I am finally home!!!!!! I have a story that will BLOW your mind!!! (Big screw up)

Hi everyone,     I wanted to start by saying that I am so incredibly lucky to have had the support, love and prayers that you have all provided. I know that there have been lots of updates to keep everyone in the loop which I am so happy about... I will be putting the whole story in my blog in coming days.     I went to my apartment after I was discharged (with mom of course) and I took a nap and loved on all my little kitties. I am still having a lot of trouble knowing when to drink, when I am actually full, not trying to gag with my protein drinks, etc. It has been such a confusing and hectic week. I really thought that everything was going to go so smoothly and unfortunately it  did not work out that way. I know someone asked for my address- it is (at my parent's house):        Juliana Weaver        165 Denada Path        Roxboro, NC 27574 I did want to share a story with you all that I thought was really important to know and pass on for others- not just having gastric bypass- but all surgeries that could lead to having a blood transfusions. If you read the story and have questions or want clarification on things please feel free to send me your question... I feel as though the more informed we all are as patients, the more successful our outcomes will be!!!     The one thing that I have to say to start is that Durham Regionals staff could have killed me- had I not been in nursing school I would not have caught some SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING mistakes that they made only last night. I did receive 4 units of blood over the course of the hospital stay.  Last night I received the last 2....The charge nurse came in last night after a rough day trying to get the blood and she hung the blood, attached the IV line, and leaned over to attach the IV to my arm. I am in nursing school and I know certain things about the administration with blood. I stopped her and asked if we were going to put a filter on the bag of blood... she got really flustered and said oh they forgot to bring the filter- it was on the tray. The filter is really important to get out any clots and other things that can aggregate in the blood product. She attached it to the bag but did not throw away the line with blood still in (not filtered). I did not even think about that until later after mom and I talked about it. When she went to connect the blood again... I again spoke up and asked if she was going to flush my line- I had potassium chloride running- which is not compatible with blood- can cause the blood cells to break down. She said... opps I did not even bring a flush in here- haha... she came back and started the blood. I was willing to let all of this be a human error thing but I kept thinking- what if someone did not know all these things about blood... they would not know what to ask and what to look for... I am concerned for other patients... and this was not the first or only mistake that occurred but it was the most important that I thought that you should all be aware of. If you or a friend ever gets blood... you should know all the proper procedures so you can do what I was able to do.... ask questions and make sure that nothing bad will occur. I just thank the lucky stars that I knew enough to catch something as huge as a filter not being there.... which could have led to a blood clot or other microaggregates to go directly into my bloodstream. I know that you all are like... good grief this is a long story- but I thought it was really important for you guys to know.     I really appreciate the love and support and am so happy that I have made friends like you all!!! Thanks for everything!!! Love you bunches!!! -Juliana

Julianna, I'm torn between wanting to thank you for this post (and I do!!) and being really worried that my doctors have referred me to DUKE.   My whole life (being from here and that whole ACC  basketball thing) I've heard, if you want the best, you go to DUKE.  My father (in Hickory) drives my brother and sisters to DUKE-if anything is wrong with them, medically.   Is it a coincidence that two of our members have had such a hard time at DUKE  in such a short period of time, or should I be REALLY  worrried??  Do you think this was just one nurse's incompetence or do you think it's something more?? There's nothing I can really do about it, I guess.  I've paid my non-refundable $250..... Kelly

Hello Everyone,   I had my surgery with Duke at Durham Regional Hospital....and I'm also a employee at Durham Regional in the  ER..( and my primary care doctor is a Duke DR as well) .  I had my surgery back in Feb of this year and I had my fair share of problems... with some complications from y surgery...( vit def., dehydration, neuropathy....etc.....I guess every case is different. I can only say that when I started to have problems and called my DR and Surgeon I was sent to the ER right away and my problems we taken care of right away.....Some of my problmes like the vit def. that caused my memory loss....and neuropathy  I had to stay for about  1 week or so....BUT Duke...the weight loss team...my doc all took care of me.  I know that there is such thing as human error AND a nurse and the rest of the health care team NEED to be on top of their game when caring for patients.......because we do depend on them when we are down....DEPEND ON THEM TO CARE FOR US 100%.  Most def. ask areound to other people that had surgery with DUKE, because I know that you have to feel comfortable with your health care team. Wishing  everyone a GREAT CHRISTMAS......AND A GREAT NEW YEAR !!                                                                                                                Stephanie                                                                                                                   333/264/207

I paid my deposit too and was more than glad to give it up My life is worth more than 250 dollars. Yes I have heard all things you also have heard about Duke. UNC gets my vote way over Duke. Sorry for being so blunt but it is how I feel. Yes if you go to UNC you will have to pay another deposit for the wls I think it is only 100 dollars. I have seen first hand how that money has been used. My understanding is it is used for our group meetings and they gave us a great Christmas party last week which had been catered. In January there will be a gastric bypass cooking class at Southern Seasons. Keep in mind also you are the consumer and it is your right to choose.                                                      Annie

Welcome Home Juliana, Let the healing begin. I am so glad you were on top of things at Duke to catch some of the major mistakes. They also made some major mistakes at UNC when I was there too but because I too had been in nursing I was very aware of things. The blood thing that happend to you was some scarry stuf OMG. Get some much needed rest and enjoy your Christmas with your famly. After the holiday I would love to come see you. I have a little gift for you.                                                              Annie

WELCOME HOME JULIANA!!!!!!!! WOOT! /giving bunches and bunches of hugs/ Thank you so much for sharing your experience, or at least one night of it. It's good to be honest so that someone can hear all sides and see.  It's wonderful to know you are home. It's ok, I believe, that you aren't use to knowing when to drink, when your full, etc.  For almost 2 months I could never tell when I was full and I would just stop in eating scared to make myself sick (happened once it was ewww).  Then I realized that my nose keeps running a lot when I eat.  It turns out, that my Vagus nerve was a little damaged in the surger (can happen - apparently it's common) and instead of feeling a "full" feeling, the signal gets crossed and my nose starts running.  I've heard some people start sneezing after eating. Go figure.  As for drinking. Sip Sip SIp Sip Sip Sip all day long! except when you are eating.  Do that and you won't have to worry.  Did you get a Pic-Line? To give you TPN fluids so you have that as a back up and not be so stressed right away with getting all the fluids in? CosmicKelly - If I an not mistaken Barbara had her surgery at Duke, and I belive she didn't have any problems if I remember her saying so (I could be wong, my memory sucks).  I can tell you this though, this surgery is serious. If you are uncomfortable, don't. The $250 is not worth the risk if you don't feel comfortable with your doctor. I'm not saying this negative about Duke, I'm saying this about ANY doctor or bariatric surgeon.  I went to Duke - paid my $250 then found out after the fact ( you think they'd tell you upfront before they pay) that they don't do any surgeries over 390. (This was 5 years ago).  Then I went to Dr. Enochs, who lied to me and said NC doesn't even certify equipment or surgeons to handle patients over 400 and I'd never get anyone in NC to do it (complete lie).   He sent me to VCU in Virginia and I was so uncomfortable with them. They didn't do anything wrong (that I knew about), I just wasn't comfortable. Their psychiatrist kept telling that I HAD TO BE Traumatized when my Mother died and kept insisting that I could not have gotten over something like that. And insisted I be on depression medication as a pre-reg to the surgery.  That made me so angry. I am not a depressed person. Anxiety - stress (Type A personality yes) but not depressed.    So I gave up. I didn't think there was a surgeon who could help me. 2 years later I met a lawyer through a friend who had the surgery in Pinehurst with Dr. Mitchell. He was 525 - 460 at the time of surgery.  Then I met Dr. Mitchell and I just knew. He was the surgeon. He demenor, his kindness, everything just fit.    Keep in mind, that's just me. Not every doctor fits every patient.   The reason I'm telling you this is because  I want to impress that EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON.  I wasn't suppose to have my surgery at Duke, I wasn't suppose to have my surgery in Franklinton and I wasn't suppose to have my surgery in VCU.  I wasn't completely comfortable with them. It didn't pan out because I was suppose to meet Dr. Mitchell.   He was the one gifted enough to handle my obnoxious butt! So don't worry about your deposit. Honestly. Take a step back and think on if you are really comfortable with your doctor.  If you are not completely comfortable putting your life in his hands, listen to your instinct. Crimney!! I talk to much sheesh! and it's only 6:50am.

It's SO good to see you back on the board.  I didn't know anything about blood or filters or anything - but I'm anxious to hear what happened and why you needed it.  For myself, I can tell you - the updates had me very concerned and it's a relief to see you in person! Nikki

(((((Juliana))))),

I was delighed when I called yesterday afternoon and you didn't answer your phone!!! Then, I knew you'd been sprung! I'll bet that you are finally able to get some good rest ... mom too!

I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear of the successive difficulties you have had during your hospital stay. I am hoping that now the hard part is over.

I think it's important to share our experiences and I know that every appreciates your sharing yours. It helps all of us to become more informed and able to manage our own healthcare, so thanks so much for your post. As you know, my husband is starting his own WLS oddessy and I know that I truly appreciate the information you are sharing.

Enjoy some snuggles with mom. I know you both need to recharge.

Welcome to the loser's bench!

Barb

YAY JULIANA!!! I am so glad you are out of there and back home.....  Waiting for Santa??  hehehe   Sorry you had so many issues... damn duke....  But regardless glad to have you on the losers bench... we've been keeping it warm for ya! ~misslaura

    Thank you all so much!!!! I missed talking to you all!!!  The story that I told was not meant to freak anyone out- Im sorry CosmicKelly!!! My mom and I are going to talk to the staff coordinators about the care given to assure that every patient gets competent and safe care. I really was taken care of (mostly) by the staff... we had some absolutely wonderful nurses... some not so great. Which is probably true everywhere. Every patient is different, every surgery is different.... some will go through no problem- others like me will have to stay a little longer- but rest assured, they did not send me home until I was completely stable and they felt certain that the bleeding had stopped. I just wanted to share my experiences just in case someone goes through something similar... if I can help just 1 person understand  the importance of patient advocacy and being very involved in your own care- then I feel as though this post has been sucessful. Always have someone with you- always!!!     Now.... on to the good stuff! I just had the most fabulous protein drink!!!! I mixed 1 can of Atkins Creamy Vanilla shake with 1 teaspoon sugar free french vanilla creamer and 1 tablespoon of Folgers instant decaffeinated coffee (mixed in my little blender). It was so much like iced coffee that  I did not even think about it being a protein shake- it was excellent!!!  I am feeling super good today- I had a shower last night and felt not like a million bucks but like a jillion bucks!!!!  I am probably going to take a little nap afterwhile but each day is getting better. Thanks everyone for all the support!!! Talk to you soon! -Juliana