It still is up to us Dan to be our own advocate in our care. I had to go via ambulance as I was very ill. I insured about an egg crate mattress, booties, skin care etc. It's that we know our bodies best and explaining sometimes for the 50th time when you feel like Death is breathing on your shoulder is physically and mentally draining. If you're ill and need medical assistance, of course, you should go to the doctor. Be prepared. Have the plastic coated AD card. Ensure your primary dr. or a general intern in your area knows YOU. I am grateful to be home but still the effects of the stay are with me.
_____ From: Dan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 3:44 PM To: Quad List Subject: Re: [QUAD-L] Hospitals and Quads Okay, enough already! I know we all have had bad experiences with hospitals, but you're all starting to sound like they are death camps. There are many of us that don't have a close relative to stay with us in a hospital - myself being one. And frankly, you are scaring the shit out of me. Being in the hospital for many people is not a pleasant experience but you have to do what you have to do. I always have a typed list of: my medical history, surgical history, current meds regimen, and prescriptions I am allergic to and those I'm not allergic to. This is given to them upon registration. So I feel at least they are aware of the basics. Please give those of us - and I can't be the only one - who will be entering the fray alone some hope, encouragement and peace of mind. Dan At 05:39 PM 3/16/2008 -0700, Lori Michaelson said something that elicited my response: I have ALWAYS had a family member (mostly my significant other or my husband) present during any hospital procedure or stay. Because they simply do not have a clue about spinal cord injuries. In fact, it's pretty scary how much they don't have a clue about anything! A very high percentage of folks die in hospitals because of negligence or malpractice that gets swept under the carpet. They explain it away somehow and there is nothing one can do after the damage is done especially if it is death. Lori Michaelson Age - 43 C4/5 complete quad, 28 years post Tucson, AZ -------Original Message------- From: Merrill Burghardt <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: 3/16/2008 5:02:17 PM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Hospitals and Quads Are you suggesting to have caregiver present at a procedure? In scrubs? Merrill _____ From: RONALD L PRACHT [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 4:51 PM To: quad-list@eskimo.com Subject: [QUAD-L] Hospitals and Quads Anytime a quad gets any procedure done at the hospital I think it is wise to have someone there as your backup. Someone that knows your disability and the in and outs. Many of these people at the hospital have no clue about spinal injuries and have a deaf ear when you explain anything. When your life is at stake you cant be to careful. ron c7
