Disgusted with Northwestern's After Care

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been in and out of the hospital since November. I am so disgusted with how Northwestern handles their post-op care. Its like once you have the surgery, you are on your own.

I have been in the hospital 6 times due to horrible pain and 3 strictures. Each time I call the doctors office, I am told to go to the ER. I haven't even seen my surgeon since November!!!! I have seen his partner to dilate the strictures, but that's about it. The nurses are so rude at the doctors office. Its like I am bothering them. And each time I go to the ER, I am admitted, and nothing is found. I have been in constant pain since the surgery. I have had 7 CT Scans to date, and they see nothing.

I have already lost over 60lbs, but it is only because I am sick so much. I had an appt with Dr. Martin for Friday, and they rescheduled me AGAIN!!!! I told them I am not doing well and they just say go to the ER then. Being a nurse, that is the last place you send a patient. Tests can be ordered outpatient as well as the EGD. There is no reason for the ER.  The first person they should see is their doctor, but that seems impossible there. My doctor doesn't have any appts until March, really??? I had to cancel my appt on Wed due to the massive snowstorm that we had. And his nurse was not nice about me missing my appt either. We had 20 inches of snow, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

I tried to switch my care to Dr. Lufti at St. Josephs Hospital, but he wont take me because of all my complications. I do go to their support groups though. I am at my wits end. I already lost my job because I missed so much work because of being in the hospital (cant do anything either because I was a contractor). No unemployment, no nothing. This surgery has ruined my life. If I would of known how much pain and complications I was going to have, I would of stayed the way I was. It just isn't worth being "skinny" when you lose everything. The doctors just don't seem to be concerned about finding out what is going on. I am going to be contacting a lawyer to see what my options are. I have to get my life back, some how, some way.

Lisa, so sorry that you are going through such a hard time. I do not have any info to help you with other than a big cyber ((((HUGS)))). Have you tried this website to see if you can find another WLS to help you? http://www.asmbs.org/ copy and paste this into your browser.

Chris

I already talked to 3 doctors and no one will take me. They said that Bariatric Surgeons are different with other doctors patients. They will not touch a patient if they have any complications. I dont know what to do. Dr. Hungness is in the clinic today but they said he cant see me. I would think if you have a sick patient you would get them in ASAP. I dont get it.

((((HUGS))) to you.

Lisa, so sorry for all you are going through.  What if you just stage a sit in at his office this afternoon?  Tell them you feel like you have to see him and can't they fit you in?  (You know you'll only see him for about 10 mins, anyway).

Sending up good thoughts for you.

georgie

He is already gone. He only sees patients until 12:30, or so I was told. ANd he only sees patients once a week. How dont they have another doc there to see emergency situations?

I can't even begin to imagine your frustration and pain.  Any chance you could find a sympathetic nurse at his practice to listen to you...or could you see him at another of his offices?  Will cryinlg to the nurse help?  Telling her the ER doesn't do anything and you just need to see him.  I hate to make threats, but if you get desparate, maybe threaten to talk to the AMA to see what advice they can give you.  (I'm not a threatening person, but hey, SOMEBODY should be paying attention, here.)  Do you feel you need to report him?  due to lack of follow up care?

Can the office suggest one of the other doctors to see?  ( I think you said you saw one).  Could you get them to at least have him CALL you? 

Again, so sorry and I'm frustrated for you!  This whole scenario should not be happening, including you losing your job over this.

georgie

Hi Lisa.

I am so sorry that you are having such a horrible experience post-op. I don't understand your doctor's office at all. It doesn't sound like you have any support - which is totally wrong!

Do what you need to do. It is your life!

Hugs are coming your way!

Lucy

I am so sorry you are having so many complications.  I'm even more sorry your doctor doesn't seem to care.  It makes me appreciate my doctor even more.  Twice I had to go in to seem him ASAP and both times I was accomidated the next day.  I think what that doctor is doing is unprofessional.  Try contacting the AMA

Sorry.

Lisa, Are you upset with the hospital. your doctor or the whole gastric program?
I am sorry you have had so many problems.

Lisa