kimmek Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I cannot begin to tell you how mad I am right now at a doctor. Mom is in the hospital for extreme back pain and SOB. She was admitted Thursday evening by a "hospitalist" (i will give the defination later) We expected to not really find anything out until Monday, but did expect to see some sort of doctor. Well boy did we get that. Another hospitalist, who works for the pulmo group mom goes too. He says he saw Mom yesterday, she says she has never before in her live seen him, but she's been on some heavy duty drugs. Anyway speaking of the back pain to him, he kinda stops and looks at her as say "well, what do you expect? You are a dying woman!" then went on to say that the pain was being caused from the cancer. WHAT CANCER?? the last we knew she was NED. At that point I told him it was time for him to get out of the room, and he kept on insisting that Mom was eaten up with cancer more or less. I asked him if he had seen any of the recent CT scans and he had not.(i know now, he had read one paragraph, or maybe even one sentence).3 times he went to nurses station to look at chart, on 3rd trip he brought it back with him. I mean we are there thinking the pain is from a new compression fracture, and he told us, no, its from cancer. Upon actually reading the report he comes back to say Oh there is a new compression fracture, that could maybe be causing the pain. Ya'll we were all 3 yealling, it was horrible the things he said to my mother. I finally I to yell "stop it!" so he would shut up and quit argung with my mom who is at this point shaking uncontrollably and crying. Just having been told she is dying of cancer. I then tell him that if indeed this is true then why the **** is her onc not here??? Thats who should be telling her this news. He has at this point returned with th chart to show me were he is seeing the cancer and He comes back with a new attitude completly and could not say enough I'm Sorry's, everyone makes mistakes, etc.....kissing but pretty much. I have never in my life even imagined that this could happen. Luckily after we went to the nurses station the first time and nurse's aide came in a sat down, and even luckier, she is a personal friend. So now we have a wintess too, but im thinking everyone on the floor heard us. This is the paragraph/sentence he read to make his dx, Dated May,2005 Moms last hospital stay for SOB the first paragraph is a very limited general history bio, it starts Unresctable, non -small cell Squamous Cell Carsinoma, then about her treatment. He is literally arguing with us that this was NEW cancer. He did not get it that it was her history and if he would get her ENTIRE record he would see she has been NED for almost 1 yr. But he took that one sentence from a previous date to diagmose her today. Yeah, the doctors read charts! I have in no way even come close to telling this story right, there just are not words to put it down to convey to you guys how horid this man was. Plus i messed up somewhere and ended up with a paragraph at the end, that should be in the middle, so I hope it even makes sense!! And then how nice he became when he realized his mistake. The longer i sit here the madder i get, this pulmo group has got to go, I am going to take my mom to Dallas or Houston to a real pulmo doc, so anyone who knows of someone in those areas let me know. They have jeopordized my mother health from the get go, 3 yrs ago when they found the spot on a ct scan and felt it was OK to keep it a secret and just "watch" it. Then last week being told that she was not "acute", and she was wasting the doctors time... and now this. Hospitalist = doctors who i guess are to busy to see patients in the hospital, hire out these doctors who only work hospital admits for the doctor. SOme are only weekend doctors, some handle all patients everyday. Found out mom's GP will no longer come to the hospital to see patients, as he pays a "hospitalist" to see them and reports back to him. So thats is what we have had for doctors since Thursday. The doc who admitted her and is her "new" hospital GP. and the one for the pulmno group. I am so glad tomorrow is Monday, I just hope all her real doctors are not gone for Columbus day or something. Thanks for letting me vent!!!!! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitkathi Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Oh my gosh.........that man needs to be fired. I would seriously consider legal action against him. Even if your mom was dying and was full of cancer, he had no right to treat her that way. I just can't imagine. I am so sorry that your family had to witness that persons lack of intelligence or manners. Kathi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorja Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Hi Kimme, I just recently told someone else on this board about my experiences with my dad in the hospital way back in March. This is how it went....my dad was admitted because he was having SOB in our small hospital (no cancer centre in this hospital), and the doctor who admitted my dad looked at him and my mom (I wasn't there) and said, "why are you here?" basically he was saying well, he's got cancer, there is nothing to do about it! I WAS SOOO P***** OFF! My mom was almost in tears and my dad was white as a ghost! I can't believe some doctors who are supposed to be in the helping professtion. I am sooo sorry you and your mom had to go through that. Just know that you came to the right place to vent!!! love, jorja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Oh, Kim, I am so very sorry that you and your mom had to go through such a terrible experience. I hope you plan on reporting this person to your moms oncologist when you see him on Monday. People that behave like this should not be allowed to work around anyone that is ill, much less a cancer patient. I hope your mom has been able to calm her nerves from this. I'll bet your were ready to knock this guy on his butt and send him flying down the hall. Well, I hope Monday is better and that this person is smart enough to never show his face again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted October 10, 2005 Author Share Posted October 10, 2005 I would and I have already thought about what could legally be done about this. This could seriously effect someone's frame of mind. I cannot imagine what it would feel like to be told off the wall your dying of cancer.(even though she does have cancer, she is not anywhere close to dying form it). But what could be done? A write up in his personel file? I know he is a new doctor because the nurse had already told me this when explaining the hospitalist thing. I am getting ready to put it all down on paper calmly as best I can, so I don't forget. Thanks as always for your wonderful support! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I am so sickend by what I've read here. I've been sick since last night with what I know to be bad shellfish. I am better this evening, but I really did consider going to the ER earlier today, because I was so sick, and I was very short of breath. (Vommitting with dry heaves a month after thoracic surgery and a botched biopsy that has left my only lung and pleura scarred and unable to move air as well as I did before surgery, plus my stomach a mess anyway.)While all the being sick stuff was going on I had to move the Oxygen up a few clicks (I have my own Pulse Oximeter, so I used that as a gage to keep sats above 90.) I don't have any cancer in my body right now (that we know of.). And my increased shortness of breath is real. Those of us who have Lung Cancer...even late stage Lung Cancer...deserve to have our medical problems treated and our symptoms investigated to determine what the real cause of the symptoms is. I'd be writing a letter to the Director of that facility (registered mail) and the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance ASAP. I am so sorry. You know guys, when the folks with AIDS were first starting out they couldn't get anyone to treat them appropriately, either, until they began to garner legal clout behind them. What a sad commentary this is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 We are saddened and appalled and angry. Kim, We are so sorry, please tell your folks that we care and send all possible support. Love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Oh how absolutely horrible. You should be able to file a complaint with the State Licensing Board or something. Is there a patient advocate at the hospital? I hope you find a decent doctor. Your poor mom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Dear Kim, What a horrible thing for you and you're Mom to have to go through at the hands of a suppose to be professional. Please sit quietly and and write this all down while it is fresh in you're memory and seek to put this man in his place. Maybe that would be a golf course but certainly not a hospital! I also hope you're Mom has recovered from such treatment and the stress of it all. My prayers are with you both. God Bless, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceking Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Sick. I think sometimes docs don't think there's a person attached to the case. They can just dispense statistics etc. without thinking of the emotional repercussions on the patient and the family. My father died of liver cancer, but had emphesema as well, and I remember when he got a letter ( of all impersonal things) from his insurance co. stating that he had "terminal" liver cancer. My mom freaked, but my dad wisely said "well., we're all terminal. I'm not going anywhere." He didn't let it stop his fight. Be strong, and contact that doc's superior. He, or she, needs to know that they could be effecting patients' morale etc. by their callous and imprecise way of reviewing charts. So sorry to hear you're going through this pain on top of having an ill parent Debbi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 my knuckles are white! I want to strangle him. How rude, Kim! All of you were traumatized. Yes. This must be reported. Hospital Administrator, chief of staff, Medical Board of Examiners. He needs a slap! This should not happen to anyone and I am so sorry it happened to your Mom and you. I am so glad that she had you there to help her. I cannot imagine having to endure that abuse alone. I am mad. Mad mad mad. madder'n mad. (by the way, I have had a few good hospitalists in my day. One was extraordinarily gentle and kind when she admitted me for lung cancer work-up. Your guy is just a bad hospitalist.) ohhhhhh! I am still mad! Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ma's kid Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 OMG! So sorry, Kim... Write a letter to the Administration Department of the hospital and make it to the attention of the CEO and advise them just how unhappy your entire family is with the care your mom received at their hospital. I would then file a formal complaint with your state's licensing board for physicians. The treatment your mom received and this doc's attitude is unforgivable and ridiculous and a thousand other unpleasant adjectives!!!!! The guy is a jerk and shouldn't be anywhere near patients. Hugs, Libby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Kim I didn't think a doctor could be so stupid and lacking of common courtesy when dealing with a patient. He must be young. I hope you have the energy and time to document everything and report it. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SDianneB Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Oh, man. I've been so fortunate the 2 times I've had to go to the ER to see really good docs. Even so, I keep copies of all my scans, reports, labs, etc., in a notebook, so when/if they need to get me to ER, they at least have that to refer to -- especially over a weekend. Your mom is fortunate to have you all helping her through this. I agree that you should write to the hospital Administration and relate to them everything that happened. If you have a County Medical Society or something equivalent, copy them on it too. My best to you all. Di Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopeandstrength Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I'm sickened by this and furious! I'm a nurse, so this hits close to home! You need to file a complaint immediately to the hospital! Was there a nurse around during this time? It could be that if there was, she has already done the same thing, but you still need to follow up! I have written up a doctor once who was rude and inappropriate to one of my patients and will do it again in a heartbeat if it happens again! I just feel like crying after reading that... Cathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jyoung20 Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Kim, I am so sorry. That is totally unbelievable. It just amazes me that these trained medical professionals can be so uncaring and downright stupid. I am so sorry you two had to go through with this. GOD BLESS!!! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaffie Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 There is NO excuse fr this kind of treatment from a "professional". I agree that he should be reported and demand that he be reprimanded. My mother went through a similar experience with a jerk of a doctor, she does not have cancer but she needed a scan for lung problems and her doctor told her 'Why bother, you're old anyway", she was a whopping 70 She has a different doctor and had her scan. Kathy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I told this story before but the one "specialist" I was sent to see (because I was a stage IV, inoperable) this guy was new and specialized in precision surgery. I was FINALLY referred to him after many requests. Anyway, he told me he thought all my previous CT scans etc were done by "hick" hospitals and that I had cancer elsewhere, probably several other places, in my body. (not just my left side) He ordered a PET scan through HIS hospital and then he said. "If this scan lights up ANYWHERE else in your body then you are TERMINAL and NOT WORTH MY TIME." that was it... he would talk with me after my PET scan. I had a 2 1/2 hr drive home from that appointment all alone. I was single with 3 small children at home. It was without a doubt the cruelest thing I could ever imagine anyone saying to someone. I would love to see that man again now years later and just spit in his face. He may be a great surgeon but he is a horrible human being... I'm so sorry that happened to you... I pray that you will get some more professional doctors on your side and your mom will kick cancers butt!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrea Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 I had an issue with a hospitalist too. Actually I think he was an intensivist, the ICU dr who is always there. When my mom had her respiratory distress, he told me it could very well be her cancer (it was NOT), and that she may not live (she DID). He was an idiot. From that day forward I took an extreme dislike to the hospitalists who don't look at charts or really care. I hope your mom is feeling better soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 Kim, That hospitalist must be one of those I had removed from the treating teams the two hospitals in my town or related to one of them. Make a report, write it down on your computer, read it, change it, read it again and make changes till you are satisfied that all is covered, clear, precise and send copies to many different HEADS on the board of the hospital where it happened and to the main office of health in your state, never send only one letter they have a way of getting lost. Kim, if only you can save one person to be treated the way your mother was it is worth all the work you face. Good luck and gentle hugs for your mother. J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancy c Posted October 10, 2005 Share Posted October 10, 2005 This is total bull----!!!!!!!!!!! these people don't deserve to take care of ill human beings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cindy RN Posted October 11, 2005 Share Posted October 11, 2005 I am so sorry this happened. Please write it all down then make copies and send one to your oncol. one to the hopspital CEO and then one to the med revue board of the state. Then find a new group to go to. My first surgeon came in the first night I was in the hospital before he did the biopsies and told me this was terminal-nobody there but me! Sure made for a long night. I too, want to go see him. It has been almost 5 yrs! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimmek Posted October 11, 2005 Author Share Posted October 11, 2005 Thanks everyone for all of the support and I am so glad it wasnt just me thinking this was not right. But this morning after i get to the hostpital (6am) moms Onc, comes in, No cancer anywhere, the area of density is from where her lung is scarred and where they tried to put in a stent in once, but could not. So this is wonderful and what I had expected. She had been trying to call me since thursday but did not have my new cell number(although i gave it to her office) She did not know about the encounter, but i filled her in quickly. At first I think she wanted to defend "her own" but after i finished, she was appalled, embaressed, and I guess took it upon herself to investigate this. By noon every doctor mom has ever seen had come to check her out and knew of the incident. A hospital patient rep came by for my story and as much as I appreciated her help I felt this need to go to someone higher than a friendly hourly 25 yr old. So i gave her a quick rundown and she gave me the email addy's of the head honchos there. I just hope Mom can put this out of her mind. But i know I keep replaying the conversation over and over in my head. Needless to say he did not stop in for a visit today!!! Kim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephi Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Kim, I am so sorry you and your Mom were subjected to this from a Dr. no less... If you are near Houston you need to get her to M.D. Anderson. They are a Comp. Cancer Center and among the best in the US. Please visit their site and email them with dx. They will contact you within a day or 2. www.mdanderson.com GOod luck with all of this mess. You and your Mom are being held up in prayer. Stephi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 That is absolutely awful and should not be tolerated for one second. I wish you had been able to record what the wanna be doctor said so that you could take a copy to the top hospital administration. File complaints with the medical board in your state. That paper work adds up plus it can increase their insurance or the insurance for the HMO. That is when they will listen. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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