do the MRI for 8 weeks”. Had they done that the MRI it likely would have ripped the stent out of his artery!
Now the most recent...a week before Mothers day he’s in the hospital again...more tests...THEY determine it’s his gallbladder causing this round of problems...schedule him to have it removed...they go in...NO gallbladder...he was born without one! Doc says only the second case he’s witnessed.
My questions are:
With all the scans, x-rays, and such over the last few years somebody didn’t notice it was not there.
What about the diagnoses...if ya thought it was from the gallbladder and it’s not there...
Finally after looking back through his records a Doctor back in 1989 said his gallbladder was fine...NO stones...
Sorry for the off topic ramble...but some may find help in others grief.
Jeff
-------------------- Jeff's Lettering Lisa,Luke,Dara, and Jeff Spradling 5742 Shattuck Rd. Belvidere, Il. 61008 815-544-0167
Surviving another day. Posts: 626 | From: Belvidere, IL USA | Registered: Jul 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
We pay up the arse for health care, demand more from our government, and for what? This crap? I could give similar cluster***** in our family but why bother.
I have always said doctors are not much good except for cutting-removing-stitching. Now I am not so sure about that. Not feeling good, take this medicine, didn't work? take this one. Tumors? Radiate the hell out of it, or chemo. But heck, it's all we have right?
[ May 20, 2005, 10:07 AM: Message edited by: David Wright ]
-------------------- Wright Signs Wyandotte, Michigan Posts: 2785 | From: Wyandotte, MI USA | Registered: Jan 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Similar stories here too, sad to say. Isn't there some sort of test they would do first to look at the gallbladder before opening him up for no reason? I hope it works out for him Jeff.
It has always bugged me that what doctors do is called "practice". When 1 slipup could kill me, I want the person working on me to know what they're doing, not just be practicing.
Ponder this: The guy who graduated last in medical school, just barely scraping by the minimum grades required can call himself a doctor the same way the guy that graduated first can.
And about their high costs of malpractice insurance that they keep whining about.... if they would police their own instead of sticking together & covering when 1 of them KILLS someone, their risk assessment would drop and so would their premiums!
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Whem I see a docotr, I order him/her around like a mechanic. I don't expect to know everything about my body. I try to be as informed as I possibly can be on procedures done to me. People in the medical feild are so over worked, it's no reason why they mess up some times.
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
You guys just don't know how to be good patients!
CODE FOR ETHICAL PATIENT BEHAVIOR
1. DO NOT EXPECT YOUR DOCTOR TO SHARE YOUR DISCOMFORT Involvement with the patient's suffering might cause him to lose valuable scientific objectivity.
2. BE CHEERFUL AT ALL TIMES Your doctor leads a busy and trying life and requires all the gentleness and reassurance he can get.
3. TRY TO SUFFER FROM THE DISEASE FOR WHICH YOU ARE BEING TREATED Remember that your doctor has a professional reputation to uphold.
4. DO NOT COMPLAIN IF THE TREATMENT FAILS TO BRING RELIEF You must believe that your doctor has achieved a deep insight into the true nature of your illness, which transcends any mere permanent disability you may have experienced.
5. NEVER ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO EXPLAIN WHAT HE IS DOING OR WHY HE IS DOING IT It is presumptuous to assume that such profound matters could be explained in terms that you would understand.
6. SUBMIT TO NOVEL EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT READILY Though the surgery may not benefit you directly, the resulting research paper will surely be of widespread interest.
7. PAY YOUR MEDICAL BILLS PROMPTLY AND WILLINGLY You should consider it a privilege to contribute, however modestly, to the well-being of physicians and other humanitarians.
8. DO NOT SUFFER FROM AILMENTS THAT YOU CANNOT AFFORD It is sheer arrogance to contract illnesses that are beyond your means.
9. NEVER REVEAL ANY OF THE SHORTCOMINGS THAT HAVE COME TO LIGHT IN THE COURSE OF TREATMENT BY YOUR DOCTOR The patient-doctor relationship is a privileged one, and you have a sacred duty to protect him from exposure.
10. NEVER DIE WHILE IN YOUR DOCTOR'S PRESENCE OR UNDER HIS DIRECT CARE This will only cause him needless inconvenience and embarrassment.
-------------------- Jim Upchurch Artworks Olympia WA Posts: 797 | From: Olympia, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Kissymatina: And about their high costs of malpractice insurance that they keep whining about.... if they would police their own instead of sticking together & covering when 1 of them KILLS someone, their risk assessment would drop and so would their premiums!
Amen to that Maybe if they put a ceiling on the amount of malpractice coverage a doctor can purchase, thus exposing him/her to greater potential risk. You have a ceiling on your car insurance don't you? This could lower their premiums and alleviate some the stress and whining.
Also impose a "three strikes and you're out" policy with patients having easy access to the records of each offense.
Better yet, make it mandatory that all doctors' "write up" records be disclosed on the documents each time a patient fills out all that information at the doctor's office or hospital. Maybe color code it like strike one yellow, strike two orange etc.
-------------------- Wayne Webb Webb Signworks Chipley, FL 850.638.9329 wayne@webbsignworks.com Posts: 7403 | From: Chipley,Florida,United States | Registered: Oct 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Geez Kissy your replies reminded me of the sign business where one opens before knowing what to do. And in the same realm, Llettervillians have meets like doctors have seminars.
Now on a lighter note, doctors are only good if they honestly have at all times, compassion
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
posted
The logo for most Medical Associations most prominently features a snake. Somehow, I tend to think that's rather appropo.
-------------------- Ken Henry Henry & Henry Signs London, Ontario Canada (519) 439-1881 e-mail: kjmlhenry@rogers.com
Why do I get all those on-line offers to sell me Viagara, when the only thing hardening is my arteries ? Posts: 2684 | From: London,Ontario, Canada | Registered: Feb 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
See the whole medical field in the West is completely flawed.
In China, doctors that help people are paid. Doctors that have countless repeat visits from patients are FINED.
In the West, you pay the doctor whether or not your problem is taken care of.
Of course, if people would take care of themselves in the first place...
There's also a lot of truth to the "it's all in your head" statement.
If you believe or constantly worry you're going to get sick your brain chemistry physically changes to allow it to happen. Whereas in my life, I have no time nor a place for sickness, and surprisingly I don't get sick. I don't even catch colds. My mom is the same way, just no room in life for sickness or pain so it does not happen.
I'm sure we all know of people, even complete families, where someone or everyone is either getting sick all the time or has some chronic illness. There have been studies that show that subconsciously, some people use illness as a means to gain attention. It gets passed on to their children as they too learn the only way to get attention is to be sick.
For thousands of years people have managed to live long healthy lives without "modern" "medicine". In fact they still do in other cultures where they are not bent on taking a pill or getting cut on at every drop of the hat.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
They know an awful lot, but whether they care to utilize that intelligence & knowledge . . .well, therein lies the irony . . . deal with it.
(refer to Jim's reply for dealing with it)
There's not enough room here for me to explain all the craziness that happened in a 24 hour period after my dad passed out while in the hospital.
Had they actually started BEING doctors afterword, and relied on their education AND EVEN common sense, instead of worrying about, and forcing him into or around existing schedules, he would still be alive today. . . .
all I can say is, just be glad they actually took some time to think and did'nt give your dad the MRI. . . .
Since, in all seriousness, I could care less about some kind of million dollar settlement. Money will not please me. Only the priceless life of my father back could do that.
I went to the State medical board for what I really want: The jobs of the two doctors who made really serious poor choices based purely on lack of bed-space, inconvenience and intrusion on their 'schedules', and incredibley serious neglect.
So far, I've been told I have a very, very strong case. The board is actually quite stunned by the series of negelectful events, which in the case of our town, stems directly from the fact that one of our two hospitals has closed down and one hospital, while well staffed, is entirely too small and insufficient.
Also, without the former 'competition' between two hospitals, there is no 'accountability' ...you're at the mercy of this one hospital, or a 50, or 90 mile drive to another city.
You would'nt believe the number of complaints they recieve about this one hospital.
If you know there are medical records that will support your claims, report slack doctors to your state medical board. They are like the BBB of the medical association.
If more people would do this, rather than try to sue for monetary compensation, then more doctors would take their jobs much more seriously.
While going to the SMB won't necessarily cost all doctors their jobs or license, it WILL be a permanent mark on their performance record and enough complaints will eventually get them to straighten-up or move on.
I can only hope that the Alabama SMB staff members are not golfing buddies with these particular doctors . . . .
-------------------- Signs Sweet Home Alabama
oneshot on chat
"Look like a girl, act like a lady, think like a man, work like a dog" Posts: 5758 | From: "Sweet Home" Alabama | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm not the one to applaud the medical community in this country...far from it. From the drug running to the total incompetance, I'm fed up w/them and their attorney/insurance friends.
If not for the few good doctors that are out there, this system is destined to fail, ppl. will eventually grow tired of being cheated and disrespected and demand changes be made for the good. Of course, we already know it's an effort in fultility, their wifes(doctors/attorneys/insurance) will all need a new car by then and the fight will be on...
-------------------- Frank Magoo, Magoo's-Las Vegas; fmagoo@netzero.com "the only easy day was yesterday" Posts: 2365 | From: Las Vegas, Nv. | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have to agree in part with Frank---but, not totally.
The list of problems in medicine today is as long as the proverbial arm.
IMHO, one of the chief problems is the fact that the bean counters in both government and the insurance industry have way too much say in how medicine is practiced. ("practice" as in how it's done.) Limited time stays in hospital based on the diagnosis of whatever the ailment happens to be, and insurance payments based on that diagnosis. God help the patient who is really, REALLY sick, and doesn't get better within the allowable time. It's either out-of-pocket payment, or, out the door. I've seen that out the door thing way too often.
As far as coziness between doctors and the insurance industry, and the lawyers---sorry, I don't see it, especially with the lawyers. These weasels will go to court at the drop of a hat, and as often as not on the most specious of claims of wrongdoing/malpractice.
At that point, one of two things can happen. First, and most likely, the insurance carrier will settle for a smaller than sued for dollar amount, rather than fight the litigation. The drawback is that the validity of the claim is never established. The second thing that might happen is that the case does go to trial/court. Then the jury gets the case, and they have nothing to go on but the testimony of "expert" witnesses from both side. Most jurors are lay people and their knowledge of medicine, anatomy, physiology, etc. is just about nil. Throw in the notion that the doctor "done him wrong" never mind the evidence, and also the notion that insurance companies have "deep pockets" and you have the makings for a big payout. Guess what that does to the doc's insurance premiums. Guess next what that does to the costs to patients.
There's more, but, I'm going to wait and see what else is said.
bill preston
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm sorry for what you're going through, Jeff. Two years ago my Mom was put on a "preventative" medication... a commonly prescribed anti-cholesterol statin drug. When she complained shortly thereafter of serious arm pain, the same doctor told her she was just getting old. My brothers and I intervened, did the research on our own and discovered the drug can cause a fatal muscle disease. We took Mom to UCDavis and scheduled her for Mayo but it was too late. Dr's said that once the door was open to her disease, they could not close it. We lost her within a year of her original arm pain. She went from being a robust and healthy 72 year old to being buried at 73. We expected to have her around another 20 years, given her history and health.
As for myself, I don't go to doctors. If I got a cancer or something serious, I would treat it other ways. Alternative medicine is fraught with fallacy and fakes, too... but if you are dedicated enough, you do find some answers. I had my child at home, too. I refused to give over to the hospitals and doctors. But I've been studying medicine and health on my own for decades and always felt I needed to take my own responsibility due to the trend of modern medicine to cut and drug the human body at every turn and then shrug their shoulders after it fails. Not to mention the incredible ignorance pertaining to nutrition and food processing in our country. I could go on and on with this topic.
That being said, I'm certainly not against the awesome things that can be done with modern medicine. I credit them with giving my Dad 7 more years of quality life when he suffered a stroke once. And I'm grateful for many advances that save people's lives, particularly children.
There is just so much to know and most people don't want to bother if they can give that responsibility to their doctor, who often doesn't have a clue... it's the way they are taught. Some doctors step outside and learn more on their own. If you find one like that, hang on to him or her.
Best wishes finding peace with this. I told myself that in the bigger picture, maybe all my Mom's loved ones who had passed on missed her and wanted her to join them wherever they are. I've had enough crazy dreams before and after losing her to give me pause as well.
It's tough.
-------------------- Sharon O'Brien-Lykins HorseDesigns.Com PO Box 1898 Penn Valley CA 95946 horsedesigns@gmail.com Posts: 43 | From: Penn Valley, California | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
"In the West, you pay the doctor whether or not your problem is taken care of. "
Not all of us. A former wife of mine was hospitalized for internal bleeding. She was in intensive care for three days and the hospital another four days. Right before she was released, she developed what looked like a rash or a drug reaction.. A dermatologist was called in. He said it wasn't a drug reaction but some sort of rash, gave her a shot of something and a cream. She was released later that day. The rash got worse, her hands started to swell and itch really badly. The next day I called the dermatologist , who told me to bring her in to his office. Before he would see her though, the receptionist made me pay for the hospital visist and prepay for the office visit. He still claimed it wasn't a drug reaction , gave her another shot and sent us home. That night it got even worse, so back to the E.R. where , get this, the woman who takes your insurance information says, "Boy, that's a nasty drug reaction you have going there". The E.R. doctor takes one look at her and says it's a drug reaction, gives her the right shot and you could literally watch the swelling go down. The next day I stopped payment on the two checks I wrote. A few days later I get a call from the office gal at the Dr.s office telling me I couldn't stop payment like that. I told her I already did, the Doctor didn't do anything but make thins worse and I wasn't paying him. This conversation went on for awhile and I finally hung up. A few minutes the phone rings and it's the doctor himself. I told him he didn't do anything and I wasn't paying him. I said what if I came out to his office and lettered his office door and mispelled a bunch of words would he pay me? Silence. He then started going on about his "time spent going to the hospital being worth something" I went right back to lettering the door at his office and the time there being the same thing. He was obviously getting really frustrated with me at this point and started to try bargaining with me. I stuck to my guns. He then stated his time was valuable and he didn't need to be on the phone like this, to which I replied so was mine. I ended the conversation with an offer. I told him if he felt he deserved to get paid, he could take me to court. That if , after a judge heard all this and felt he should be paid I would gladly do so. I never heard from the MF again.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
He still claimed it wasn't a drug reaction , gave her another shot and sent us home. That night it got even worse, so back to the E.R. where , get this, the woman who takes your insurance information says, "Boy, that's a nasty drug reaction you have going there". The E.R. doctor takes one look at her and says it's a drug reaction, gives her the right shot and you could literally watch the swelling go down.
Printer-friendly view of this topic