Preadmittance Today

[rwsp768]

Went into the surgeons office today, thought we were going to get to talk to the doctor, only to be informed he is on vacation. However he would talk to us prior to kickoff on the moring of the 19th. Told his nurse that really wasn't acceptable, that I wanted some questions answered before then. Then it was off to the hospital for all the preadmittance paperwork and testing. While in the lab, getting what seemed like a quart of blood drawn, the tech turns around to talk to another tech and in doing so, shoved the needle way to deep. At that point I about came out of the chair and slugged the guy. Shortly thereafter he left me and the other tech said I had upset him so she was taking over, my reply was if I upset him, what did he think I was (I hate needles with a passion). Anyway on the 19th I will get a new aorta valve, was hoping for a On-X, however it maybe a St. Jude, will just have to wait and see, either way it will be better than what I have now.

 

[BAV Pt's daughter]

Sounds like a crummy day for you, sorry. Try to keep your stress level down as best as you can. I know how much easier said than done this is, we are awaiting surgery on 10/24 as well. Can't say that I much blame you for the needle experience though. I stick people with them all day long, but when they are coming at ME, its a whole different ball game.....
Hang in there. You'll be on the post-surgery site before you know it.

 

[Cris N]

How frustrating to be treated like that. The medical profession would do well to remind itself that people facing surgery are already tense... they certainly don't need the aggravation from detached workers. I had a phlebotomist who was incompetent... I finally complained to her supervisor. I would have preferred to slug her but ... . To be honest, my consultation with surgeon's nurse coordinator was a lot more helpful that the one with the doctor when it came to the practical stuff.

I hope that all goes well with your surgery & recovery. Try to take some time between now & the 19th to do some relaxing activities. You sound as though you could use a distraction.

Cris

 

[Karlynn]

Sorry to hear your pre-op wasn't pleasant. If it were me, I'd make sure that the office manager or lab manager knew about the blood draw experience. That wasn't a good thing.

Wishing you the very best on the 19th!

 

[Mary]

It's too bad when other people affect our lives in such a negative manner.

I was fortunate to have my blood drawn by a young man who helped put a positive spin to my entire surgical experience.

I was nervous when I arrived at the lab, and I mentioned to him that I didn't know how I would deal with valve replacement, if I was having trouble with a blood draw. He said to think of the hospital staff as performing a scheduled 50,000 mile maintenance check that would provide me with many more miles to put on my odometer. It put a smile on my face and helped to reduce my anxiety level. I wish I had gotten his name; I would write the hospital and tell them they have a lab tech providing good PR for the hospital.