Soo Looking Furrward to Surgery!! [GOING Home..]

The Lord helps those that Help Themselves!

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Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee

OH--KAY.

The doctor ... would not write things out for Gina.
A clerk ... tried to help and write things out for her.
She even stated ... she didn't know the terms.
I had asked the doctor NUMEROUS times to write down what he was saying ...
and he wouldn't do it ...

Every person that walked into the room said ... we need to get an interpreter in here.
A consent form or anything was not offered.
Gina is ABLE to understand IF the doctor would have written things down.

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Gina, HELP THYSELF!!

Almost eveything you say those hospital "clowns" did
was a violation of Federal ADA LAWS!

Gina has been deaf long enough to KNOW there are ADA LAWS written to both
prevent this type of treatment AND to CORRECT it when and while it is happening in the real world!
It's time for her to start USING these Laws to help herself!

There are small, concise summaries of the ADA LAWS that she could laminate and carry with her -
they TELL Hospitals and Doctors what MUST be done to translate for a deaf person.

Look at and READ this National Associaton of the Deaf Q&A page >>>
http://www.nad.org/site/pp.asp?c=foINKQMBF&b=138000

MOST "local" "Help Hotlines" run 24/7 and have folks ON CALL - 24/7 - who can
repond to a local hospital to assist with translating for a deaf person - at NO COST (FREE)!

CONSENT Forms:

Another FEDERAL Requirement!
EVERY Hospital has to have available Permission / Consent forms that allow a
patient to SPECIFY
friends, family, clergy, ANYONE that the patient wishes to have INFORMED about the
patients condition, prognosis, and treatment options. IT's the LAW - they gotta do it!

Gina is NOT helpless ... but it's past time for her to stop "acting" like she's helpless!
She's got to start to USE these ADA Laws to HELP HERSELF!

*End of Rant*

/s/ Phred http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif

I do know, Phred, that Gina has taken lawsuits against certain California hospitals in the past for just this sort of thing.

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Originally Posted by Karen

Gina has taken lawsuits against certain California hospitals in the past
for just this sort of thing.

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Bringing a lawsuit won't resolve anything for YEARS AFTER the poor service, poor treatment,
pain, and suffering has happened.

MOST of these ADA problems happen because the folks ON DUTY are ill informed
or don't think they have access to the tools (translator) to rectify the situation -
so they bluff it and pretend there is no problem!

A couple of always-handy laminated cards EXPLAINING the ADA provisions,
along with a few 24/7 Help Hotline numbers;
and a deaf person has the tools to overcome the poor treatment routine.

And TAKE a Trusted FRIEND!!
SIGN their name onto the Admission Forms - "THIS is my representative ...
he or she MUST be informed of my condition, prognosis, and treatment options.
You must explain my condition to THIS Person as well as myself!"

HELP THYSELF!

/s/ Phred

Phred is 100% correct on everything that he has said, GINA needs to assign SOMEONE other than herself to a consent form, before the surgery would have been nice, but now is not too late.


I'm actully surprised that the doctor talked to you Cindy, you are not related to Gina in any way, so legally he should not have told you anything.......maybe this is why nobody knows what is going on!

My suggestion is that you (Cindy) get Gina to sign that form, just for short term, so that YOU can ask the doctor directly, and get direct answers. Flashing that piece of paper around will get you a lot of answers!

Gina should also print out what Phred told her, and carry that on her person just in case of ER's. She should also have a current, updated list of any and all medication she is taking - even over the counter pills!

The only way things like this will stop, is with education. I'm surprised Gina - will all she seems to have gone through - should already know all of this!

THIS was just posted and then deleted by the poster ...

The information is good and correct ...
BUT the "attitude" is an EXCELLENT Example of what's WRONG with our medical professionals ...
The "attitude" expresses contempt towards the patient http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif

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(NOTE: Emphasis ADDED by Phred)

They will not perform a surgery without a consent form signed, period.
They will not do it so that (one not being presented to Gina) is not correct.

Maybe she doesn't remember signing a consent form, but she most certainly did sign one.

If she did not read it, or did not fill out the paperwork correctly -
that is her doing.

Consent forms are in print, therefore can be read by anyone who can read.
... she could have read it before she signed it.

NO operation is performed in this country without a consent form signed. If you try to tell me it was I won't beleive you, I work in the medical industry and I know for a fact they will NOT perform anything on anyone, not even admit you to the hospital, without a consent form and other paperwork signed, that is all in print.

It is the responsibility of the person having the operation to read it and understand it
and if they DON'T understand it, then why are they signing it until they do?
That is the patient's responsibility.

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OK, "Medical Pro", you ARE CORRECT about the Consent FORM ...
Gina HAD to be given one and told to sign it ...
OR she'd NOT get treatment nor her knee operation.

What you DIDn'T say is those "forms" run two to three FINE PRINT PAGES;
are often presented with NO "expalnations" other than "You gotta sign this!";
and often aren't further explained if you DO ASK queations! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/mad.gif

I've personally been admitted to hospitals TOO Many times lately ...
ONE night THREE TIMES into different facilities - while suffering a HEART ATTACK! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/eek.gif

I had NO glasses on, was drugged, drifting in/out of being awake/alert ...
and had NO Freakin idea in the world what I was signing!
On the Second "consent" form I tried to print "Under Duress" before my name ...
Clerk saw it but couldn't read it --- squawked --- but couldn't understand my reply
and let it go.

I *REFUSED* to make decisions or agree to medical procedures UNTIL my two
unrelated "Friends" -
both of whom were EMTs and were being forced to wait in the lobbies -
were allowed IN to the ER *AND* Heard the "story" from the MD Doctor!

THEN the "consent forms" were brought back and THEIR NAMES were both added to my forms.

NOW - imagine if I was DEAF --- couldn't hear a thing the whole time I was there ---
and some less-than-happy-to-be-working-today CLERK shoved a three-page form at me
and *pointed* to the last page signature line! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif

"Consent Form" is a BADLY named weapon that the hospital uses to protect THEIR Interests,
at the expense of the PATIENT's interests! http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/frown.gif http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/mad.gif

(Rant over, for now.)

/s/ Been there; been DONE that way!

"They wont admit or preform surgery without consent"

Oh yea?? I've both worked in and stayed in hospitals as well and I've seen it happen where that is NOT true. When dealing with humans, things fall through the cracks. If it were up to the doctors, of course no one would do surgery without first having all forms signed, thats a HUGE liability. It happens.

And Phred is correct. If Gina went into this surgery, knowing FULL WELL that in the past she's faced not having an interpreter provided to her by the hospital, why did she not go get one herself????

I've faced MANY a medical challege due to my chronic illness and as a result I PLAN for EVERY hospital stay. Granted, I can hear. But, I do have other limitations that I have to overcome that I wont go into here because well, its very private. The point is, I PLAN ahead of time so that I'm not stuck time and time again relying on other people for my comfort, for my safety, even for my medication or even FOOD for that matter. You're responsible for yourself as an adult.

I was under the impression this surgery was elective - as in, she needed it to relieve pain, but it wasn't life or death. You'd think that if an intrepreter was THAT important, she'd arrange one. If she couldn't do that via her own support channels, she'd postphone the surgery.

And this doctor REFUSES to write down instructions and updates for his patient? Um, what kind of person DOES that to a deaf/hearing impared person (I'm sorry, I'm unsure on the proper term :o ) ??? Where do you find these doctors?? You are aware you can ask for the department heads, right??? Hospital heads??? ASK FOR THEM!!!!! Don't just sit there and become a victim, people treat you the way you ALLOW them to treat you.

Please get well and get the HECK OUT OF THAT HOSPITAL Gina.

I used to Work in In/Out/ER Hospital Admitting and have practically memorized those stupid consent forms...

Basically, you are signing for the following:

1. Your siggy gives up your right to sue the hospital for anything the MD's do to you! (FUN!!! Although, there is usually a way around this one, I think you can sue nurses, or the hospital for neglect and all that fun stuff. In Gina's case, for not providing an intrepeter when she obviously needs one.) {I think this one is a combo of two points, actually.}

2. You are giving consent for the hospital's billing dept. to bill your insurance company(s). If you owe more than what your insurance company will pay on this/these services, the hospital will then bill you for these services.

3. If you have a co-pay or deductable, upon admission, you must pay these.

4. While there are many, many doctors that use the hospitals facilities, they do not work FOR the hospital. (ie: Radiologist, Anesthesiologist, Pulmonologist, Gastroenterologist, your Surgeon, etc.) As thus, they will be billing you and your insurance seperately from the hospital.

5. Do you have an Advanced Care Directive or a Medical Power of Attny? Would you like info on this?

6. We are a teaching hospital and so you may witness students helping your nurses or doctors at times. This is in no way a threat to you or your care/safety...blah, blah, blah...improves the future of healthcare...blah, blah, blah.

7. Due to being a teaching hospital and in the course of surgeries and tests/procedures, there are photographs taken of ...pretty much the insides of people, or the removal of organs, or laprscopic surgeries or scopes, etc....that remain the property of the hospital. Just an FYI, we may use them. (I always thought this one was soooo odd and this was the one people would ask me about...I never knew what to say to them!)

OK, I'm forgetting the rest...but those are the main ones. Fun stuff you have to sign while terrified, drugged or in pain, huh?? This is why its good to have, like Phred kinda suggested above, FRIENDS or FAMILY with you of good, sound minds that can help you with the admitting process.

OK, done hijacking the thread. ;)

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Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee

OH--KAY.

The doctors said the problems could have been the meds she took at 3am. And he would not write things out for Gina. A clerk, who was not very educated, tried to help and write things out for her. She even stated she could not write everything out that the doctor said because she didn't know the terms.
I had asked the doctor NUMEROUS times to write down what he was saying for her and he wouldn't do it, that is why the clerk tried to help. Every person that walked into the room said....we need to get an interpreter in here. And a consent form or anything was not offered. Gina is ABLE to understand IF the doctor would have written things down.

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WOW!! This is unreal. What kind of a hospital is this? Is Gina still in the hospital? How is she now?

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Originally Posted by NoahsMommy

I used to Work in In/Out/ER Hospital Admitting and have practically memorized those stupid consent forms...

like Phred kinda suggested above, FRIENDS or FAMILY with you of good, sound minds that can help you with the admitting process.

OK, done hijacking the thread. ;)

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Kelly-

You did NOT hijack this thread, you would think with all the medical problems & hospital stays Gina has, she would know this by now.....deaf or not.

If she didn't ask for an inturpertur, then they understood she read everything that she had to sign. As a hearing person I have asked questions before I signed, and I have read everything before signing - or my husband is there, reading, before anything is signed - regardless if it is a hospital or not!

Never, ever sign a document before reading AND understanding it. It is just good common sense. :D

I'm starting to wish I hadn't this surgery.. :( :( :( just went through some screaming spasms anf fell again not long ago. :(

gunshot pains and my foot keeps getting swollen and purplish.. I swear I'd rather have my knee amputated now. :( delilah, am not in the hospital now and can promise I won't ever go back there.

three of you posters, you're getting it all wrong. you all even spelt interpreter incorrectly and it was not even about the surgery. :mad: :mad: :(

please don't even bother to speak before the unspoken story of the survivor.

Gina, people are only trying to help. There is no cause to be rude to people that are caring and thinking only of your health and well being and to chide them for mistakes in spelling of all things.

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

three of you posters, you're getting it all wrong. you all even spelt interpreter incorrectly and it was not even about the surgery. :mad: :mad: :(

please don't even bother to speak before the unspoken story of the survivor.

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Btw, correction in grammer........ spelt is NOT a word. :)
Those 3 posters who spelled incorrectly are JUST HUMAN. Everyone makes errors.

People here on PT are just trying to help you but your not seeing it because of the heavy pain medications clouding your judgement?

There are been some wonderful suggestions and well thought out explainations (for example the post Kelly made comes to mind).

Gina, I was pretty miserable until I called the doctor. He put me in physical therapy. That was the answer. I was a new person after that. Do they have PT scheduled for you yet?

Believe me, I know how you feel. You really start to feel hopeless until the PT people tell you about the exercises and what you need to do to recover as quickly as possible. I hope your doctor has PT plans set up asap. Feel better! :(

Sorry you're having so much trouble with this surgery. I'll hope for the best for you.

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

please don't even bother to speak before the unspoken story of the survivor.

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you of all people hardly have any room to talk when it comes to spelling!
how petty!
I know you won't believe me and that's fine - but I do hope you can find your doctor or someone that will help relieve your pain. I've been thru arthoscopic knee surgery x 2 - and know how painful it was.

Here is your chance "survivor"... tell us why you chose not to have an interpreter there after all your previous experiences in hospitals.

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

please don't even bother to speak before the unspoken story of the survivor.

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Originally Posted by lbaker

Here is your chance "survivor"... tell us why you chose not to have an interpreter there after all your previous experiences in hospitals.

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Right on, Laurie! Please, Gina, enlighten us...give us your version of why you wouldn't set up/organize (however one goes about doing this) an interpreter when you've had so many problems in the past?? Why would you repeatedly and WILLINGLY subject yourself to this when its been such a problem that you are subsposedly SUEING the state of California over it - MY tax dollars, btw.

And I agree with the others, if you're going to be checking others out on their spelling, check yours first please. You have MUCH bigger fish to fry to be worrying about spelling, like getting better and scheduling Physical Therapy. I was in TWO car accidents in June where I totalled two vehicles ( :eek: ) and Physical Therapy was a godsend as I sprained almost every part of my body. (I never told Pet Talk about this.) Get to Physical Therapy as soon as your MD allows you, you'll be so happy you went.

Believe what you wish, these comments ARE actually made with your best interests in mind. We would love it if you had your life back to normal - no more surgery, no more moving, no more drama - just a happy, regular life. :)

Remember, folks, it wasn't the surgery she didn't have an interpreter for - it was the sickness after she came home that meant she had to go back to the emergency room - that's when the lack of translator/communication came into play.

Just a small point of information: Spelt is a word, but isn't the past tense of spell - that would be spelled. Spelt is a kind of grain, related to wheat.

I too have to agree with Laurie & Kelly......why do you have such a chip on your shoulder? We have been nothing but nice & helpful towards you, and all you can reply is that are spelling is incorrect :rolleyes:


I'm not sure what you were expecting after surgery, but you knee SHOULD be swollen, purplish and in horrible pain! They went in there to work on it - did you just expect to jump off the operating table and walk away? I hope not.

We have all been waiting to hear from you,and when we did all you did was talk about grammar.......not the question we wanted answered!!

And please choose your words correctly: 'survivor' is not something we would use as to refer to someone that just had surgery. You are 'recovering' from knee surgery. I also had arthroscopic knee surgery on both of my knee's, right one was done 3 times, left only twice, so I KNOW the pain you are going through and it is NORMAL for right after surgery.

You will get through this, we all have.

Believe it or not we are here for you, we are on your side....... I just don't understand why you are fighting us!

So please........let us hear your side of the story.


We are all waiting.......................

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Remember, folks, it wasn't the surgery she didn't have an interpreter for - it was the sickness after she came home that meant she had to go back to the emergency room - that's when the lack of translator/communication came into play.

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OK, I'm willing to accept this. But...I find it incredibly fishy...interesting...odd...WIERD...that an ER doctor or the Admitting doctor...at least this is what I'm gleaning from the only person that will tell us anything (Cindy as Taz_Zoe)...would not WRITE DOWN: what was wrong with you, instructions, why you were reacting, what medications he was giving you, ect. WHY would a doctor treat someone that couldn't understand him and not tell you about it??

That is basically treating someone WITHOUT CONSENT. Something that we all earlier agreed that was kinda important. Something I said myself a DOCTOR would never, ever do if given the choice. As I said before, if EVER a time when a consent is NOT signed, it was because of the patient and the Admitting staff, NOT the doctor, I'd gaurantee that, based on the doctor's malpractice policy.

Whenever I've been discharged from the 4 hospitals I've been admitted or been to the ER at, they've given me discharge orders (written) and even a write up about whatever brought me to the ER - and I've been to the ER for many things, not just my pesky Crohn's Disease - ALL in written form, which includes aftercare, phone numbers of doctors, the hospitals, includes prescriptions, treatment instructions, etc. Did I mention that this has always been in written form for me??

Editing to add:

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Originally Posted by Catsnclay

And please choose your words correctly: 'survivor' is not something we would use as to refer to someone that just had surgery. You are 'recovering' from knee surgery.

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Maybe its because of the language barrier, but maybe this can be a learning tool as well. :) 'Survivor' is a term used only when someone has "survived" something where they've almost crossed to the brink of death, like cancer, a heart attack, a deadly disease, a scary car accident. This is what was meant by the above comment. Oh, survivors of 9-11 or the recent Bridge Collapse...those are survivors. Just an FYI.

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Originally Posted by Karen

Remember, folks, it wasn't the surgery she didn't have an interpreter for - it was the sickness after she came home that meant she had to go back to the emergency room - that's when the lack of translator/communication came into play.

Just a small point of information: Spelt is a word, but isn't the past tense of spell - that would be spelled. Spelt is a kind of grain, related to wheat.

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Karen-

We are NOT knocking Gina for anything at all. I think you, too are misreading what we are trying to say.

We all have given her nice & thoughtful tips for the future, and she turns around and gets angry with us for mispelling a word :rolleyes:

This thread was NOT about a spelling lesson.

If you are so close to Gina, I suggest strongly that you recommend that she rereads all these posts again - and realize that whe have done nothing but try to HELP her.

Thank you.

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Originally Posted by Karen

Just a small point of information: Spelt is a word, but isn't the past tense of spell - that would be spelled. Spelt is a kind of grain, related to wheat.

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I like to learn new words :) Thank You for that information.

I'll correct my statement to read " btw, allot of bad grammer in her posts".

If Gina doesn't mind - I would like to point out that spoken and written English, as most of us know it, has not been her first language for many years.

I am not joking when I say that video messages with someone "speaking" in American Sign Language would be easier for her to understand. Also - one can see the mood of the gestures and the expression of the face.

Here is a quote from the link Phred posted:

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. . . American Sign Language (ASL) [is] a manually communicated language distinct from English and whose idioms and concepts are not directly translatable into English. It uses different sentence structure, grammar and syntax than English, and is as much a foreign language to English speaking persons as is French or German. Conversely, English is equally foreign to most deaf persons who rely on ASL for communication.

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Just as far as English goes - I think Gina does VERY well.

Gina - I know you needed this interpretation AFTER your surgery...I cannot begin to imagine the pain. Gentle {{{hugs}}}

When you feel a bit better, laminating that small summaries of the ADA LAWS might not be a bad idea. God forbid you should need it again! But just in case.

Get well soon.! :)

After reading through this thread again:

Gina, you said you're falling down. Do you have crutches or a walker or a cane to help you? If not, you need one of those to help you get around. Also; my knee stayed black/blue/purple for about 4 days or so. After about a week, it should start getting better. Something else that might help you is a lift on the toilet seat. Then, it's not so painful to get up--that was my worst pain. Have some ice handy too for the swelling.

Can you call your doctor tomorrow about physical therapy? Good luck.

oh good grief.. talk about judgement. :(

well, for one, I'm not going to correct you, craftlady, and everyone, if you read somewhere else here that correcting people's grammar is one of my pet peeves.. I didn't mean to 'chide' - just that when someone spells something wrong, I thought they didn't read something correctly, even the link phred provided about laws. (e.g. he used translator instead of interpreter) but, I can understand how my last post sounded like. (with limited signal & unbearing pain). if someone loves harry potter so much and spells herry poter, I just find it really funny. you know, I believe you need to know pretty much everything before you could really help anyone.

judgement or not, it'd be either that I see the help or not, the person reacts individually. for this one, I absolutely don't see how people ARE suppose to try to help when a thread rocketed off the point about something it wasn't even about and the worst now, they're explaining things wrong. I came back to this in for a long time for some good encouragements, however it ends with all of posts talking about constent forms and what-I-should-write lectures I never asked for.. and, thinking I'm all this naive as much as they're with me obviously doesn't help. I actually had to look back at my title to see if I had changed it or something. really.. maybe it was the medication.

first of all,

- it's NOT my responsibility to GET an interpreter but to ASK for one, in written, yes if I want or need one.

but I am sorry.. who said I didn't chose to? oh okay, I guess I chose to be unconscious this time.. and for the record, I am not angry at a mispelling word, only disgusted how this place have became lately, especially to my friend who have been helping me more than she should.

I used this word survivor as I've fought through for my rights, privledges and for my services many times before - I thought to scan a few annunal reports where it talks about cases of mine suing several hospitals .. but, ..with all of impliments here stating I "like" to be a victim, that surely doesn't encourage me to, now.

help thyself, want the answers? earn them. :mad:

noahsmommy, I'd be more than glad to give you the name of the clerk and number as it seemed our, my or even non-dramatic tazzoee's words didn't matter but of course, believe what you wish too.

yes, I understand you and others have went to hospitals or worked as one but that does not mean (and obviously by your posts) you've lived by MY laws or even principles as much as I know as I recall neither of you are deaf. many doctors and nurses don't yet anyway, to understand and serve us better ..

delilah, I fell off the crutches because of SO much, nerve-pinching pressure pain that made me feel like throwing up trying to get up. :( how soon did you called? today is my only fourth day.. bathroom, yes - goshness. we, cindy tried to call doctor yesterday, and today - closed. we try again tomorrow, definitely. thank you so much for staying with me..

and THANKYOU catty.. I always try my best and sometimes people can be so tearfully petty and painful.. I, alone don't always have the words. one person can't do it too much. on that, I've gave up. :( and they will be my friends if they will.

p.s. ~ spelt IS for the past tense of spell in british.. am I wrong to correct?

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

noahsmommy, I'd be more than glad to give you the name of the clerk and number as it seemed our, my or even non-dramatic tazzoee's words didn't matter but of course, believe what you wish too.

yes, I understand you and others have went to hospitals or worked as one but that does not mean (and obviously by your posts) you've lived by MY laws or even principles as much as I know as I recall neither of you are deaf. many doctors and nurses don't yet anyway, to understand and serve us better ..

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Forgive me, but I don't really understand a lot of your post. :o I see that part of this is directed at me. You want to give me a clerks phone number to check on what?? I don't recall saying I didn't believe you regarding anything you've done - or haven't done.

Unless I missread or don't understand - wouldn't be the first time, I am a blondie! :)

Bunny has reinerated that we were intending our posts to help you for when you came back from your surgery/ER. The reason I posted all that "Consent Information" was for YOU, Gina, because I've myself have been in so much pain that I don't give a "flying you know what" and signed any darn form they've put in front of me at the ER. So, when the topic was, "a possibility of you not knowing what was in those forms you signed", I wrote what was in those forms you may have signed, to help YOU.

thank you but it just doesn't make sense to me why you ARE trying to help me now and here how I was treated last time, I never wanted or asked for YOUR or her help.

I think we should continue this privately. or just leave it here as it has been.

I couldn't use crutches either. I used a walker. It's been my salvation through the knee replacement also.

I guess it was about the third or fourth day I called the doctor to see what we could do. I was having some serious pain and getting pretty upset that I was going to hurt myself if I did something I shouldn't. When I started physical therapy, they told me that I could do things I wasn't aware of. I was just too scared to try anything. The physical therapy was the turning point. After that, I recovered and went back to work. I guess it was about 10 days that I returned to work. Other people I know were back in less than a week afterwards. But......that may be too soon for normal activity. Remember, each case is different. With knee surgeries I've learned that one of the most important things is to not compare yourself to other people. You will recover at your own rate. When you get the doc on the phone, see if they can get you a walker--much better and much easier to use. Sometimes the orthopedic doctors have them right in the office for lending.
I guess another really important thing is to not rush your recovery by doing too much. Baby it for as long as possible. As long as your knee wasn't too badly damaged, it should heal and you'll be good for awhile :) Key words: no pivoting~~

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

thank you but it just doesn't make sense to me why you ARE trying to help me now and here how I was treated last time, I never wanted or asked for YOUR or her help.

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WOW :eek:

Don't you think you should try to be a little nicer to those who are trying to help you out??!!

Okay - Gina, if I read your post correctly, you are feeling bitter at the help some people are offering - because they didn't help you before and might even have bashed you.

I can't begin to imagine the pain you are experiencing, and I hope you do get a walker like D&D said.

At some point, though, think about how you and everyone deserves a second chance. Pain just brings out bad memories and thoughts, I know, like a magnet.

When and if you can...let's make this thread a second chance from now on. We all here - you, and me, and the other PTrs - have the power to give those second chances.

Cause - life is too short to have old anger renting space in your head.

This is posted out of concern, and a desire for peace. :)

HUGS!

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Originally Posted by Catty1

Okay - Gina, if I read your post correctly, you are feeling bitter at the help some people are offering - because they didn't help you before and might even have bashed you.

I can't begin to imagine the pain you are experiencing, and I hope you do get a walker like D&D said.

At some point, though, think about how you and everyone deserves a second chance. Pain just brings out bad memories and thoughts, I know, like a magnet.

When and if you can...let's make this thread a second chance from now on. We all here - you, and me, and the other PTrs - have the power to give those second chances.

Cause - life is too short to have old anger renting space in your head.

This is posted out of concern, and a desire for peace. :)

HUGS!

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Could you get any more sappy than that? I think not. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

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Could you get any more sappy than that? I think not.

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Okay, so how would YOU end the fighting? :)

If you're not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem. You decide.

sorry, I don't respond to judgement and rudeness. it wasn't because of last bash - I've got over with it, PT isn't my life anymore. I'm talking about two specific posters here and she just happens to talk about the same person. obviously, this was not a long ago.

I don't have problem with people, even phred who were trying to help - like I said, I just don't understand why they bother to help in here when they refuse to reply my several PMs already. when there's a lack of correspondence, you hardly accept the help.

for others, please understand my last post and know I appreciate posts, always. without jugdements and assumptions, of course and I thank you all for that even I haven't said it yet. although I went through the worst before, I just want this knee to be fixed. :( :mad: :(

delilah, I was bummed when I read 10 days.. okay, I remember I can't compare.. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...child/sigh.gif I can't believe I totally forgot to tell you all when I read "as long as your knee isn't badly damaged.." - the operation had changed a bit, instead of putting graft in, they screwed in to stuck my patella. and this is the part where it hurts like .. *clears throat* ... my whole leg, from a bit above of knee to toes are terrribly brusied and it won't stop producing more bruises.. and is NOT doing any better. just yesterday, I couldn't stand up anymore. bedridden.. couchridden.. toiletridden.

I just can't wait until my doctor SEES my leg tomorrow for the follow up, I'd be surprised if he says it's all fine.. :( the scary part is that I am running out of pain killers soon. "no refills", so I'll need and hope to get some more asap - I've been taking it like I love them.

does your walker has rollers on?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly

sorry, I don't respond to judgement and rudeness. it wasn't because of last bash - I've got over with it, PT isn't my life anymore. I'm talking about two specific posters here and she just happens to talk about the same person. obviously, this was not a long ago.

I don't have problem with people, even phred who were trying to help - like I said, I just don't understand why they bother to help in here when they refuse to reply my several PMs already. when there's a lack of correspondence, you hardly accept the help.

for others, please understand my last post and know I appreciate posts, always. without jugdements and assumptions, of course and I thank you all for that even I haven't said it yet. although I was through the worst, I just want this knee to be fixed. :( :mad: :(

delilah, I was bummed when I read 10 days.. okay, I remember I can't compare.. http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b1...child/sigh.gif I can't believe I totally forgot to tell you all when I read "as long as your knee isn't badly damaged.." - the operation had changed a bit, instead of putting graft in, they screwed in to stuck my patella. and this is the part where it hurts like .. *clears throat* ... my whole leg, from a bit above of knee to toes are terrribly brusied and it won't stop producing more bruises.. and is NOT doing any better. just yesterday, I couldn't stand up anymore.

I just can't wait until my doctor SEES my leg tomorrow for the follow up, I'd be surprised if he says it's all fine.. :( the most scary part is that I am running out of pain killers soon. "no refills", so I'll need and hope to get some more asap - I've been taking it like I love them.

does your walker has rollers on?

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I don't know if I'm one of the ones your talking about or not b/c I can't follow your post at all. Probably but I'm going to comment real quick on the medical paragraph regardless- just ask him to make sure you don't have a blood clot in that leg.

quoted by shais mom
I don't know if I'm one of the ones your talking about or not. Probably but I'm going to comment quick on the medical paragraph - just ask him to make sure you don't have a blood clot in that leg.

no, not you.. lately. maybe. blood clot in the leg is what I am afraid of, my grandfather just died of it.

this is so depressing.. for the first time ever, ever in my life I've came to think of myself first before the cats and I can't stop crying thinking about it. it's just.. a life-change smack?? I feel they're totally neglected even though I know they are in good hands. I saw them yesterday through the windows but didn't get chance to hold, hug or touch them.. :(

Gina, my walker doesn't have wheels on it. They suggested that after the knee replacement but it never happened. You can get one with wheels if you would feel more comfortable with that. It will work for you to help make your walking gait normal.

To me, feeling depressed after any knee surgery, is completely normal. You sound exactly like I did. Trust me,when you go for your followup tomorrow, you will find out about physical therapy, blood clots, and your progress so far. If there is something out of the ordinary, the doctor should spot it right away. If I were you, I would make a list of questions to take with you so nothing is left off.

Don't worry about running out of pain pills. The doctor will give you more. Knee surgery is very very painful, as alot of us here know. The doctors know this too and they will help you.

Try to think positive thoughts. I know you feel hopeless, helpless, and scared, but, things will get better very soon. You're in what I call the "dark" period afterwards. You will see a light soon........believe me. I feel like I could write a book on knee surgery by now. The more positive you are, the quicker you will recover. :)

I should also add: I went back to work in 10 days. I was doing okay much sooner than that. :)

Ok, I am probably one of the PT'ers that she is talking about, and Gina whatever you may feel against me right now is NOT my fault. :(

This goes way before this thread ever started, and all I have ever wanted for you is the best. I think you know that, but just because what happened, or I should actually say, what didn't happen before the knee surgery was apparently a miscommunication of sorts.......and I think you know that.

I didn't do anything to you to hurt you. Yes, what I offered did not come through, and I am sorry for that, but you cannot be mad at me for something I could not control.

Often life brings us things we have to deal with......good things and disapointing things. Like I told you before, I have no idea what went wrong - everything on my side was ready and in place. I'm not 'blaming' you for anything and you should not blame me. Obviously this was just not meant to be.

Please accept it for just that.

If you are still upset with me, well then that is your choice, but I still have nothing but good wishes for you.

What you are experiencing with your knee is normal. IF you had a blood clot, you would know, but what you are feeling is the 'normal' after surgery pain. You are over the 'hump' now and should be getting better with each and every day. Check with your doctor to see if he wants you to have a walker with wheels......wheels can be very dangerous if you do not have control over you balance, the last thing you need right now is to fall and hurt yourself! :rolleyes:

Also, please be careful with your pain meds. Do not take them more often than prescribed.....even if you are in pain. Use either ice or heat to put on your knee to help with the pain (I prefer ice, it seems to numb things quicker).

Pain meds are great.....but they can also do more harm. There is NO pill out there that does not have a side affect, so please be careful!

First of all, I just wanted to clarify that the hospital Gina went to the day after her surgery was NOT the same hospital she had the surgery in. I do not live in the same town where the surgery was done.
Second, Gina has gone back to the hospital today. Back to the hospital where the surgery was performed. So hopefully they can help her.
I will update as I get information and access to a computer.
Thank you all for your thoughts and concern.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee

The hospital Gina went to the day after her surgery was
NOT the same hospital she had the surgery in.

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This is probably why the Doctor in Hospital #2 didn't seem too helpful -
NO Doctor is going to "check" or "re-work" another Surgeon's surgery
without seeing any surgical reports AND having a consultation with Doctor #1.
ESPECIALLY ONE day after the initial surgery.

Quote:

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Today Gina has gone back to the hospital, where the original surgery was performed.

I will update as I get information and access to a computer.

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Did YOU (Taz-Zoee) or another close friend accompany Gina while she was processed
and examined - to serve as an "extra set of eyes and ears" for her?
Were arrangements made (in advance) for a deaf interpreter or translator to be there
to assist with communications?

IS Gina feeling any better?

/s/ Phred

On Which "Today" or "Tomorrow" is Gina going into the hospital?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sandragonfly ~ Posted Today, MONDAY, August 06, 2007 @ 11:11 AM

I just can't wait until my doctor SEES my leg tomorrow for the follow up,
I'd be surprised if he says it's all fine

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Gina indicates she'll see Doctor #1 on TUESDAY, August 07.
-----------------------------------------------------------

A little later on TODAY (MONDAY) at 7:29 PM

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Taz_Zoee ~ Posted Today, MONDAY, August 06, 2007 @ 7:29 PM

Gina has gone back to the hospital today.
Back to the hospital where the surgery was performed.

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Ta-Zoee tells us Gina went to the Hospital TODAY.
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http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/confused.gif

Are you two Young Ladies actually in contact with each other?

Did she have her in-Hospital follow-up TODAY, or will she have it TOMORROW?

Some of us have *strongly suggested* that Gina take along a Trusted Friend
when she has Doctor or Hospital appointments ...
another set of eyes & ears to get the details down correctly.

DID, or if it's tomorrow, WILL, someone be going with Gina on this important check-up?

/s/ Phred