Venting after surgery

jo jo
jo jo Member Posts: 1,175 Member
I dont like complaining about my surgeries and the care that goes with it cuz i really do like my team of doctors...and i dont want to sound petty but this is what happened.
I got great care all the way up to going into the surgery room, once i got into the room (yes i was still awake and alert at this time) the nursing staff was very cold and unconcerned and treated me like i was just a body on the table and not a person. They made numerous mistakes by not reading my chart and alert braclets...they tried putting a BP cuff on the arm i had lymph nodes removed (WITH BRACLET ON SAME ARM SAYING...LIMB ALERT), and they were actually prepping the WRONG side...they were going to operate on the right side and it was my left side they were supose to do...luckly i was still awake to point out these very important mistakes and got treated like i was just a know it all tryin to tell them how to do there job. Plus i told them i wanted to know before they were going to put me out...well of course a nurse sneak in behind me and gave me the knockout drug and thats all i remember.
Now after surgery im in recovery and im not really with it (at that stage you really dont remember much afterwards)but the pain is so intense thats all i do remember. Later i find out i was in recovery for 4 hours in great pain cuz they couldnt find my doctor to give me a stronger pain med. and they wanted to admit me cuz of it but they finally got ahold of her and i got the drugs i needed and home i went. Even though i shouldnt of been in that much pain in the first place. I woke up the next morning with the worst drug hang over i have ever had...i didnt know there was such a thing! Then of course the vomiting started...with fresh wounds that was no fun!
Now two days into it i was still waking up with a drug hangover and i didnt even take my pain killers they sent me home with. Plus i tried to blow my nose and nothing but alot of dried blood came out...it was from the tube they put in your throat once your out plus it explained why i couldnt eat or swallow and i felt like something was caught in my throat.

Fast forward to today...i was so excited cuz it was time to get my drain tube removed.
They had a new girl and she was going to be removing it...great im her genny pig! I was preparing myself for them to start pulling it out...and i about jumped off the table swinging...my inside felt like it was on fire...i was not expecting this much pain from past experiences with it. They repeated this 3 times and each one was worse than the first ...the pain was so intense i thought i was going to pass out. Finally the regular nurse did it and it came right out. The new girl said it was stuck but it turns out she was trying to pull it out way to slow. Most of you know the feeling of having tubes removed ...some pain with a bubbling feeling...Not your insides being on fire and wanting to pass out from pain! Now tonight my whole left side just hurts, like i got the heck beat out of me and normally after its removed i feel better.

This has just been a really bad experience for me this time but on another note...they operated on the side the were suppose to and i didnt end up with a swelled arm from a BP cuff and i havent really had to use any pain meds since ive been home and i can eat and swallow again and my drain tube is gone and i woke up from this surgery...wooo hooo!
Sorry i didnt mean for this to be so long i guess i had alot of venting and the worst part is i still havent got a good look at the new boob lift yet!

Comments

  • fauxma
    fauxma Member Posts: 3,577 Member
    JoJo
    So sorry that this

    JoJo
    So sorry that this experience was so unpleasant and downright scary. The thought of surgery on a wrong side or part is very frightening. And the tube removal. UGH But glad that you are being so philosophical about it. And yes, right side surgery, no pain meda and no swollen arm is all good but still doesn't offset the screw ups. hoping all goes well with this and your boob stays put and no problems.
    Stef
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    I'm putting my arms around you, dearheart!
    I am speechless...and that takes alot, as you know!!!

    Hugs, Kathi
  • smalldoggroomer
    smalldoggroomer Member Posts: 1,184
    Oh my gosh JoJo, You sure
    Oh my gosh JoJo, You sure have been through hell haven't you. I'm so sorry you had this experience. How awful, I am happy that you was still awake when you first went in to the operating room. God know what would have happened if you weren't. Soo Sorry.
    You are in my prayers, and I am sending you Big gentle HUGS. Take care sweetheart, Kay
  • aysemari
    aysemari Member Posts: 1,596 Member
    Yikes JoJo
    It sure sounds like a nightmare! It's not a pleasant feeling to be treated
    like a piece of meat. I have encountered nurses who only see a wrist and
    a vein to be injected with chemo, and seem to overlook the fact that there's
    scared human being somewhere in there but never to the extent you experienced.
    I can only shake my head in total disbelief and tell you that I am glad that's
    behind you.

    Love,
    Ayse
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    Vent away...we are all here
    Vent away...we are all here to listen (or read in our case)
  • LoveBabyJesus
    LoveBabyJesus Member Posts: 1,679 Member
    Like a horror movie...
    I am sorry you had to experience this!! UGH! It sounds horrible! I was just talking to a friend of mine last night, wondering HOW and WHY some people get into the medical field, IF they don't care about people. They can't connect to them emotionally. I think this is SUCH HUGE part of the discipline. At least 50% of it should be focused on caring, if note 99%.

    I hope you recover from this SOON, not just physically, but mentally.

    Feel better. Hugs.
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member

    Like a horror movie...
    I am sorry you had to experience this!! UGH! It sounds horrible! I was just talking to a friend of mine last night, wondering HOW and WHY some people get into the medical field, IF they don't care about people. They can't connect to them emotionally. I think this is SUCH HUGE part of the discipline. At least 50% of it should be focused on caring, if note 99%.

    I hope you recover from this SOON, not just physically, but mentally.

    Feel better. Hugs.

    Woah, what a nightmare ! I
    Woah, what a nightmare ! I don't know what to say except vent away and feel better.
    Very Gentle Hugs :)
    Wanda
  • missrenee
    missrenee Member Posts: 2,136 Member

    Like a horror movie...
    I am sorry you had to experience this!! UGH! It sounds horrible! I was just talking to a friend of mine last night, wondering HOW and WHY some people get into the medical field, IF they don't care about people. They can't connect to them emotionally. I think this is SUCH HUGE part of the discipline. At least 50% of it should be focused on caring, if note 99%.

    I hope you recover from this SOON, not just physically, but mentally.

    Feel better. Hugs.

    Makes you wonder why they went into the medical field
    to begin with! So sorry you had to go through all that, JoJo. It's just not right and that shouldn't have happened. Of course, they know that when you're in the operating room, you're so vulnerable and totally at their mercy. You have no friend or family member with you in there. So, they're totally in control.

    But, with your total "JoJo" sense of humor and grace, you managed to wake up today and be greatful. That is a wonderful way to be, JoJo and you're the better person for it.

    Hope your recovery is swift, painless and complete. Relax, don't do too much and let others take care of YOU.

    Hugs, Renee
  • Bella Luna
    Bella Luna Member Posts: 1,578 Member
    Vent Away
    JoJo... how awful. Undergoing surgery is so traumatic, adding medical staff that are insensitive and unprofessional sure doesn't help matters either. Sorry to hear your surgery/post surgery was such an ordeal. I hope you are feeling better now. Try and rest up and let your family do for you as you more than deserve it.

    Hugs and prayers to you.
    Ines
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    KathiM said:

    I'm putting my arms around you, dearheart!
    I am speechless...and that takes alot, as you know!!!

    Hugs, Kathi

    Sounds like a nightmare! I
    Sounds like a nightmare! I am so sorry Jo Jo.


    Hugs,


    Megan
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    aysemari said:

    Yikes JoJo
    It sure sounds like a nightmare! It's not a pleasant feeling to be treated
    like a piece of meat. I have encountered nurses who only see a wrist and
    a vein to be injected with chemo, and seem to overlook the fact that there's
    scared human being somewhere in there but never to the extent you experienced.
    I can only shake my head in total disbelief and tell you that I am glad that's
    behind you.

    Love,
    Ayse

    You did go thru hell! And,
    You did go thru hell! And, this is also very scary! I am glad your surgery is done now and that you can hopefully not have to have anymore.

    Sue :)
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    aysemari said:

    Yikes JoJo
    It sure sounds like a nightmare! It's not a pleasant feeling to be treated
    like a piece of meat. I have encountered nurses who only see a wrist and
    a vein to be injected with chemo, and seem to overlook the fact that there's
    scared human being somewhere in there but never to the extent you experienced.
    I can only shake my head in total disbelief and tell you that I am glad that's
    behind you.

    Love,
    Ayse

    double post

    double post
  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    JoJo, glad that this is behind you
    Now you can look at your beautiful breasts and hopefully no longer feel what it took to get there!
    Unfortunately, you are right, not all medical staff see the patient as more than a number and with cancer and all of the surgeries, we have to encounter more and more of them.
    I can't wait to hear your reaction to your new boob! I know when they finally got mine right (4 surgeries later), I was thrilled! 8 years later they are still perky and look good, with or without a bra!

    Carol
  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598

    Woah, what a nightmare ! I
    Woah, what a nightmare ! I don't know what to say except vent away and feel better.
    Very Gentle Hugs :)
    Wanda

    This was a bad experience to
    This was a bad experience to say the least! Hoping that by venting here, you feel somewhat better mentally. You take care Jo Jo!



    Lex
  • taleena
    taleena Member Posts: 1,612 Member
    JoJo...that sounds awful...
    JoJo...that sounds awful... I do hope that if the hospital calls to "follow up" that you give them a good piece of your mind... having said that, I'm glad your home and it's behind you... I praying and sending positive thoughts for a speedy recovery... (((((BIG HUGS)))) to you ... but gently.

    ~T
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    I am very angry
    Dear JoJo,

    I am very angry at the incompetence of the nursing staff when you went into surgery. I do believe that the hospital should receive a letter from you describing what took place. Where was your doctor at the time all of this was going on. Your doctor also needs to be informed. Send letter to the president of the hospital with a carbon copy to your doctor. Your doctor should also be aware of what you went through when the "newbie" tried to remove the drain tube from your body.

    You can send them a copy of this posting telling them that you posted this on CSN but that you did not identify the hospital nor your doctor.

    Let me know what you decide to to. JoJo, you write very well. If you decide to send them a letter and want some input before it is sent, I would be happy to review it or help you write it.

    Lots of Hugs,
    Janelle
  • ladyg
    ladyg Member Posts: 1,577
    What a nightmare!
    You certainly did go through a lot. I am sure I would be venting too. I am glad we are here for you and hope you feel better soon.

    Hugs,
    Georgia
  • butterflylvr
    butterflylvr Member Posts: 944
    ladyg said:

    What a nightmare!
    You certainly did go through a lot. I am sure I would be venting too. I am glad we are here for you and hope you feel better soon.

    Hugs,
    Georgia

    JoJo, I agree with Janelle.
    JoJo, I agree with Janelle. You need to write a letter to somebody because this kind of professional behavior is unacceptable. Does your hospital ever give you those after procedure surveys? You were lucky you caught their mistake, think of all those people that might not be so lucky after you. Blow the whistle I say...

    Hugs,
    Lorrie
  • laughs_a_lot
    laughs_a_lot Member Posts: 1,368 Member
    Yes confront
    Confrontation improves service. I had to do this with my surgeon's office thought the mistake was of much smaller porportions. It was a clerical error but the surgeon called me at home to straighten out the mess and answer my questions. He was glad to get the imput and happy to know I saw it as a matter that needed correction and not that any heads should roll.
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member

    I am very angry
    Dear JoJo,

    I am very angry at the incompetence of the nursing staff when you went into surgery. I do believe that the hospital should receive a letter from you describing what took place. Where was your doctor at the time all of this was going on. Your doctor also needs to be informed. Send letter to the president of the hospital with a carbon copy to your doctor. Your doctor should also be aware of what you went through when the "newbie" tried to remove the drain tube from your body.

    You can send them a copy of this posting telling them that you posted this on CSN but that you did not identify the hospital nor your doctor.

    Let me know what you decide to to. JoJo, you write very well. If you decide to send them a letter and want some input before it is sent, I would be happy to review it or help you write it.

    Lots of Hugs,
    Janelle

    I am so sorry
    Horrible! You should report these people and tell how you were treated.


    Hugs, Leeza