In the Race
Now, here, you see, it takes all the blogging I can do to keep in the same place.
If I want to get somewhere else, I must blog twice as fast as that!
You see, I'm in
the Red Queen's Race...
Are You Planning To Have A Surgery?
By Janet Evans
Wednesday, Jul 30 2008, 09:29 PM
When was the last time you had a surgery?
If you’ve ever even had one.
I don’t mind getting personal. I’ve had quite a few. Many different types, actually.
Hospital personnel always ask you why you are there before they operate on you…before they do the procedure. For some operations, internal things, there isn’t much control that you have over what is being operated on. You have to have faith that the surgeon will know what organ or body area he is tending to. After all, s/he is the specialist, correct? When I have had limbs or other areas operated on, the actual surgeon will come in with a Sharpie and ask me what is being operated on and literally mark it the area.
Well, doctors have operated on the wrong areas, that’s a fact. And in Massachusetts the area most incorrectly operated on? Well, it surprised me. I never would have thought it. And to me, it’s really scary. It’s the spine. If it’s happened in Massachusetts, I’m sure that has to be a concern all over the country. So, I’d read the article and if you are ever having back surgery, I’d ask questions.
Actually, when I have surgery, I ask many questions, because I’ve had a problem surgery in the past and I know doctors aren’t the gods we make them out to be. So don’t ever be embarrassed to ask questions. Don’t think you will offend the doctor. If he’s offended…then you should be seeing a different doctor in the first place. Make sure they take the time to answer all of your questions. And take notes if you want before a surgery, and keep them in a safe place. If something goes wrong, then you have those notes, and you will be glad you did. Before a surgery you are nervous and can’t always remember things.
Lastly, remember you are the patient, but you have rights. You can refuse just about anything. Again, a doctor doesn’t have to treat you, but you are not required to have any treatment you don’t want just because you are in a hospital bed and a doctor sends a nurse in with a bunch of tubes that he wants her to put in every orifice in your body. Maybe you might want someone to discuss why they are going to do these things first.
from the Boston Globe
Most Surgery In Wrong Spot Done On Spine
