ok...worst ER story ever. I am soooo angry and upset!!

[tannisc]

Hi guys. First of all, thank you for all your advice. It is so nice to know that there are others who can relate and don't think I am crazy. Thanks for listening.

Ok...here goes...sorry so long. I went to work yesterday, and was in severe pain...worse than it has ever been (like 4x as bad). My vagina was leaking tons of mucus, I actually felt like I was squishing down the hallway..LOL! I got really scared. Everyone at work said I should go to emergency because something was obviously really wrong. So, reluctantly I went. I waited 8 hours to be called out of the waiting room. I was told first by the triage nurse that she didn't believe that I could have had constant pain for almost a year and not know what was wrong. Then, finally after getting in to see the doctor, at hour 10 of waiting, the first thing she said to me was "you have had this for a year, what do you honestly expect me to do and why are you here?" I went over my whole story, including telling her I had tons of mucus and air coming out of my vagina. She said again, well what do expect me to do. You have white cells in your urine, so you should be on an antibiotic (which I am). I mentioned IC as the GYne thought that I had it. I asked her about a cystoscopy. Her response was, "well...well...now aren't we playing doctor". She immediately started getting upset, saying that I was doctor shopping, not listening to any doctor, and was coming across like a crazy person. She then said that my chart was going to get flagged, and no-one would listen to what I had to say so I had to stop switching doctors. She said no doctor in their right mind would give me a cystoscopy. There was no need. She also said she talked to a urologist and they didn't see any need whatsoever to see me either in the hospital or as an outpatient. As for a CT or an MRI, there was no need. There was nothing wrong with me, and there was nothing she could do. She didn't even do blood work. I was there a total of 13 hours for nothing. I also work as a transcriptionist, typing doctor's dictations so I know alot of the terminology. I explained that was why I knew some the terms, it wasn't that I was trying to self-diagnose. She freaked out on me, saying that I only know the words, but that I do not have the education to begin to understand anything medical. She then said that no wonder no doctor is listening to me and that they are all getting p*ssed off at me, if that was the approach I was taking. At this point, I started to cry. I have never felt so low and actually just wanted to die. She yelled at me for crying, and said she was sorry, there was nothing she could do and she couldn't waste any more time on me. She suggested I go back to my family doctor and request a barium enema to rule out a fistula. I will do that. But did she have to be such a b*tch?????? I am so upset now. I feel like giving up. I don't even want to go back to any doctor, because apparently my chart somewhere says that I am a hypochondriac, try to self-diagnose, and am totally crazy. Just thought you would all enjoy a reminder of how screwed up our health care system. Thanks for listening.

Tannis

[poetgirl]

That's a horrible story -- I am so sorry you went through that. If I were you, I'd write a letter to the hospital administrator explaining how poorly you were treated by these medical "professionals." The fact that you are in pain, have an infection, and are leaking unusual amounts of mucus from your vagina seems to indicate to me that something IS wrong. In my experience, some ER docs can be really compassionate and willing to help relieve your distress, while others behave like jerks because of job burnout, inflated egos, etc. Unfortunately that's not much comfort when you're suffering.

You might want to ask your GYN for a referral to a reputable urologist to rule out IC, if that's what you think might be the problem. Or perhaps have your GYN run more tests. Do whatever you need to do and do not stop until you get a correct diagnosis. You are not crazy; you have a medical issue and it needs to be resolved.

:grouphug:

[Betsie]

I agree with Poet Girl...write the letter, or call and ask for the administrator to call you back personally. Make it clear you aren't interested in "relaying why" that it is personal and be strong.

That nurse was sooooooooo out of line, even if she was even close to being accurate, she had no business speaking to you that way...am I to understand she never accessed a DR for you? I am also really confused as to where she came up with the Barium enema theory for a fistula. Did I miss something? I am sure the nurses online here are cringing reading that, it makes a very worthy profession sound bitterly uncaring...don't let one rotten apple spoil it for you. Go to the top and demand better care and an apology.

And definitely seek out a specialist to figure out where your pain is coming from.

[ICLori]

I agree with everyone else - you deserve better care than that and writing a letter would be an excellent idea. I hope you are able to find a better doctor who will find out what is wrong and will help you.

Blessings,
Lori

[icsonja]

I am so sorry about your awful "treatment", it made me cry.
I agree you have to pull yourself together and demand to be taken seriously as a human and a suffering patient.
As for the fistula, I have had them, vescio-vaginal fistulae area hole between the vagina and bladder and they are NOT DX'd by barium, but by an IVP and or a cystoscopy. They have to be repaired, but some can be done by going in vaginally and not abdominally it just depends on where and how big and how experienced the Doctor is.
A simple home test for a vescio-vaginal fistula is to take urelle or some other med that dyes your urine and insert a tampon and drink a lot of water wait a couple of hours , remove the tampon and if it had colored parts on it, you need to call the DR. because the contents of your bladder is leaking into your vagina.
If you think it may be from your bowel plain old charcol tabs and the same tampon test will show that as well.
Just some advice from someone who has been there, and is hoping you don't have a fistula.
Let me know OK?
Sonja

[emilyrose197377]

I am sorry the way you was treated I would write a letter and put in a complaint bout the way your were treated. there is no excuse that was totally uncalled for.

[andcohen]

So sorry, that you had to go through this . :cussing: What a cow, she should not be working in that proffession, she she be working at the local dump ( rubbish tip) with an attitidue like that.
YOu will find someone who understands & cares so just keep fighting on until you are happy with your care.
Wishing you all the luck in the world,
Andrea :grouphug:

[MarthaB]

yes I agree, what a COW, who does she think she is?? degrading people like that, where is the care and compassion doctors are surpose to show, she needs one big attitude adjustment, and a good old kick up the area where the sun don't shine, :cussing:
Martha

[Sarojini]

THAT IS HORRIBLE -- I'm so sorry you were treated like this. I agree with the others, a "nasty" letter is in order here. They need to know what kind of jerky people they have working at that hospital!!!!

[Betsie]

I just realized that I read too fast and went from the triage nurse to the incident. I was thinking a nurse had been very rude and hadn't even passed you on to the Dr.

My mistake... :rolleyes: BUT!!! I feel even more angry...I did have an experience one time that was not anything like that, but involved a bunch of lies...end result, my call to the President of the hospital resulted in letters to the very rude Drs involved, cc'd: to me and my Dr, who not only sent me to the hospital, but was Chief of Medicine, he was not pleased and happy I got in their face.

Anyway, it still is lousy, but I feel bad I was blaming a nurse, when it was an arrogant Dr!

[callie0767]

i am so sorry you were treated so badly.what ever happened to compassionate doctors and nurses but instead we get attitude. i have a bad er experience last october. i was in severe pain and had been for 3 months .the doctor totally dismissed me (although he did give me a shot for pain) but it did nothing becasuse i was alone and driving. he diagnosed me as having a bladder infection which was the third time in three months but wouldn't do any tests to see why i was in so much pain.he was very rude and condescending. i later found out i had three ovarian cysts and in november i found out i had endo by a lap. the nurse was somewhat compassionate .but it was 4 hours in the er at one in the morning and i had to wait almost two hours just be seen. not as long as you but still a very frustrating experience. it ended being a waste of time and money. i hope you feel better soon.

[creatingkarma]

Sorry to hear that you were treated like that & still don't have any answers! I used to have a ton of vaginal discharge. It would just gush out of me like I was peeing my pants. I'm not kidding, I would have to change my clothes! Ever since my hysterectomy, I haven't had any discharge whatsoever. I feel so bad for you! I really hope that you can find a good doctor to give you some answers! Geez! And we here in the US are led to believe that Canada's medical system is soooo great! Well, now I know better. Again, I'm so sorry! Hang in there!

[ICNDonna]

My suggestion is to wait about three days until you are a bit more calm, then write a letter to the hospital administrator, explaining exactly what happened. While I was working at a major hospital, I was aware of an emergency room physician being fired for mistreating patients. It's just not good for a hospital for people to leave with such negative feelings.

I agree that a visit to your gyn might help --- and could easily result in a urologist referral.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[vm]

I agree - write it when you are calm b/c if it sounds over the top they may just believe the doctor, you know? You can still explain how out of line and rude the doctor was - but in an assertive way and not a lashing out way. They'll take you much more seriously if it sounds professional and as objective as is possible --- which I know is hard when you've been treated so poorly and are angry (rightly so!) about it. :kissing:

[Sparky2]

Hi Tannis:

Just another thought: you could have a polyp in your uterus that is causing the mucus. I would check out the fistula possibility as well. That doctor was totally out of line and should be reprimanded. I'm sorry you had such an awful time.

Take care,
Sparky2

[ads]

This doctor could just be an intern or doing their fellowship? I noticed you are in Canada, which may be a little different medical system/rules. Was this inhumane doctor wearing a short or long white coat. If it was a short coat it may a M.D. in training, thus the insecure attitude.

I am so sorry you were treated this way. Your story made me cry. Please don't give up because obviously you have a medical need which must be addressed.

Sending hope and best wishes,
ads

[ihurttoo]

I am crying too. Tears of sympathy, anger, empathy, and frustration. What is wrong with all these doctors! Is some sort of test admistered with the medical board exams that weed out all the compassionate people! I wish I was there to hug you now. :grouphug: I truly believe that there will be a special place in hell for uncompassionate doctors who have the ability to help but refuse to do so. I can only tell you that you must persevere. I know it is hard, but you have to keep "dr shopping" until you find one willing to help you. I realize that a compassionate dr is the holy grail for Ic patients, but they are out there. There are lots of people on these boards who searched for years, but they finally found one. And one is all it takes. I am one of those people. But personally speaking, it took me years, because I just gave up and finally started believing they were all this way. Then when I could stand it no more, I'd get mad and motivated all over again. Anger is a powerful motivator. Anger and pain. But you must remember that pain relief is your right. You are not asking for something special. You are asking for what normal people experiance....a normal, functional, pain-free life. And that is NOT too much to ask! Finally, I strongly urge you to take your most assertive friend or relative with you to your next drs appt. This is very important when no one believes you. It adds an extra layer of credibility. You also need to keep a pain and voiding diary where you describe your pain and the way it has impacted your life. Take this with you to the appt and show the dr. and then make the assumptive close. Assume they are going to help you. Tell him/her ," I know you can see how much pain I am in, and I know that you want to help me. What tests are we going to do and how are you going to control my pain in the meantime?" Then be quiet and say nothing else until they speak. If they are dismissive regarding your pain, have your friend/ family member tell them again how bad you hurt and how non-funtional you are and how it affects your life. Keep repeating this as often as is necessary to get the results you need. If you still get no help, have a differant family member call again when you get home and tell them how bad you are hurting and how worried they are. That they have never seen anyone suffer like this and know it isnt normal. The sqeaky wheel gets the grease, and you MUST squeak!!! Insist on tests and the medications you need to get relief. Keep on bugging them and having your friends and family call until you get the tests and treatment you need. Good luck! You are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need me to call for you, I will, just pm me with your # and I will be pone of your concerned friends, b/c I am. Wishing you the best, ---Amy P.S. Dont worry about being flagged a hypochondriac. It was put on my charts by an uninformed and uncaring dr a while back. My current dr told me I'd be surprised how many women he has treated that arrive with that on their charts, but that knowledgable drs know that it is just an easy out for other drs, something to say instead of saying,"I am not smart enough or caring enough to figure this out" If you read my signiture you will see what I have been d/xed with now. But I went for years heaing that from multiple drs who never bothered to do the hydro/cysto, PST, laproscopic sugery or even the simple blood test it took to find out I have an auto-immune disease. But I'll tell you this, as soon as I got my test results back with my proof, I sent copies to each and every one of them and told them exactly what I thought of them. I also sent copies of their hypochondriac notes and my test results to the local medical board, the AMA, and to their medical specialty boards, plus the admistrators of the clinics and hopsitals where they "practice". I also told them that I now understood why they call what they do "practicing medicine". B/c obviuously they lacked the skills of a professional. When you get your tests and finallly get your diagnoses, I hope you will do the same. It was cathartic for me. It gives me pleasure even now when I think of it.

[ads]

The interesting things about doctors is it takes a damn good one to say, "I don't know" and few of them will say it. Some of the greatest doctors I have been to, say those words "I dont' know" because they are intelligent and secure enought to do so. They then proceed to work on your medical case and try and find a treatment or solution. These doctors are few and far between because a majority have had poor training/education, their egos block them and their pocket books lead their actions. There is also the cold hard fact that many just do not care.

One can try and work some of them, but traveling even if it meant getting on a plane to obtain good healthcare was worth it to me.

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[icnmgrjill]

Unfortunately, you are not alone BUT you have a strong group of informed patients right here who are sending you strength, encouragement and support.

I'm outraged as well.... how could anyone explain mucus dripping out of your urine in that way. It sounds like it could be a massive yeast infection and I would get yourself to an OBGYN immediately. When you call to make the appointment, make sure you say you were at the ER... so that they get you in quickly.

Also.... I think you should complain about how dehumanizing a visit it was. I once had a horrible visit to an XRAY department where I was ridiculed, dehumanized and accidently given a hydrodistention without any anesthesia. i walked out of that appointment a physical and emotional wreck. But, I had my revenge.

I received an evaluation a few days later.... and reamed the hell out of the doctor who did the test... about how humiliating it was, how unskilled she was at catheterization (I had to show her how to use the lidocaine instill), how they disobeyed the direct instructions of my urologist by overfilling my bladder... it goes on and on.

Anyway, I said that I had never felt more minimized and insulted as I was during that procedure and received a phone call from the administrator of the hospital apologizing profusely AND the b$#@# was reprimanded.

You are entitled to dignity. You are entitled to respect. You are entitled to ask for help if you are scared. You did not deserve this. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease... be respectful but also be firm. No urology patient should be treated the way that you were treated in that ER.

Jill :)

[SusieQ045]

i am so sorry about the way that you were treated, i had that happen to me i wrote the hospitals director, the head doc in the ER. And anyone else i could find to tell them about my horrible experience, just hang in there it gets better. if you need to talk pm me.

[icsonja]

Just one little note Tannisc, this happens to all of us at some time I think, even those os us who have "been around the block" with many ,many medical procedures and hopital visits etc, it can still happen to us, it happened to me just a few months ago after getting some defective pain patches and ending up in the ER, I was overdosed, not by my own hand, but due to a defective product, but that didn't stop the very young and stupid "DR" treating me like I was a off the street junkie overdose, he was rude and verbally abusive to me and my husband and my mother (who is 66) PLUS he didnt have a clue about what IC was, nor did he look at my medical information card which lists my allergies to medications and what I was currently taking. Plus he gave me Narcan without telling me what it was, and we asked what they were fixing to put in my IV, since I do have severe allergies to medications, but we were told it was something to settle my stomache, bullhockey!!! It was narcan and it about killed me!
And after I was able to speak again ( about 4 hours of constant vomiting) I confronted the "dr" about what he had done. I was very upset at being given a very seriuos drug and being lied to about it.
He said my anger was a "side effect" of overdosing!!!!
He told my husband he didnt need to see my medical alert card, he knew what was wrong with me, and that I should see my urologist for some antibiotics for my IC (he could not even pronounce Interstitial Cystitis). I refused to sign the check out sheet that had his instuctions on it, he then told my husband "she really needs help with her drug issues) I had to pull my hubby out of the room so He didnt get arrested for assault!!
I did write a letter (4 actually) I made a report to the interns superior and my family went to the Hospital Board meeting and spoke up for me. (I was unable to go due to surgery).
The end result was a letter of apology from the hospital which I returned with a note that the apology is to be from the "DR" unless they want me to contact my attorney about medical assault. He wrote one and I bet it just burned his arrogant butt too.
I hope he was embarrassed and humiliated, the same feeling he put on me that night.
I have posted his name on a local online list of bad Doctors. I am hoping he wont EVER forget who and how he treated that night.
So see I have been dealing with Doctors for 8 years for IC and it still happens, we still get bad treatment and it still upsets me. No one is strong enough NOT to feel angry, hurt, and depressed about what you went thru. It is the after part, the mad, indignant, righteous anger that will spur you on. But , no we cant allow medical professioanls to continue to treat us as if we are crazy, drug seeking hypochondriacs, it is up to US to speak up.
So if you want send me the hospital name and emai addy and I will email a protest of your treatment along with a lesson in IC.!!
Sonja

[tannisc]

Thank you all so much for your wonderful support!!!! You have been my only lifeline right now. You are a wonderful group of people. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. As for an update, sorry I have not responded sooner. I actually had a really bad reaction to the stupid antibiotics that I have been on for weeks that haven't been working at all. I first broke out in a rash on my arms and legs. I called the Gyne and he took me off the pills. Then, I ended up vomiting and had severe diarrhea for 5 days. I went to see my family doctor who said that instead of waiting for two weeks to see the GYne again and then try another antibiotic, that we should try another one and then see what the next step would be. I was ok with this because at least it would speed it up a little. Unfortunately, I guess it was the antibiotics that were making me sick. I have an antibiotic-induced colitis with severe diarrhea because the antibiotics strip your colon of good bacteria and leave the bad stuff. I have been pretty sick, so today my doctor took me off all antibiotics for two weeks, and then I have to go back to see the Gyne for another type of drug. I am a little frustrated by this, but will force the issue with the Gyne that my body cannot handle any more drugs. I won't take any more antibiotics until they can prove to me by a urine culture what exactly is wrong with me and what drug I need to take. As for my symptoms, still going strong. My pain is really bad, but we are on hold again for 2 weeks until I see the Gyne. I am hanging in there..or at least trying to.

As for complaining about the horrible doctor, I think I might write a letter I agree that I need to calm down a little bit, and would like to even wait to see what is wrong with me, then I can go back and say that I am not crazy...and should not have been treated like that. Thank you so much for all your offers of support. They mean so much. I may take you up on some of them. I will see what the Gyne says in 2 weeks, and then I will need to take some action. One good thing is that my family doctor asked if he booked a cystoscopy yet. I said no. Maybe she would be willing to send me for one or to someone else who would do so, as obviously she thinks this would be the next step. Thanks again. I don't know how to say thanks, but thank you for helping me get through one of my darkest hours

Love,

Tannis

[icsonja]

YOu are welcome, I hope I was of a little comfort.
Have you tried some yougurt for your diarrhea? I use it when I take them they put good bacteria back into your interstinal tract.
And you are so right , these wonderful friends have always been my support thru thick and thin even when some knew I was probably going to be dissappionted by some of my choices, they stood by me and have been there to wipe my tears and calm my anger. I too would be lost without this support. God bless em' all!
Thinking of you and happy to have new friend,
Sonja

[Romans8:28]

I did not see this post till today! Hope you are feeling better now! I am so sorry for all you have been through. You have been given plenty of excellent advice on how to deal with that doctor, and can only encourage you to follow it since it may prevent them from treating someone else that way!!!
hope you get the help you need soon! :grouphug:

[tannisc]

Thank you all again so much for your wonderful advice. It makes me so sad to hear that there are so many horrible doctors out there who just don't care. I am definitely going to be writing a letter to the hospital. I really want to ensure that I have that diagnosis first though, so that I don't just sound like a lunatic. I want to be able to say that they were wrong..my family doctors previously were all wrong...and that I have not been given appropriate medical care and would like an apology. I am going to the Gyne and my family doctor monday. I am beyond frustrated with the Gyne right now, so this appointment will likely be a complete waste of time. He truly does not believe me when I say that I have air coming out, have bubbles in my urine, have severe pain which is getting worse every day, and I can't take it anymore. He said that he doesn't think I have a fistula and won't do any testing. He also won't do a cystoscopy or any testing at this point. The only reason I am going back to him is to see what he is willing to do for me. My only hope now is my family doctor. My husband is coming with me to this appointment. I really hope that she will be willing to send me for a test such as a CT scan for a fistula. She wasn't willing to do this before, but maybe she would be now. Also, I am going to ask to see a urologist who can do a cystoscopy as clearly the Gyne will not even consider it. My appointment is on monday. I will let you all know how it goes. Thanks again for the support.

Tannis

[marsi4]

Hi Tannisc,

I,ve had similar experiences with doctors instead. There are always deplorable people in any profession and setting, who lack compassion, respect, and human decency. I know how crushed and hurt you were and please don't think for a moment that this was your fault in any way. You should write a formal letter of complaint and go back to the er and if she happens to be there again and happens to be ypur triage nurse ask if you can be seen by another nurse and explain why to the co-ordinator or any doctor you have access to. She did not have the right to deny you the right to be seen by a doctor. It's the first time a hear of that happening. When you go to the er it is common practice or hospital regulation to be seen by a doctor. She doesn't have the right to criticize you and deny you any procedures or to be seen by a doctor. Her job is to take down information pertaining to your health concern and hand it over to the doctor whose duty is to see you and do certain tests on the spot or refer you to the appropriate doctor to be tested. She deserves to lose her job. Having said that, I have aways had problems with yeast in the last few months I'm also having mucusal discharges. It happens almost every time I pee there's mucus just hanging from my vaginal area and in my clitoris. It's the second time I've taken Diflucan for two weeks every other day and I continue to have yeast. I will go and see my gyno again and let him know. Some people here have made some very good suggestions about the possibility of a fistula or polyps. I do have a polyp in my uterus as someone suggested so please you deserve to have proper testing done, it's your health and life. Please keep us posted and let us know what doctor say or find.

Marsi4 :grouphug: