Surgeons taking you seriously when psych issues
I had Roux en Y, Proximal surgery in January. I've lost 76 lbs. since then. Up until 3 weeks ago I thought I was doing well. I still had little energy and what I thought was exercise induced asthma, so I got an inhaler (albuterol) from my PCP. I didn't really think much about it and NEVER bothered my surgeon. 3 weeks ago I caught what I thought was the flu: Nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, headache and severe dizziness. I saw my PCP, who determined I was dehydrated and he sent me to the ER at my surgeons hospital, where I got fluids. They took blood before starting the fluids, but all the cells were hemolyzed. They didn't bother taking blood again until after I had 1.5 liters of saline. Surgeon's conclusion: wasn't dehydrated, but they kept me overnight to run some tests. Mind you, I never actually threw up, just severely nauseated. So the next day they do an upper endoscopy, which showed my pouch was fine. The surgeon says to rest that day and tomorrow they will do a CAT scan to check out my abdomen. At that point I admit, I lost it. I'd been in pain for 2 weeks, my Wellbutrin SR was losing it's effectiveness and I was beginning to doubt my own sanity. Supposedly there was nothing wrong with me, my vitals were fine, my bloodwork was fine and my pouch was fine. Enter, the psychiatrist, at the wrong moment. Pain does funny things to your mind, as well as having no food for 2 weeks. He sent me to the psych unit. Next day, no CAT scan as promised, surgeon medically cleared me to be transfered and stopped my IV first thing in the morning. He stated I was eating and drinking and I actually had not had a bite of food or even a sip of water, and I was in so much pain. I was basically ignored until I was transferred that evening. When I complained of pain and nausea in the psych unit I was simply told "you were medically cleared", I can give you tylenol. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I got so dizzy, I fell and injured my leg. I was called a "drama queen." I finally found a night nurse who was sympathetic and tried to make me comfortable, but that was all he could do. Fortunately, the next day, I started feeling a little better, although very lightheaded, coughing and short of breath, but not as nauseous. I started trying to drink as much fluid as I could and eat small amounts, which was difficult as they had no provisions for a WLS patient, no protein, very limited house menu. I was still very sick and it was clouding my judgment. Over a period of 3 days my heart rate continued to rise, until on the last day it was 133 after waking up. My coughing and shortness of breath continued to get worse. I was discharged with no medical followup. I have been awake all night, unable to breathe lying down and my lungs feel water logged. I used my inhaler with very temporary relief. It just helps me cough up some mucous. Bottom line is, I trusted my surgeon with my life. How can I count on him trusting me that when I complain about a problem to take me seriously, and do a thorough diagnostic workup, as he would do any other patient. I am labeled a "psych case", so I doubt I could get proper care from any medical doctor. I am hesitant to try. And I know I need to rely on my surgeon for followup for life. Any medical people or others, I would appreciate your opinion on this situation. Thanks so much. Karen
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