Posted by Deb on July 4, 1999, at 11:00:19
In reply to Re: our support, posted by Gretchen on July 4, 1999, at 8:25:15
> Racer,
>
> I have been thinking of you so hard and so often.
>
> I am glad your boyfriend is with you. I know it sounds weird, but hospital personnel are more careful when there is someone else with you -- hey, now there is a witness to their sometimes brutal actions and words. (Sorry I have a "problem" with doctors.)
>
> The third party can also explain when you can't; provide greater "objectivity" that _you are very, very sick_ and this is not just suicidal ideataion, and most importantly keep YOU sitting in that darn waiting room until you are admitted.
>
> Please:
> 1.) Print out these threads: all the posts about suicide, about not being able to hold on. Print out relevant responses; print out Dr. Bob's post. (Have your boyfriend do it if you can't. If you don't have a printer have him read them so he understands just how bad things are.)
>
> When you get to the ER and can't explain yourself -- start reading them. If the docs won't listen, insist that they are attached to your chart for documentational purposes. If you don't have them printed start writing as much as you can, sign it, and request that info be attached.
>
> 2.) Pack some of your comfy clothes and your toothbrush. Find a pad of paper and some pencils so you can still write. (No wire-bound notebooks remember. :-)
>
> 3.) Go to the hospital and sit in the waiting room until they admit you. It will take a while. The 4th of July is one of the busiest hospital days of the year. July is also the month all Med students move up a bracket, so there will be more chaos and frazzeled nerves than even normal.
>
> These are not excuses not to go. They are warnings that it might take some time before you are seen and it is not because the staff does not care if you live or die. Bring a blanket, sit there all night if you have to.
>
> I know it is hard, but please start getting ready to go Racer. Please take care of yourself.
>
> All the best, (Apologies to all on length.)
> Gretchen
Racer,
I'm with Gretchen. Do whatever has to be done to get yourself checked in. Taking a third party along as witness is an excellent idea. I worked in a hospital for 13 years, and believe me; they don't want legal hassles. In fact, you should ask to speak to the hospital administrator personally. He's the guy that gets hit with all the lawsuits, so it's in his best interest to see that you are cared for properly. In hospitals, like everywhere else, it's the squeeky wheel that gets the grease. If you've already contacted a lawyer, drop his name when you go to get checked in. But just get checked in. I can tell from all the posts that many people are pulling for you(myself included), so please just do it. We all want you to just feel better.
Love, Deb
poster:Deb
thread:8196
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990628/msgs/8257.html