Need to Vent - LONG

[Nioley]

A month ago Saturday, I sliced open my first finger and thumb on a glass bowl. After spending over 3 hours in the ER, I got my fingers stitched up and was on my merry way. Needless to say, I was given no antibiotics nor I was x-rayed for glass fragments or nerve damage. ($75 co-pay plus 10% of covered chgs)

So 12 days later, I head to my PCP to have the stitches removed. It turns out my thumb was infected and the stitches were coming loose, so I went on meds for 10 days. This process included another visit to the doctor because the original appointment was wasted due to the infection. (2 - $25 co-pays and $10 prescription)

Here it is a month later, my thumb is numb on the left side and EXTREMELY swollen, and I can't bend it. I call my PCP and explain what's going on, and of course he wants to see me. He refers me to an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery.
(Another $25 co-pay)

The next day I see the surgeon and tell him the whole situation. He asks what tests were given at the ER to test the nerves and ligaments, of course I tell him nothing. He says that my finger is so swollen because I have extensive scar tissue, and more than likely I sliced through the nerves. I have to go to hand therapy for 3 weeks, and then return to him and determine if surgery is necessary. I may never get movement back in my thumb either. (Another $25 co-pay!)

So far this accident has cost me almost $200 and I still have more bills to come. I'm so frustrated that this even happened. That was so neglegent on the part of the ER doc not to check my wound more carefully.

Sorry, but I needed to vent about this whole situation. The past month has been awful, but I have received lots of sympathy from my hubby!!

[Freebeemom]

Ouch...that sounds awful, painful and very frustrating. I would also be upset at the ER/hospital. Make sure you contact the administration with your complaint, as well as your insurance company. If people don't start speaking up, nothing will get better at our ER's and hospitals. I had a similar situation happen where proper tests were not done that could have resulted in permanent damage as well. Although you are mad about your copays, hopefully the next step (Surgury) will help you along with your recovery!

[Angel Lips]

(((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))

[Nioley]

Thank you both!

I am going to complain about the ER doc, but that's a very touchy situation I work for the group of hospitals! Once I get the final word from the surgeon, I'm going to send in a letter regardless just so they know how unprofessional this doctor was. I know working in an ER is stressful and has long hours, but you have to do your job thoroughly at any time.

[Tasha405]

(((Hugs)))

[queenangie]

Talk to the hospital's Patient Representative or Customer Service Department.
They'll be able to help you, probably take off your co-pay too.

[joni1269]

Thank you both!

I am going to complain about the ER doc, but that's a very touchy situation I work for the group of hospitals! Once I get the final word from the surgeon, I'm going to send in a letter regardless just so they know how unprofessional this doctor was. I know working in an ER is stressful and has long hours, but you have to do your job thoroughly at any time.

I think that is the right thing to do, maybe he won't do this to others..


Sorry to hear about your hand - I hope it gets better soon!

[Shann]

ouch! I hope it gets better soon and you regain movement in your thumb! I would complain also, that was unacceptable for them to fully check our your wound. I of course know nothing about all that, but since you did go to a Dr. they should have been fully aware of the procedures they should have taken to ensure you healed properly. Please keep us updated! Sending warm thoughts to help through it all.

[Mike'smom]

Being an employee of the hospitals does not mean you have to accept substandard care! Believe me, if you hurt yourself on the job, they'd fight you tooth and nail about the Worker's Comp claim. I'm speaking the voice of experience.

Sounds like the orthopedic surgeon is on the ball. A friend tore his tendons and ligaments in his thumb and the excercise he was given was to practice touching his thumb and little finger tips together. Hurts a whole heck of a lot at first but gets easier with practice.

Also be sure to keep an eye on that infection. Remeber Rosie's bout with staph?

Good luck!

[YankeeMary]

I would not give up...I would hire me an attorney. I was hurt at work 5 years ago and had a horrible doctor who let 3 bones in my wrist remain broken for 9 months. My wrist would begin to heal then they would put me in therapy and it would re-break every time. I developed RSD (Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy) CRPS (Chronic Reginonal Pain Syndrone), Its been 5-1/2 years many many surgeries and many many pain block, 4 years of occupational and physical therapy and finally a SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulator) I am disabled for life due to an imcompentent doctor. Be heard, DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Even by chance that it would cause you problems at work, just be thankful that you are able to work, if your other doc didn't catch this it wouldn't matter where you worked. I wish you great luck with this, just remain strong and stand up for yourself, I sure wish I would have. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Linus1223]

A month ago Saturday, I sliced open my first finger and thumb on a glass bowl. After spending over 3 hours in the ER, I got my fingers stitched up and was on my merry way. Needless to say, I was given no antibiotics nor I was x-rayed for glass fragments or nerve damage. ($75 co-pay plus 10% of covered chgs)

So 12 days later, I head to my PCP to have the stitches removed. It turns out my thumb was infected and the stitches were coming loose, so I went on meds for 10 days. This process included another visit to the doctor because the original appointment was wasted due to the infection. (2 - $25 co-pays and $10 prescription)

Here it is a month later, my thumb is numb on the left side and EXTREMELY swollen, and I can't bend it. I call my PCP and explain what's going on, and of course he wants to see me. He refers me to an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hand surgery.
(Another $25 co-pay)

The next day I see the surgeon and tell him the whole situation. He asks what tests were given at the ER to test the nerves and ligaments, of course I tell him nothing. He says that my finger is so swollen because I have extensive scar tissue, and more than likely I sliced through the nerves. I have to go to hand therapy for 3 weeks, and then return to him and determine if surgery is necessary. I may never get movement back in my thumb either. (Another $25 co-pay!)

So far this accident has cost me almost $200 and I still have more bills to come. I'm so frustrated that this even happened. That was so neglegent on the part of the ER doc not to check my wound more carefully.

Sorry, but I needed to vent about this whole situation. The past month has been awful, but I have received lots of sympathy from my hubby!!


That sound svery painful..I am so sorry you've had to go through this.

On the bright side, at least you have insurance to pay for some of it or imagine how much more it would have been. :)