Should I write letter?

[zumalong]

I have a question I would like to throw out there in nursing cyberspace. I have had to have multiple surgeries over the last 2 1/2 years. The surgeon was one that I have known for about 16 years. I worked with him and his whole practice on the floor. After this last surgery (Sept.), I developed complications, I returned and explained that something was wrong. The problem became much worse--I went in to see him because my abd went from 35" to 46" in a matter of a few weeks. He blew me off and said it was stretching (I had ventral hernia repair)

I contacted office several days later because it was hurting and he made appt for 1 mo later. I probably could of continued to call and insist that he see me--but this symptom has been reason for the last 4 surgeries and I finally decided to seek second opinion.

Long story short (as I can make it) the other surgeon had me in OR with in days and found about 1500cc fluid and huge hemotoma in abd. Now I don't believe in suing or anything like that--but I would like to write this first surgeon and let him know outcome and my disappointment in how I was treated. Mostly so that maybe he will think twice the next time a patient tries to tell him something. Am I wasting my breath? Personally he is a really nice guy and I used to respect his opinion with his patients.

[ZootRN]

You should see a lawyer. He would write a much nicer letter on your behalf.

[Batman24]

Maybe you should contact a lawyer not just for help with the letter, but also to recoup money from the surgery, time off work, pain and suffering, etc. You should have been seen. As the receptionsit made him aware there really is no excuse for this to have happened. You are a nurse with medical knowledge so imagine how much worse this could have been for a lay person who just accepted this at will and continued to get worse. That's a scary thought. He needs to be made aware at once. I also thought letting the licensing board know was a good idea. Nice or not he treated you incompetently. Sorry for your pain.

[zumalong]

Well now to add insult to injury--I have pseudomonas growing in the fluid that is draining from my JP. I am probably going to be admitted for IV abx tomarrow--depending on the sensitivity report due in AM. After last surgery I did have Pseudomonas in wound but a culture was never sent--he treated with betadine--don;t know if this infection is latent from wound or if it occurred during last surgery. I just want this over with. I am very close to contacting lawyer as DH has no more vacation time left. This sucks. I would much rather be the nurse than the patient.

[edgwow]

Dear Zumalong,

Thanks for the updates. IV antibiotics should help. The lawyer is on your side trying to get what you deserve in pain and suffering. Defintely reconsider the malpractice suit. Best regards to you.

[Ginger35]

I think it is in your best interest and for the future patient's best interest to seek an attorney to make the appropriate contacts.

I do understand that even the surgeons who *think* they are God are human too. However, he should have paid more attention to your complaints considering that you are from a health care profession.

If you write the letter yourself you risk not only the surgeon just blowing off the situation, but losing the case in and of itself if the words in the letter can get twisted around the wrong way.

Also, I think that it is important to have this surgeon's practices put on the "radar" with administration as to the risks vs benefits of having him around.

If what your/my impressions of this is true - "delays" in treatment is not a standard of care. Just my 2 cents.

I hope that this infection clears up soon.

Sy,

Ginger

[Sheri257]

All of this is very interesting to me because ... I don't trust any surgeon. I've actually litigated four cases in court (not malpractice) but, I've been in court enough to know I really didn't feel like getting myself into a position where I would have to go to court again.

I had to have knee surgery and I had an HMO referral to some surgeon that I didn't know anything about. The guy seemed nice enough but, that didn't mean he would be good.

So ... I figured ... I was a nursing student and I should check him out. All of my teachers had years of experience with all of the local doctors so ... I asked them about this guy. Turns out, he was great with things like hands but not knees.

But I didn't just rely upon one teacher/nurse ... I asked every nurse I knew. They all said the same thing and recommended one surgeon who was really good. I eventually changed my primary HMO doctor so I could get referred to this guy.

Boy ... I'm glad I did. I guess what I'm saying is ... we're in the business and nurses usually know who's better (or not) than anyone so .... it definitely pays to do some homework.

Not that it's a guarantee, of course, but ... I think it helps.

:typing