Maybe the title of my last post jinxed us. Because, honestly, the thought of me just not knowing when to shut up is about the best explanation I have for why this is happening.
Let’s do a quick recap, shall we?
- October 1, Thursday
John was admitted to Clear Lake Regional Heart and Vascular Hospital by his new GP after he had done an xray that showed a very clear case of plural effusion that even I could see was bad news on the film. His doctor remarked how hard to believe it was that John, standing there looking for all the world like his only problem was a nagging cough was the same guy on the xray. He said he would have thought he’d be in bed saying he couldn’t get out.
Bad.
He then admitted him to the hospital and his blood sugar, upon admittance, was in the 500 range. I can’t remember exactly and it was before I was keeping my own record. (Yes, that’s right, I refuse to go the the nurses station and find out, so get over it.) His blood pressure was 134/98 and his heartbeat was 121. Quite fast.
- October 2, Friday
I only recorded the vitals 5 times this day and the lowest his blood pressure got was 95/64 and the highest was 120/96. They were pumping him full of blood pressure meds and lasix to get the swelling down. His legs, ankles, and belly were very swollen.
Highest blood sugar was 325 and he got 15 units of insulin for that one particular reading.
FYI, blood sugar levels should never be over 160.
He had several bouts with diarrhea, probably due to stress and nerves.
Cardiologist said that his heart was working at about 30%. He didn’t bother telling us until later that the norm is between 45 and 55% or somewhere around there. Doctors are such dumb-asses sometimes.
I stayed up a long time that night watching him sleep. He has, what I found out on the internet is, central sleep apnea. I made a video of him sleeping with my camera and considered posting it on youtube. Figured he’d shoot that down and haven’t brought it up to him yet.
- October 3, Saturday
Here it is Saturday and he, apparently, has no intention of taking me out to eat anywhere. Where did we go wrong as a couple?
His blood pressure stayed low all day and his heart rate right around 100. Blood sugar was right around 250 all day as well.
He had three bouts of extreme shortness of breath in the early AM.
Went for a cat scan around 3:00pm and the results weren’t that good. Still signs of fluid in and around his lungs BUT, a rhythm in his soul.
Then his cardio guy told us that he had had a heart attack and the reason this was evident was the presence of an enzyme in his blood called troponin. If I had a son I think I’d like to name him Troponin.
What was I saying? OH, Yeah! My husband had a heart attack. Slipped my mind for a moment. (read sarcasm here)
- October 4, Sunday
His blood pressure was, of course, low all day. His heart rate averaged about 100, and his blood sugar topped out at 396. He received 15 units of insulin more than once that day.
He received a shiny new IV port for the procedure that everyone seemed to think was going to happen tomorrow, except the doctor who saw the chest films and heard all the coughing he was doing.
See he can’t have the procedure until he can lie flat in bed for at least 6 hours without moving. This is to allow the entry wound in the groin heal so that if he moves and blows the clot, he won’t bleed out and die in minutes. It’s a good thing, as Martha would say.
HOWEVER, he is still coughing due to the fluid in and around his lungs. He has had enough lasix to dry up The Great Lakes. I am beginning to wonder what it will take.
- October 5, Monday
Oh. My. Gawd. This has been a day I will never forget. John wasn’t well enough to do the angigram, still. It is definitely planned for tomorrow.
You know, I have had this feeling in my gut that something wasn’t right since this whole thing started. It seems like years ago, but it was just last Thursday. It is now 5 days since he was admitted. I just keep repeatedly thinking about him going to the doctor on February 27 because he was concerned about losing a lot of weight very rapidly and told the doctor he was worried that he might have diabetes. Said doctor preformed some blood tests and asked him lots of questions. Tried to get him to do the colonoscopy, and John turned that down. But he seemed to be fairly thorough. I was a little bit on pins and needles wondering what the results were going to be. I very much expected him to be diabetic just because it would be a very nice reason for the weight loss compared to what all had been running through my mind. Cancer. Though I never said it.
The day came when the nurse from the doctor’s office called and told John his test results. That’s right, the nurse. Automatically, we know the results are negative for everything from liver disease to athletes foot. Because the nurse doesn’t deliver bad news, the doctor gets you in his office to do that. In person.
So she ended up telling him that everything was good to just get his cholesterol down some it was a tad high.
He specifically asked what the diabetes testing showed. She said negative. This just does not gel. John has had a test since he got here called an A1C that graded an 11. “They” said it should be no more than a 7 and this is pretty bad. But they assured me that he has had the diabetes for more than 3 months and they know this for sure because of the test. So since he supposedly didn’t have it in February and he couldn’t possibly developed it after July, I am supposed to believe he just magically developed it the five months in between and it got so bad so fast that he was admitted to the hospital with his blood sugar in the 500’s?
Clearly something is off.
So fast forward to today and picture me sitting around in this hospital room with a very sick husband for the last 5 days and know that I am going to get to the bottom of this. I called the doctor’s office this morning and asked them to make a copy of his file for me, and I would come by and pick it up later this afternoon. The lady did and I got it, tore it open in the car and started pouring over it. The first thing I noticed is his blood sugar was 272. IT WAS EVEN CIRCLED. Then again on another page it says glucose 2+ along with protein 2+ and ketones 1+. I don’t know what all of these are but the glucose amount was circled as well.
So at this point I am furious because they found out he had diabetes back in February and didn’t tell us. If they had NONE of this would have happened in all likelihood. Every doctor we have seen in this hospital has told us that the heart condition was brought about by the untreated diabetes. So if this doctor, that shall remain unnamed for the time being, had told us about it we would have begun treating it immediately and gotten it under control way back then.
Now let me tell you why I became a bit hysterical earlier. (Geeze, it’s 1:35am. Ok, it was yesterday.)
At the bottom of one of the pages it says, “Diagnosis: 1. Malignant neoplasm without specification of site; other (199.1), Primary Diagnosis, Onset 2. Abnormal loss of weight (783.21), Secondary diagnosis, Onset”
Cancer.
He has a cancer that, well, I will just link to it because it is pretty clear and succinct. And you may have noted with all the extra gibberish that I am anything but succinct tonight.
So. Here we are EIGHT MONTHS LATER. I found a nurse when I got here and asked her to verify my findings and she agreed. (OR, did she concur?) I asked if they had done a PSA test here and she said no, that was a test for cancer and they hadn’t done one. It was about 7:30pm so I am going to wait until after the angigram tomorrow and then ask his cardio dr. to do one and show him why. Then, if it’s really true and this isn’t just some really, really bad cosmic joke, I’ll find an oncologist.
Now, my question for you. It is almost 2:00am and my nerves are shot. I am so sorry this was so long and rambling. You regular guys know that I usually try to keep the posts to a manageable size. And definitely lighter in mood. If, in fact, you are still with me, please tell me what you think you’d do. I am not a violent person at all but, I really have a distinct desire to bodily attack that original Dr. Do I get an attorney? What to do? Please ask other people that you think might know if you can come up with any.
I am Just. So. Angry. and scared.
22 comments
Comment by Ree on October 6, 2009 at 6:23 am
You have every fucking reason to be Angry. Angry with a capital A-N-G-R-Y. I’m not a litiginous sort, but I most certainly would speak to an attorney.
I’m pissed off for you.
.-= Ree´s last blog ..I’ve been awake for 17.5 hours and my eyes don’t work anymore =-.
Comment by Karen on October 6, 2009 at 7:20 am
Holy crap, Krissa. I’m so sorry.
According to the link, it said that cancerous cells could invade the growth. I take that to mean that IF there is cancer it’ll get in the growth, not that the growth IS cancer. The other two definitions said it’s non-cancerous. Ask another doctor what it means. Get tests done. If it is positive (God forbid) then I’d definitely pay a visit to the original doc. In fact, I’d call anyway about the whole diabetes thing. THAT is inexcusable.
.-= Karen´s last blog ..Job Worth =-.
Comment by Simply Savvy Girl on October 6, 2009 at 8:29 am
OH. MY. GAH!!! WTF?! I think right now energy needs to be spent figuring out what’s going to get John better–and it sounds like you found a huge part of it. Can you talk to the doctor? It seems like (even though he is a DUMB F and that you probably will have a course of action in the future) that he can at least look at the F-ing chart and talk to John’s doctor at the hospital so they can be on the same page? My guess is he’ll recognize his huge F-UP and hopefully try to rectify it. But at the very least everyone will be on the same page with tests that have been run? And then when things settle down you can see what your options are. Anger, while justified, isn’t going to help right now. But that’s just one girl’s opinion. Follow your gut sister, it’s definitely leading you in the right direction.
.-= Simply Savvy Girl´s last blog ..The Simply Savvy Budget Dining Room Makeover Weekend 1 =-.
Comment by Candy on October 6, 2009 at 8:42 am
Good Lord, Krissa. That’s so crazy. The only thing I can think (and what the doctor who screwed up will probably say) is that the test was somewhere in the normal “range” but obviously higher than they would like. That’s what they’ll say.
I would definitely look into an attorney but just make sure to get someone who isn’t going to want money upfront. Most of those lawyers work for a percentage of what they can get you in damages and if they can’t see you getting anything they won’t take the case. Malpractice is hard to prove.
Good luck, I hope things work out ok for John. Thinking of you.
.-= Candy´s last blog ..America’s Least Convenient Bank =-.
Comment by Jean M. on October 6, 2009 at 9:05 am
I’m flabbergasted, and at the same time I shouldn’t be. My father in law had heart issues most of his adult life with several heart attacks and all that fun stuff, he also had several other issues which doctors blamed due to the drugs he was taking for his heart and wouldn’t do further tests on other possible causes. Things finally got to a point where he needed to be on the heart transplant list. Come to find out, since he had to go though a barage of tests to be on the list, that he had cancer and had less than 2 months to live. We didn’t go through any litigation as we already had so much other stuff going on like a premature baby in the hospital which was another doctor oopsie.
I don’t mean to say all this to scare you or cause you more worry. I can just completely relate to your anger. I say go through the tests needed, see what they find and then meet up with a lawyer to see about your options. I really think the diabetes thing issue alone was un excusable on their part.
I’m keeping you guys in my prayers.
.-= Jean M.´s last blog ..The Day Book 10/05 =-.
Comment by Kori on October 6, 2009 at 9:28 am
While I can certainly understand how justifiably upset and angry you are, I disagree with the people here who are recommending that you start talking to attorneys. Maybe at some point in the future that should be an option, but I really think your time and energy would be better served in finding a doctor who can and will take into account all of John’s issues, not just one. Heart doctors only work on hearts; they are not looking for other things because he presented with symptoms of heart/lung issues. It will take more than one doctor, at some point there needs to be a team in place to address all of John’s issues, and I don’t know how to tell you to go about doing that. It might be benefical to talk to someone in Social Services department, because maybe they can point you in a different direction that maybe none of us can see clearly from where we sit. Remember that the doctors work for you, for John, and if they are not doing their job, you are well within your rights to find someone else. That may not be so easy to do where he is already in hospital, but every person deserves the right to a second and third opinion; if there is one doctor or, perhaps, nurse with whom you feel comfortable, talk to him/her about the things you have discovered on your own and what they plan on doing about it.
I am not un-validating (I know it isn’t a word) the way you feel, because clearly someone dropped the ball in SO many ways-but this is not the time for blame, because it isn’t going to help John in any appreciable way.
Try to take care of yourself, too; I am not sure what kind of support systme you have there but take advantage of the help people are offering. Try to eat and sleep, because I think you are in for a long road and you need to keep up your own health.
And I will pray.
.-= Kori´s last blog ..Weekend Recap-Apples and snow =-.
Comment by Hyphen Mama on October 6, 2009 at 10:31 am
Of course my first thought was ‘call an attorney’. Then I read everybody else’s comments and realized I was being irrational. JOHN FIRST, attorneys later. I’d call the original physician, tell him in general terms what is going on, that you requested John’s file and what you saw… and how LIVID you are that this went untreated for this long. Tell him now John is laying in a hospital bed VERY SICK. Then I’d gather the NEW doctors who are going to be needed to properly diagnose and properly treat John. That is where your energy needs to be. And keeping meticulous notes.
Krissa, I am so sorry you are having to live this. I know it must have been so hard for you even to type out the words. Thank you for keeping us posted. You are in my thoughts.
.-= Hyphen Mama´s last blog ..Does anybody else smell that? What is that smell? =-.
Comment by grandma j on October 6, 2009 at 11:09 am
Damn it!! This should not be happening to you. If it were me, I’d call my health insurer and ask what they suggest, or ask if you can get a rerun of all those Feb. test by another doctor who isn’t affiliated with the first (like if it’s an HMO, get a private practice Dr. to see him). You might even ask them if you should consult an attorney. I would.
(((hugs))))
.-= grandma j´s last blog .. =-.
Comment by noe noe girl on October 6, 2009 at 11:35 am
I am freekin speechless Krissa! I know I would be livid!! Getting John over this hump is the first thing and then an attorney. Keeping you guys in my prayers.
Comment by Aunt Becky on October 6, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Yes. Doctor first. Doctor first. Doctor first.
I’m so sorry. Shit. Shit. Shit.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Marriage and Other Bad Ideas =-.
Comment by Nan on October 6, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Woah….. this is awful.
Okay, you do need to see about John first, but you could probably inform your insurance company of the messup. If they are having to pay for a whole barrage of surgeries and tests because John’s doctor messed up, they should know about it. AND, duuuude, insurance company lawyers are meeeeeean! We have had good experiences with insurance company lawyers!!
Meanwhile, get as many second opinions as you can. Keep talking to those experts. Ask many questions. As you have been doing anyway! Everything you’ve been doing, keep doing it!
And we’ll pray, and think, and research, cuz that’s what Blogland is all about. Hang in there my friend. Take care of both of you.
.-= Nan´s last blog ..The Weather Report =-.
Comment by witchypoo on October 6, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Honey, my powahs are somewhat diminished, but I am sending you all heartsong.
.-= witchypoo´s last blog ..Poopy Small =-.
Comment by Nicole on October 6, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Crap, crap, crap. I am behind on reading this. I am so very, very sorry for what you are having to go through. You have every right to be LIVID. I agree with most everyone else . . . focus your time and energy on John for the time being. Call the original phsyician and let him know in no uncertain terms what is going on (sometimes that is enough to scare them and they step up to try and correct their mistake – even if it is only in the form of facilitating testing more quickly at the hospital.) You may also want to see if your hospital has a care coordinator (or something similar) available . . . with the variety of John’s problems, he no doubt has several phsycians looking after him. Some facilities offer a coordinator to help manage all of the doctors and to make sure everything is done without overlap or contradiction.
I am thinking of you both – please let me know if there is anything that you need!
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..I Think We’ll Just Stick With Abstinence =-.
Comment by Nicole on October 6, 2009 at 3:13 pm
P.S. I am just talking out my ass on this one, but . . . have they talked about trying to draw some of the fluid off of his lungs with a thoracentesis? Lasix will only take him so far, and I am wondering if drawing off some of that fluid won’t help with his cardiac output (and thus his BP and pulse.) Keep you eye on his kidney function as well . . . with the elevated sugar and all the fluid shifts, it needs to be in the picture.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..I Think We’ll Just Stick With Abstinence =-.
Comment by Chief on October 6, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I don’t know what to say. I have read the other comments and of Course John comes first. Please make sure you keep your eye on the whole other side of the issue though. You will need it for future use. Have you told John? I wonder if he should be in on the decision. I am so freaked out by this and angry. We put our trust in them and this sort of thing happens.
Call the original doctor, but don’t expect much…they will not want to talk about it and they will do everything to avoid speaking about it.
Keep that file, make a copy…protect yourself. Take care of John and yourself.
I am so sorry!
.-= Chief´s last blog ..Post It NoteTuesday – I’m a bit cranky =-.
Comment by Mike Krause on October 6, 2009 at 7:52 pm
This is your worst nightmare. I wish I had some good advice for you. Good luck.
Comment by Mr. Corvette on October 6, 2009 at 9:00 pm
I am very troubled about what you have listed in your blog and I have a few suggestions:
1. I have represented plaintiffs (victims) in medical malpractice cases for over 20 years and my comments should be interpreted with that in mind.
2. As mentioned in many comments above, the primary concern is to get the necessary care for John. You have up to 2 years to bring a lawsuit so consulting an attorney is of little concern at this point. However, you need to keep copious notes on a daily basis, including everything you can remember about your original dealings with the GP.
3. I would recommend that you not contact the original GP. Rather, have one of the current doctors request the records for the last three years. Also, ask that the doctor requesting the records not mention anything regarding a possible mistake by the original GP. Ask that the requesting doctor just tell the GP that John has some serious issues, that he is aware that the GP has seen John, and they are trying to put together a complete medical history for the last few years. Once the GP has a hint that there could be litigation, things often change drastically. It is hard to believe, but conservative estimates are that at least 20% of medical records involved in litigation have been altered to some extent, often drastically.
4. E-mail me how I can contact you by phone tomorrow (I only have your home number and I assume you will not be there), and I will see how things are going and discuss this further in more detail.
5. I know it is difficult, but try to stay calm and keep your sense of humor. You are John’s best (and maybe only) advocate and you need to stay on an even keel to do the best possible job for him.
Comment by Sharon Burford on October 6, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hi Krissa,
I got here from Nan’s blog. First of all I am so sorry that you and your husband are going through this. It brings back too many nightmares of my own. I lost my dad to cancer of the larynx 6 years ago…cancer that was misdiagnosed and mistreated for nearly 3 years…even though a biopsy was done in the early days. But not going to go into that. Like everyone else on here my advice is focus on John and try to look after yourself too. The blame game goes no where…and in the meantime all that energy could be better spent being lavished on the person you love most in the world. Yes you have a right to be angry, yes you have a right to be upset and if it helps with the bills you have a right to do what you have to do. But its not going to change the facts. Best thing you can do right now is educate yourself. The net is the best tool. Find out all you can about the monster you are up against and run at it full tilt and believe in all the positive energy around you. We will all do some searching around for you for info, but in the meantime all we can offer is our prayers, thoughts and a reminder that there are people out here and around you who care. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, don’t be afraid to cry and don’t be afraid to be afraid. Wish this weren’t happening. Hang in there.
Comment by Hyphen Mama on October 6, 2009 at 10:36 pm
I am so happy to see Mr Corvette’s comment, and Nicole (Fishstick) too! She and her husband are both EMT’s and have worked in the medical field for ages.
I’m thinking of you, Krissa.
.-= Hyphen Mama´s last blog ..Does anybody else smell that? What is that smell? =-.
Comment by Chief on October 6, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Please do exactly what Mr. Corvette says. He is absolutely on track.
I am thinking about you all day!
.-= Chief´s last blog ..I would like to thank the academy =-.
Comment by JennyMac on October 7, 2009 at 5:04 am
Krissa: I am sending prayers, positive thoughts, and a big hug your way.
So sorry to hear about what has taken place…… my best to you and John.
JM
.-= JennyMac´s last blog ..e – i – e – i – OH! =-.
Comment by Roger on October 7, 2009 at 8:08 am
Krissa, yes you have every right to be angry. I would worry about keeping John’s spirits up first, and after he gets better then you can pursue aditional questioning. You do have copies of all his records, so there is no fear of them “hiding” anything. It soes sound like a case of malpractice, but then again it could just be negligence on either the nurse or doctor’s part.
Again, John first, everything else later. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
.-= Roger´s last blog ..How to Tell When Banana’s Go Bad =-.
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