Last Friday I spent the evening in the emergency room. Always a pleasant experience.
As many of you already know, I recently had my 6th hip surgery. They removed all of my hardware (except that stray screw if you recall) and I’ve been off of crutches for about 3 weeks. Well last Friday I woke up and started walking around–just like any other day–when suddenly I found myself doubled over in pain. Every step that I took literally took my breath away.
The first thought that came to mind was: “I have never felt anything like this before.”
One problem: I have. Twice actually. Both times the pain was determined to be the result of a stress fracture. Both times the result was life-changing. Needless to say, this kind of pain stirs a fear within me. Apparently it also stirred a fear in my physical therapist, my physical therapist assistant, and my orthopedic surgeon. By the end of the day, all 3 sent me straight to the ER for testing.
The ER is not a happy place to be. No one wants to be there and anyone who is there is either sick or injured. Basically, everyone in the ER usually has an excellent reason to be miserable, so they are. Plus–even though I know it’s not true–it usually feels like the ER staff does everything they can to extend the length of your misery.
We left the house at 5:00 pm and got home around 1:30 Saturday morning. By the time I got discharged, I had come up with a new list of the…
5 Things You Never Want to Hear From Your ER Staff
- “Just Google it.” Seriously. The PA told me that she can never remember where potassium comes from; she usually has to Google it. From that moment forward I had complete confidence in her medical competence.
- “I’m here to take you for your CT scan.” This one might seem innocent at first, except…I’d already been taken for a CT scan. And the fact that this happened twice? Totally reassuring.
- “You should have just called you doctor.” I did. He sent me to you. I know, what was he thinking?!?!
- “Remember to hop when you use your crutches.” This goes against EVERY lesson on using crutches known to man. You NEVER hop. Even when you’re non-weightbearing, you are still supposed to go through the stepping motion. Hopping while using crutches is a beginner’s error and can further complicate any injury. This is the worst advice ever.
- “Just try not to fall.” Oh. My. Gosh. First of all, I can’t even begin to count the number of time I’ve been told this one. Second of all…really, who actually TRIES to fall. The statement “try not to fall” implies that, for some reason, I was previously trying TO fall. What a pointless, insulting statement that makes me want to trip you with my crutch so that, when you get up, I can tell you, “Oh, please, just try not to fall again, ok?”
I’m not a heartless person. I know that pain and illness makes people irritable and impatient. My mom was an ER nurse for years, so I appreciate the drama that the ER staff endures on a nightly basis. My CT scan and ultrasound came back clean; no stress fracture and no blood clot. I’m really no worse for the wear. But seriously…”just Google it”?!?!
What is the strangest thing that has ever been said to you by a medical professional?
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Julie says
Oh dear. A medical staff is definitely not someone you would want to hear conflicting or just wrong information from.
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Brittany says
I agree. Giving conflicting information does not build my confidence in your medical expertise. At all. Thanks for stopping by the blog :)
Mommy's Kitchen says
I understand you completely. My dad passed away May 3,2014 to small cell lung cancer. I live overseas so I couldn’t help that much. My sister on the other hand who was in NY with him used to call the ER drs ( small drs) it sounds a lot funnier in Greek. She said that all they do is Google thing sit was really horrible. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It’s really really sad and pathetic :(
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Brittany says
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. It astounds me that the medical professionals actually tell you that they use Google to make their diagnosis. Crazy. Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Elizabeth says
I am always a little stunned when I interact a lot with hospital staff. I spent a lot of time in the hospital with my pregnancy and wouldn’t ever want to do that again! “Just Google it” has to be one of the worst responses ever! I am sorry about your repeated surgeries. That is truly a bummer. I hope you feel recuperate soon! Best wishes! #ibabloggers
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Brittany says
I love when #ibabloggers visit my blog! It makes my day! My surgeries have definitely been a bummer, but each one has taught me something new about life (and about myself). I’m sad to say that sometimes a surgery was the only way for God to get my attention. But I like to think I’m learning from mistakes and growing as a person. Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day! Having vast first hand experience in emergency rooms worldwide, there is A LOT of things staff should simply NOT say; including doctors!
Cheers! Joanne
#ibabloggers
Brittany says
Oh dear! I’ve had numerous ER visits, but they have all been in the US, thankfully! I’m glad you survived your experiences and lived to tell the tale! Thanks for dropping in from #ibabloggers :)
Tina Ernspiker says
I can’t remember but I know there have been a few terrible things that doctors or nurses have said to us… I actually can’t count the number of times that my husband and I have been in the ER… I hope that your hip heals well. I am going to have to read your back story now :-) #ibabloggers
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Brittany says
Thanks so much, Tina! The back story is quite a story and if you hang tight there’s a post going live at 7 pm that will help bring you up to date a bit more ;-) Glad to keep company with #ibabloggers
Nataly Auger says
Hi Brittany,
I am pretty familiar with the ER myself and I must say that some of the staff shouldn’t work in hospital. But the first one you mentioned “Just Google it” is a really huge mistake to say to a patient. My husband is a RNA and I am currently studying to become a nurse and the first thing a teacher tells you is to show the patient that you are confident and that you know your stuff.
Have a nice day! :) #ibabloggers
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Brittany says
Congratulations on being in nursing school; that is quite an endeavor and certainly an inspiring career. I think that medical professionals should have a balance; they should be confident, but they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when necessary. Thanks for stopping by and being involved in the #ibabloggers community :)
Heather @ This is me... says
I’m sitting here just shaking my head at that google comment! I haven’t had any medical weirdness in a while but one time, about 13 years ago, I went to Kaiser because I was super sick. I had a severe sore throat, sinus issues and I couldn’t hear out of my left ear. Strep was going around and I really just wanted to rule it out. So, the PA came in (I never saw a Dr), she never looked in my throat and told me to go down to the lab for a pregnancy test. What?! My throat eventually got better and I wasn’t pregnant. Lol
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Brittany says
Oh. My. Gosh. This is hilarious. Thank you; I really needed a laugh. I honestly don’t even know how to respond except that I’m glad her weird diagnosis didn’t end up jeopardizing your long-term health. Glad to be part of #ibabloggers with you :)
Chronicallysickmanicmother says
WOW…. yeah lack of confidence would be an issue for me too at this point!
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Brittany says
Luckily my mom was an ER nurse, so she can usually steer me in the right direction until I can see my specialist for certain things. It’s scary and sad to think that a lot of people don’t even know any better! Thanks for stopping by and commenting :)
Susie@homemaker-mom says
Sadly I have heard most of those in the ER myself. I thought I was the only one wow! Crazy! Found you via #sitsblogging today :-)
Brittany says
Thanks so much for stopping by! I have a feeling we’re not alone in our “ER Horror Stories”…maybe we could write a compilation and have it published!