That's so sad to me, I think because here was a previously healthy person now losing it. And there's no right answer. It makes me irrationally scared to get old.
Wow. I have to say, good with the quick thinking on the having her sign a waiver saying in front of witnesses that she knew she could DIE in front of everyone.
My question is, how did she get there in the first place?
That's the truly frustrating part. She asked her mom to take her to the ED because she was vomiting so badly and because she felt so bad. After a little bit of IV fluid she started to feel better and then decided to leave. It's not uncommon for people to come to the ED for help then decide they don't want the recommended treatment. For example I get kids who are dehydrated from vomiting and diarrhea (gastro), but their parents refuse to let us place an IV because 'he doesn't like needles.' So why do they come in to begin with??
Fortunately most people aren't nearly as sick as the girl above, so it's not a big deal, despite just being irritating.
Know how you feel. I think we all know how you feel, because we've all been there, repeatedly. And you're right -- they *will* sue, no matter what you do. We just have to the best we can, knowing no matter what, we will be blamed, and we will be punished, for precisely the reasons you state. That's what it means to be a doctor in America, in this day and age.
I know why you friends-locked it. But if you ever change your mind, I'd like very much to link it. Because it speaks perfectly about a major aspect of what it means to be us, and what with we wrestle with.
Fascinating. I've added you as a friend (and then I'm leaving on the 28th for a month!) we're in Maui, but my wife (at 73) still goes back to Norfolk at times to work. She's a Navy contractor.
I'm just a retired old fart who takes pictures and writes. Other than one or two little things, we're just you're normal old boring married couple (so we say).
I found you through your wife's LJ account and added you (hope you don't mind!). I really like this post. I'm not a doctor, any desire to be one but EVERY respect for the training and decisions you guys need to make (especially after following your wife's LJ for sometime now). Particularly the tough calls, especially after reading the situation you were in. I personally cannot imagine suing a doctor for a choice I made against their professional recommendation. I don't understand the mindset that is present to sue medical professionals for your own choices. I really don't.
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My question is, how did she get there in the first place?
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Fortunately most people aren't nearly as sick as the girl above, so it's not a big deal, despite just being irritating.
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I know why you friends-locked it. But if you ever change your mind, I'd like very much to link it. Because it speaks perfectly about a major aspect of what it means to be us, and what with we wrestle with.
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I'm just a retired old fart who takes pictures and writes. Other than one or two little things, we're just you're normal old boring married couple (so we say).
Emery Walters
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