Zero post op pain meds - major back surgery

[mongomad]

I had a spinal surgery recently on L5 and S1. Part of it was to remove scar tissue from a previous surgery by the same dr. I am always insistent on knowing what will happen from the pre-op to post op and beyond. In this situation and always cognizant of pain management, I wanted to know what to expect after surgery.

I spoke at length with the PA as we went through the forms and was particularly interested in what I could expect for pain management after the procedure. As was the case with my previous surgery [] in Jax and his PA, it was explained that I would be given a morphine IV drip. Had this not been the case and the answer was I would be given percocet pills, I would have most assuredly elected a different surgeon with pain management given more a priority.

I agreed to this elective surgery as the nerves pinched caused excruciating pain down my right leg, impairing walking, standing, sitting and sleeping. As I awoke from anesthesia, I had the discomfort of a catheter being removed (Why is this done, 3 of 10 various surgeries I experienced this, how were the other 7 able to remove this while I still was unconscious?).

I had no IV drip and was sent to my room for what turned out to be a 4 day stay. I had absolutely no pain medicine given and was screaming in pain to which I was offered and took a percocet. This had ZERO effect. I continuously demanded the IV drip originally discussed with the PA and I signed the paper for it. Next I was admnistered a small dosage of delotid which also had no effect on my pain level. I was told by the HEAD NURSE that NONE of Dr. []'s patients had the morphine drip based on his policy, when in actuality all 3 or so of his surgeries that day did receive a morphine drip in post-op.

Though still somewhat under the influence of the general anesthesia, I demanded my Dr., Dr. [], the PA and the head of the hospital [] as I wanted them to at least see my pain and would have tranferred it to them but not for my infirmity and the fact they maintained more than an armlengths distance from me. Some two hours + after arriving to my room, I was given the drip that I understood would be in place in post-op.

To me this was completely unnecessary had they simply done what was necessary and agreed upon in my meetings prior to this surgery. Do I have any recourse for this torture I endured? I am not looking to get rich over this as I have never filed suit in my life, but this was as traumatic as any pain I have ever felt, which includes 3 hand surgeries (crush injury with permanent disfigurement to my dominant right hand, kidney stones and other surgical procedures). I do not wish anyone to endure this and would like to send a mesage that would prevent any future recurrence. Do I have any options or is this an acceptable practice?

[deadlock]

I had a spinal surgery recently on L5 and S1. Part of it was to remove scar tissue from a previous surgery by the same dr. I am always insistent on knowing what will happen from the pre-op to post op and beyond. In this situation and always cognizant of pain management, I wanted to know what to expect after surgery.

I spoke at length with the PA as we went through the forms and was particularly interested in what I could expect for pain management after the procedure. As was the case with my previous surgery [] in Jax and his PA, it was explained that I would be given a morphine IV drip. Had this not been the case and the answer was I would be given percocet pills, I would have most assuredly elected a different surgeon with pain management given more a priority.

I agreed to this elective surgery as the nerves pinched caused excruciating pain down my right leg, impairing walking, standing, sitting and sleeping. As I awoke from anesthesia, I had the discomfort of a catheter being removed (Why is this done, 3 of 10 various surgeries I experienced this, how were the other 7 able to remove this while I still was unconscious?).

I had no IV drip and was sent to my room for what turned out to be a 4 day stay. I had absolutely no pain medicine given and was screaming in pain to which I was offered and took a percocet. This had ZERO effect. I continuously demanded the IV drip originally discussed with the PA and I signed the paper for it. Next I was admnistered a small dosage of delotid which also had no effect on my pain level. I was told by the HEAD NURSE that NONE of Dr. []'s patients had the morphine drip based on his policy, when in actuality all 3 or so of his surgeries that day did receive a morphine drip in post-op.

Though still somewhat under the influence of the general anesthesia, I demanded my Dr., Dr. [], the PA and the head of the hospital [] as I wanted them to at least see my pain and would have tranferred it to them but not for my infirmity and the fact they maintained more than an armlengths distance from me. Some two hours + after arriving to my room, I was given the drip that I understood would be in place in post-op.

To me this was completely unnecessary had they simply done what was necessary and agreed upon in my meetings prior to this surgery. Do I have any recourse for this torture I endured? I am not looking to get rich over this as I have never filed suit in my life, but this was as traumatic as any pain I have ever felt, which includes 3 hand surgeries (crush injury with permanent disfigurement to my dominant right hand, kidney stones and other surgical procedures). I do not wish anyone to endure this and would like to send a mesage that would prevent any future recurrence. Do I have any options or is this an acceptable practice?

I am unsure of the procedure you had- was it to remove scar tissue or to fuse discs?

Usually patients go from the OR to PACU. Once stable the transfer to their room with the same IV they had in surgery. If you had general anesthesia for laminectomy and fusion I cannot imagine why you would have received Percocet administered po. Most people don't have a morphine gtt until they are aware enough to operate it.

It sounds like you were directing the postop course to avoid any pain. That doesn't sound reasonable. And what happened when you had a consultation with the CEO or Administrator, your surgeon and the PA? Did they make sure that you got what you needed? It sounds like everything postop was in place but you had expectations that weren't met. I really don't think you would have much success with a malpractice suit based on what you said so far.

How is that hospital doing in Jacksonville? I thought they were going under because of all the lost revenue treating uninsured. It sounds like they might have remained in business after all the financial problems.

[mongomad]

I am unsure of the procedure you had- was it to remove scar tissue or to fuse discs?

Usually patients go from the OR to PACU. Once stable the transfer to their room with the same IV they had in surgery. If you had general anesthesia for laminectomy and fusion I cannot imagine why you would have received Percocet administered po. Am I lying, you are asking? No. Most people don't have a morphine gtt until they are aware enough to operate it. Most people that can coherently state that they would like to see the Dr, the head of the hospital, etc... and their requests are granted, typically are able to push a f'ing button, you think? Did you actually read the part where I said I was in my room?

It sounds like you were directing the postop course to avoid any pain. That doesn't sound reasonable. What? I was in a room!!!! Read dam your eyes! I didn't know their number or I'd have invited them as well to the party.And what happened when you had a consultation with the CEO or Administrator, your surgeon and the PA? Did they make sure that you got what you needed? Yes after two hours. Stab yourself in the back several times, sew it up or have someone assist and wait two hours before going to the hospital It sounds like everything postop was in place but you had expectations that weren't met. Ah, yeah, percocet for me, everyone else with an IV of morphine, how insane of me not to wish to be tortured. I set my darned expectations too high, I knew it! I wanted to happen exactly what I was told WOULD happen, how dare I disrespect the mighty health care industry. I was in my room not Post Op.I really don't think you would have much success with a malpractice suit based on what you said so far.

How is that hospital doing in Jacksonville? I thought they were going under because of all the lost revenue treating uninsured. It sounds like they might have remained in business after all the financial problems. WTF does that have to do with anything? How much income did you claim last year? Both are as relevant to this as the other. I'm guessing Nguyen has you be a penny or two.

I am not sure about their finances as I was insured and paid in full, and my mother-in-law works for them as a nurse and her paychecks cash. If they are in trouble, perhaps it has something to do with their treatment of patients with options as I have/had. I was not complaining in postop except for the catheter removal, which I more mentioned as an aside.

The two hours that I speak of were in my assigned room, AFTER leaving post op and I was cognizant of the pain completely as it was hours after surgery. My wife was right there and is the one who tracked the time as she was pissed, for lack of a better term, to see me like that and has been witnesss to several other procedures of mine without incident. She would not have been allowed to see me until I was admitted into a room and she confirms that is the case.

The procedure, as I understand it, was to remove scar tissue on the left side of L5 from a 2000 surgery performed by the same surgeon and to remove bone between L5 and S1 on the right side that was pressing against nerves.

In the 2000 surgery, which was far less involved as an overnight stay was all that was required, the drip was on when I reached my room and I do not remember more than mild discomfort. Then he slices me so badly I am unable to go home for 3 or 4 days? (the original pre-op discussion mentioned it would likely just be overnight again)

In the surgery a few weeks ago, had I not screamed and complained I NEVER WOULD HAVE NEEN ADMINISTERED PAIN MEDS OTHER THAN PILLS. The Physician's Asissitant ADMITTED he MAY HAVE forgotten to submit the paperwork. I remember this vividly as by the time I did get relief, which was promised it would be much earlier in pre-op discussions, I was almost completely sober. Based on out-patient procedures I have had, using the same general anesthesia, I would have already been home (sober enough to stand and get in a car as a passenger and walk into my house).

If you have ever had a major surgery requiring general anesthesia (I have had 10 and a only 38 years old), you know to get painkiller perscriptions filled before the effects of anesthesia wear off or you have an uphill battle to get to a state of anything less than tortuous. When you REALLY get fileted as I have been in 5 or so surgeries that lasted 5 hours or more, God help you if you endure what I did. 5 minutes seems like an hour, 2 hours, well I just can't WAIT to see him later this month as I will ensure our language barrier (thick accent) will be completely broken.

Yes I accepted the risk of paralysis, death, scarring, permanent numbness BUT never did I agree to being tortured as the drugs to help me were but steps away, yet it takes two hours... I'll just take my case out on his arse on my next visit so that the threat of encountering another me, will be enough to help the next guy, even if he's homeless w/out insurance, any man or woman deserves better.

Now that I think about it, how would you expect me to know the hospital's finances? Was that a little shot at me if I were one of the uninsured? I am just not sure how lawyers get so stereotyped as being greedy and so above everyone.

[deadlock]

I am not sure about their finances as I was insured and paid in full, and my mother-in-law works for them as a nurse and her paychecks cash. If they are in trouble, perhaps it has something to do with their treatment of patients with options as I have/had. I was not complaining in postop except for the catheter removal, which I more mentioned as an aside.

The two hours that I speak of were in my assigned room, AFTER leaving post op and I was cognizant of the pain completely as it was hours after surgery. My wife was right there and is the one who tracked the time as she was pissed, for lack of a better term, to see me like that and has been witnesss to several other procedures of mine without incident. She would not have been allowed to see me until I was admitted into a room and she confirms that is the case.

The procedure, as I understand it, was to remove scar tissue on the left side of L5 from a 2000 surgery performed by the same surgeon and to remove bone between L5 and S1 on the right side that was pressing against nerves.

In the 2000 surgery, which was far less involved as an overnight stay was all that was required, the drip was on when I reached my room and I do not remember more than mild discomfort. Then he slices me so badly I am unable to go home for 3 or 4 days? (the original pre-op discussion mentioned it would likely just be overnight again)

In the surgery a few weeks ago, had I not screamed and complained I NEVER WOULD HAVE NEEN ADMINISTERED PAIN MEDS OTHER THAN PILLS. The Physician's Asissitant ADMITTED he MAY HAVE forgotten to submit the paperwork. I remember this vividly as by the time I did get relief, which was promised it would be much earlier in pre-op discussions, I was almost completely sober. Based on out-patient procedures I have had, using the same general anesthesia, I would have already been home (sober enough to stand and get in a car as a passenger and walk into my house).

If you have ever had a major surgery requiring general anesthesia (I have had 10 and a only 38 years old), you know to get painkiller perscriptions filled before the effects of anesthesia wear off or you have an uphill battle to get to a state of anything less than tortuous. When you REALLY get fileted as I have been in 5 or so surgeries that lasted 5 hours or more, God help you if you endure what I did. 5 minutes seems like an hour, 2 hours, well I just can't WAIT to see him later this month as I will ensure our language barrier (thick accent) will be completely broken.

Yes I accepted the risk of paralysis, death, scarring, permanent numbness BUT never did I agree to being tortured as the drugs to help me were but steps away, yet it takes two hours... I'll just take my case out on his arse on my next visit so that the threat of encountering another me, will be enough to help the next guy, even if he's homeless w/out insurance, any man or woman deserves better.

Now that I think about it, how would you expect me to know the hospital's finances? Was that a little shot at me if I were one of the uninsured? I am just not sure how lawyers get so stereotyped as being greedy and so above everyone.

I know about that hospital because my niece was in a car accident and had multiple injuries. The driver was killed on impact. I flew down to help her and her mother. The hospital was so short staffed that many patients rarely saw a nurse. My brother and his wife stayed round the clock in her room before she was finally released.

I was unsure of your surgery and type of anesthesia. Now I know that you did receive a general and obviously you were able then to swallow. It is unusual to give po meds following general anesthesia because of the temporary effect of anesthesia on the digestive system. It usually takes some time for that to resume normal peristalsis, therefore you would not feel pain relief from a medication that you swallowed in the same time frame as if you had a spinal anesthesia, lumbar block.

And the scar removal is as you say slicing. It is not the same as bone removal but you stated you had both. When they removed the bone did they fuse both S5 and S1? Since you didn't say anything about removing bone from your hip I will guess that they used a synthetic material to fuse the two. If they used rods as well you may be having pain from exposed nerves to the rods and it would be excruciating.

There are a lot of details to this surgery and hospitalization that need a consultation with a medical malpractice attorney. I am not an attorney. If you have a consultation they may be able to get your records from the hospital and tell you more about the two hours that you wait from the time you were released from recovery to your room and waited for two hours before you got the iv morphine gtt.

So administrator, dr and pa did respond to your request and get you what you wanted after they met with you. So there should be a note in your medical record that validates that you were in pain postop. That will be helpful to your lawyer if you decide to see an attorney.

Hope your recovery goes better than your hospital stay. Good luck.