What kind of pt am I?

Specialties Emergency

Published

I'm interested 2 know, what kind of pt am I? I am former RN who has been on disability the past 5 yrs & wanted some ER RN's opinions b/c of the recent treatment I've r'd @ my local ER. At 16, I had a pit gland tumor removed causing panhypopit & addison's. I have been on steriods for 20 yrs now. Due to my steriods, I have osteonecrosis (AVN) in all 4 major joints (hips/shoulders @ 36y.o). I've already had 1 hip replacement & now need 3 more joints replaced. Obviously, I am now a chronic pain pt on heavy narc's. My PCP & endo have both said that b/c of my Addison's, the pain could put me into an addison's crisis, & kill me if untreated. I've had one crisis b/f & nearly died. B/f I had a pain mangmt doc, I had multiple visits 2 the ER, but now I haven't been back in 2 yrs. I have multi MRI's, CT's, etc that clearly document my AVN. Sometimes, the ER treats me with great compassion & even admit me overnight, while others, have sent me home crying & ashamed of my pain & dependence to narc's. So, if I came 2 your ER, how would you treat me? Like a drug seeker or like a true pt? & b/c of my Addison's & AVN, does that make everyting different in the eyes of a ER MD/RN?

Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Sometimes ED staff are put off when persons with chronic pain exacerbations know specifically that IV Dilaudid (for instance) will help, they believe it to be evidence that the person is drug seeking rather than in need of symptom control.

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Sometimes ED staff are put off when persons with chronic pain exacerbations know specifically that IV Dilaudid (for instance) will help, they believe it to be evidence that the person is drug seeking rather than in need of symptom control.

In my opinion, this is a gross oversimplification. While it may be true of some ED staff, it's a bit more sophisticated than that.

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Specializes in ER/ MEDICAL ICU / CCU/OB-GYN /CORRECTION.

Have thought of carrying a letter with you from both your primary care and endocrinologist with your relevant medical history and need for relief of the pain you have ? It may help put off any prejudice you find (as illegal as it is for folks to treat you as such.

I am sorry your having such a rough go at it in life - sincerely

Marc

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Have thought of carrying a letter with you from both your primary care and endocrinologist with your relevant medical history and need for relief of the pain you have ? It may help put off any prejudice you find (as illegal as it is for folks to treat you as such.

I am sorry your having such a rough go at it in life - sincerely

Marc

Brilliant!

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Specializes in CVICU,ED,ICU,Nursing Supervisor.
You are the kind of patient that would post a question about pain control on an emergency nurses' site. Speaks volumes.

Exactly what I was thinking.

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I am an ER nurse and I treat all my pts the way I wanted to be treated.

Even the frequent flyers who come in 3 X a week for the SAME thing.

My only request is that you be respectful. I understand you are in pain, but I have to assess you and ask certain questions because it gives me a bigger picture. Do NOT get smart, do heavy signing, or be a jerk. And do NOT curse at me! That is a sure way to be put at the bottom of the priority list.

And please leave the drama out of it. Do NOT come out of your room and make a big scene at the nursing station. You will be offered the AMA form with the quickness.

The bottom line is I will treat you like I want to be treated. But don't try to mistake my kindness for weakness. A little respect can go a long way.

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
In my opinion, this is a gross oversimplification. While it may be true of some ED staff, it's a bit more sophisticated than that.

Everyone has an opinion and you are entitled to yours. Sometimes it is clearly more sophisticated..sometimes it is clearly NOT and is a pure and simple case of yet another nurse who really does not understand the nuances of good pain control. Most often it is a combination of barriers that cause persons with acute exacerbations of chronic pain to be inadequately treated in our EDs.

Trust me, there are many posts from ER nurses on this site who liberally equate a patient's extensive knowledge of opiates with drug seeking behavior.

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Everyone has an opinion and you are entitled to yours..

Yup, exactly why I wrote "In my opinion". :coollook:

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