Being a patient-view from the other side

[Sonjailana]

So I'm sitting here waiting at 4am for my Lortab elixir to kick in and I thought I'd share my experience as a patient today--

First, I'm an RN in Med/Surg/Onc/Tele with 2 years experience. I take care of post ops everyday, but I was still very scared going to OR as I've never had anything done myself. I went and signed in, and the clerk was helpful as I was in the wrong section (of our big hospital). My mom and I were walked down to the right room, and I was all checked in. Then they brought me back alone, weighed me, and did a pregnancy test, asked me the most embarrassing questions alone, got me in a gown, and THEN brought my mom back. I was impressed at the considerate behavior.

After the usual pre-op screens, pepcid, decadron, and versed IV, I was in the OR. The staff was jovial and I was under. The next thing I remember was being in PACU. I couldn't talk at all. Mind you, this was a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. I was in excruciating pain and I started bawling. Nurse :WHY ARE YOU CRYING??? Then, my anesthesiologist apparently heard my commotion and backed me up and asked the nurse what was going on.

So, in my post op brilliancy I remembered that I could make non verbal signs of pain. I squeezed my eyes shut, clenched my fists, curled my toes, and furrowed my brows. Then I started heaving and the RN says "SONJAILANA, SIT DOWN." OMG!! Should I lay down to vomit so it can go in my lungs?? Finally she gave me 1.5 mg of dilaudid and 12.5mg of phenergan. My pressure was 140/80 and I usually run 110/60. I was disappointed with my RN because I always expected a PACU RN to be assessing my pain level and actually ask me what it is, instead of assume that for a small procedure it was nothing. I had to ask for an ice collar, ask for ice chips, and a tonsil tip (haha) suction for all my drool. I think I must have finally gotten the drugs, because my nurse was nowhere to be found, and I kept waking up to myself desatting into the mid 80's, with no nasal cannula to be found ( I would have put it back on if I could have). Whenever I get report from PACU nurses, they're right there with the patient, but I can only guess where my nurse went to do it.

Next, I went to Short Stay. The nurse immediately asked if I was pain. Again, the bawling started and I was looking for my mom. I kept trying to talk but I couldn't. She explained that I had local anesthesia, intubation, and general, and even at 24, still had adenoids that had to come out. She explained that the coordination of my throat muscles would be poor for several hours, and that's why I couldn't talk. Next time I opened my eyes, my mom was at my side and morphine was going in my IV. Next set of vitals, sherbet and reassurance. I was much more pleased and then she started me on po meds with a popsicle. Someone was there holding my arm when I needed to use the restroom and guiding me when I was so dizzy. Even better, I wasn't pushed out the door. My RN suggested I take a nap to see if it would help some of my nausea and fogginess wear off.

I went home and felt pretty good and pushed the limit on full liquids. Around 10pm the decadron seemed to be wearing off my uvula is the size of a small finger. The pain is intense, but I'm waking every 4 hours to take my lortab elixir, drink some water, and change my ice bag and humidifier. All things considered I'm happy with my experience at my own hospital..and I'll remember that pain is what the patient says it is! :heartbeat

[nursel56]

Thanks for sharing your experience as a patient, soniailana. When I was in the hospital with severe asthma, I too took mental note of the details of my experience- I realized just exactly how much simple comfort measures, a reassuring voice willing to listen, and prompt attention to changes in status make all the difference in the world!

One thing I remember very vividly, since I had 2 ER admissions a week apart, how a simple thing like starting an IV vary so widely between nurses. Both nurses got the job done, but Nurse A was quick, smooth and had all her stuff at her fingertips, Nurse B had crumpled soiled gauze scattered around, was rough and had an air of impatience. Little thing, right? To me, it mattered.

I know adult tonsillectomies have a rougher go- I hope you feel 100% soon! Best wishes. :)

[DogWmn]

Good story Sonjailana and I hope you feel better soon. Being on the other side of the bedpan can be a real eye opener, I've had more than my fair share of that and it has certainly made me a more compasionate nurse.

[fiveofpeep]

Im sorry you had such a terrible experience in the PACU. It must have been frustrating to not be able to verbalize your pain and concerns and have someone not assess them either.

I had a tonsillectomy in high school and I remember, that the pain was horrendous! She should also have been more attentive to you considering the potential for airway compromise.

I hope you have a speedy recovery :)