Stupid Brookhaven Memorial Hospital

[RoseBlood]

My mother had knee replacement surgery yesterday. She was given a pain pump in recovery, when I went in to see her she was in visible pain (as expected) so much that she was in tears and my mom is not one to cry easily nor complain of any pain she may be in (unlike myself). So I tell her to press the button to get some pain meds in her and she does but says it's not working. At first I just figure it needs time to work its magic, then I tell the nurse.. nothing. Long story short, we found out this morning that she was pressing the pump but it was broken so she had NO pain meds all night and was in agony and got zero rest. Needless to say I'm NOT happy about that.

So then today, they put her leg in some device to get it to bend so fluid doesn't build up, all well and good but when they went to remove it, they dropped her leg. My mother is too nice a person that she didn't even get mad. She just said "oh it wasn't their fault because they lost their grip).. well yeah, but that doesn't change the fact they dropped her friggin leg!

No point to this thread other then I just wanted to piss and moan a bit. I can get protective of my mother especially when she's in a vulnerable state. Of course I'm biased being her daughter but I just feel she deserves the best because she's given her best in life.

Anyway, I know she'll be alright in the end, she always is and she's survived worse, but she's got alot of work ahead of her. Normally she should've been up and attempting to walk but because her blood count was low, she's very weak now and she's getting a blood transfusion tonight. I know it's just a matter of time till she feels better and recovers but it can't happen soon enough for me.

That is all.. thanks for letting me whine.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

May your mother have a speedy and much smoother recovery than she's had so far- when you take her back home you should steal a bedpan or two from 'em to make it even. Plus you'd have an alternative from having to hover at a particularly nasty stall later on! :wink:

[WhistlePig]

Aww, sorry to hear your poor mom had to go through that. I'd be pissed too! Hope she has a fast recovery and gets the hell out of there.

[LaBoob]

My mom just had her knee replaced last month and for the longest time beforehand I worried about her surgery and recovery, so I feel like I know where you're coming from. The good news is her recovery process will speed up once she gets better and she'll be walking without much pain in no time. My mom felt no bone or knee pain at all, just muscular pain when her muscles needed to be built back up and heal. Once the pain meds kick in it gets a lot easier. You should visualize the final result, which is full recovery and all the worries behind you.

[RoseBlood]

You should visualize the final result, which is full recovery and all the worries behind you.

Thank You!!! Mom was so excited before the surgery looking ahead and knowing/hoping she'll be feeling much better and walking through Italy soon next year!

I'm glad to hear your mom is doing so well!!! :smile:

[JPMNICK]

wow sorry to hear it, my dad has been really sick the past few years in and out of hospitals so I know what you are going through. it def suck, but it will quickly be forgotten when you see her getting better quickly

[jennysmurf]

At least she had you there to be outraged for her. Sometimes it's very comforting to have someone be angry because you were mistreated. You're a good daughter. I would've yelled at the nurses, doctors, whomever---alot. I hope she's better soon. Keep us posted!

[Aggie]

That sucks RB, I don't know how I'd react. But like someone said, you're a great daughter and I'm sure she felt safer with you there.

Come and vent anytime, it helps!

[Foster]

brookhaven hospital does suck
my parents live about three miles from there, but will not go there unless its a live or death emergency.
they would rather go to mather or st. charles in port jefferson, a 45min. drive, then have to deal with those rude incompetents

hope your mom gets better

[RoseBlood]

Thank you everyone for the well wishes.

After receiving two transfusions mom looked better last night, but she's still very tired. She's had non-stop visitors and little chance to rest. I had to bring flowers home because we were running out of room by her hospital bed. Just goes to show everyone loves her :smile:

I just called her room to see if she wanted me to bring her dinner (if she's allowed) but she hung up on me (very unlike her), she's exhausted. They finally got her sitting up and moving her leg, which is good.

She's scheduled to have her other knee done this Mon but I think it might be too much, so we'll see.

[sr71blackbird]

Good luck with her Rose! That hospital is usually very good. Its a good idea to let them know that you are aware and will say something if something goes wrong, this way they keep on their toes about her. I know its not easy and parents are usually worried that when you are gone that they will abuse her, but that simply does not happen. A calm approach and reproach works best, as I am sure you know. You are a good daughter!

[RoseBlood]

Thank you blackbird. I just got back from the hospital, mom didn't look or sound as good as I was hoping, but I'm sure in time she will.

She hasn't been sleeping or eating well but she did manage to have a little chicken wrap and broccoli. I forgot to ask the staff if she needs iron or vitamins or something.

She had her third blood transfusion tonight which has me a bit concerned, I'll find out if her count went up tomorrow. She was very tired because she walked today (very little). I know if she can just get her red blood cell count up she'll have more energy.

She's also in alot of pain which is difficult to watch because there's not much I can do except try to make her comfortable and make sure she's being taken care of. She's definitely not her usual happy self and it takes alot for my mom to show signs of frustration. I felt like a little pest tonight and even though I know everyone was doing their job, I try to be there when I can so I can see what's going on.

It's difficult to get answers from the staff as far as why her blood count hasn't gone up. Her nurse on duty at the time I was there said it's normal to have a transfusion after knee surgey, but 3 with no success? My mother's always taught me to be polite but I'm learnin in the past few years that sometimes you have to be pushy and ask questions, especially if it's going to benefit someone you care about.

My mothers survived having part of her lung removed and having a brain tumor removed and she seemed to recover quicker with those, so I naively assumed this would be cake for her.

[jennysmurf]

This does seem a little more complicated than it should be. My Mom had knee surgery, and it was nothing like this. I'm sorry you're (and your Mom) having such a hard time. I hope she's better soon.:sad:

[angelinad128]

Wow, this really does seem excessive for knee surgery. I'm sure your mom is very strong and will be just fine, but if I were you I would be be talking to someone. It's not a bad idea to have some legal advice right now.

I always thought this was a really good hospital.

Stay strong.

[joethebartender]

Best wishes for your mom. I hope she gets to go home soon.

[RoseBlood]

Still in pain of course, but she was much much better tonight. She was more herself and her blood count is back to normal, so I'm relieved.

I talked to her surgeon's associate and he explained everything to me. The nature of the surgery (sawing down bone into marrow etc) means you loose alot of blood. Of course everyone's different, some patients don't need any transfusions while others might need 4 etc. This was all information her surgeon had educated her on during pre-op, it would have saved me some stress had she bothered to relay this info. to me or my father. I guess I was overly concerned because of her medical history.

Anyway, they are looking to discharge her on Monday into Rehab. Tomorrow my father and I will be looking at 4 places and decide where we want her. She wants out of that hospital so bad. Thanks for letting me whine and worry here, things are looking up. :thumbup:

[jennysmurf]

YAY!!!!! I'm glad she's doing better. Physical therapy won't be much fun, but she's on her way to feeling much better soon! Thanks for keeping us updated!:clap:

[TheMojoPin]

Good to hear, Rose.