Recent Patient Experience

[JustaPatient585]

A couple of months ago I was doing a research on a surgical procedure (Total Colectomy), basically to know what to expect, before I had it done. Members of this group were very helpful in helping me know, beyond what a doctor or a medical textbook could tell me.

It's been 5 weeks past my surgery, which had it's share of complications like trouble keeping blood oxygen levels above mid 60s without supplemental oxygen, parallytic ileus, and an extended surgery time of 8 hrs). As it turned out, instead of 3-5 days, I was there 12 days.

All in all, I feel pretty good, and am back to work. I was at a teaching hospital and there were plenty of people assigned to me on any given shift (although it was sometimes confusing, because some were 10hr, 12hr and 8hr shifts). Usually an RN, RN student, and a couple of nurse techs. I would encourage anyone reading this to make sure they communicate with each other. I know thats supposed to happen during report and charting practices, but it sure didn't with me. There was confusion over things from whether I could have anything by mouth, to what the latest on my pain meds were and their timing, etc. I was kind of "out of it" and couldn't advocate for myself. If my wife was there, she helped keep things straight, but if she wasn't, I would have been pretty uncomfortable and vulnerable. At one point, on the second day after surgery, I was asked if I was ready to get washed up and a basin was filled with warm water,2 washcloths, soap, and she just left. On the surface that may not sound so bad, but I was still very weak and considering the help I needed just to get into a position to get cleaned up, it should have been obvious.

Please don't misunderstand, I know you have a difficult if not sometimes impossible job. I just figured this would be a good place to put a reminder out there for nurses or students that are in similar situations.

I really am thankful for the profession you've chosen, and how critical you are to getting people better.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

JP585

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

All in all, I feel pretty good, and am back to work.

I am pleased to know that you have recuperated after having undergone a somewhat radical surgical procedure. While your hospital stay might not have epitomized perfection, I still think that you have plenty to be thankful for. You're alive and well enough to share your experiences as a patient with the rest of us. :)

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

I am a studentnurse - Thank you...

[Mell Bell]

I am a nursing student, and I love hearing patient experiences (good and not so good). Thank you, and I am happy to hear that you are doing well!

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

I had the same surgery and I totally understand. Well, I first had a hemicolectomy, then later had the rest of my colon removed. The first surgery...my experience was horrible. The nightshift nurse was mean to me. She didnt know how to flush my IV that was occluded and I wasnt getting ANY pain medication. I tried to tell her, but that only made her mad. I finally had to call for the supervisor to come and flush my IV. I was in so much post-surgical pain and my IV site was beginning to hurt. She wouldnt listen to me when I told her that she needed to dilute the phenergan and she pushed full-strengh phenergan into my IV, it set my arm on fire and made me sick to my stomach from the pain. She knew I was a nurse, which made things worse, I guess she felt I was trying to tell her how to do her job. I was only trying to take up for myself.

The second surgery, my visit was wonderful. They treated me with kindness and compassion. I was very lucky to have such wonderful nurses and aides to care for me. I didnt want them to know I was a nurse, but somehow they knew, probably from my A-sheet in my chart.

Yes its good to live through such a procedure, but I do think that patients need to be treated with dignity and assisted with ADL's until they are able to do it themself. On my second post-op day, I had to take a shower. The nurse took me to the shower room and left me. I had a very hard time doing it, but there was a shower chair in there so I could sit. But I was so so so weak, I truely did need some assistance. At one point I was so weak I almost fell in the shower. I do think however, that nurses are so busy due to short staffing, they try their best to do everything in what little time they have. I dont think they realized I needed help. I didnt even realize it until after I was in the shower.

Then later, I encountered complications, my doc wouldnt listen to me. My infection became very serious, which could have been avoided if the MD had listened to me.

I am glad you recovered. I am glad you came on here and told your story. Sometimes we, as nurses, need to be reminded to slow down and pay attention.