GenK
4 years agoMember
Vent - thank gosh for nurses, but make sure you have support or advocacy with treatment
Thankfully resolved, especially with the help of ward nurses, McGrath nurse and social worker.
Short version, mum had axiallary dissection with partial lumpectomy yesterday, took a long time to get out of recovery and up to ward. Consultant had already said when booking op that she would be in hospital for a few days. This morning, less than 24hrs post-op (and she has other health issues and needed a lot of monitoring and physical assistance last night, lives alone near me and very limited supports especially practically), the z#-%# dr who came in to see her this morning tried to discharge her today. Thankfully I wasn’t present in person or would’ve blasted him, and the nurses flat out said no to the dr. This wasn’t the consultant, whilst I’m not sure what level he was obviously maximum a registrar (interns in my experience are less likely to try this so I suspect junior registrar, though generalisation as some are fabulous). Thank gosh for nurses! I had to stand up to doctors when I was practicing and if they hadn’t been there or hadn’t got through I would’ve gone in and insisted on joint call with consultant who would’ve definitely over-ruled and kept mum in. She’s in and doing as well as can be hoped given her other health issues. Having the advocates to support mum and me as carer has made such a difference, but that definitely caused mum panic and made me furious. What an id#$&t!
Ok rant over, just in those rare instances, make use of advocates like nursing staff, McGrath, or a relation who is comfortable standing up for you or your loved one.