pain

[rosewoman]

Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 21/2 years ago. The biopsy and following lumpectomy surgery left me in excruciating pain and am still experiencing a high level of pain to this day. Regarding the pain, the biopsy department said to see the oncologist, the oncologist said to see the surgeon, the surgeon said to see a pain specialist- they all referred me to someone else. I have seen 6 pain specialists trying to seek relief from the pain and no treatment has helped me nor has a diagnosis been made. I also have developed many debilitating and serious side effects from the treatments (surgery, radiation and prescribed medications) none of which I was warned about. Furthermore, insurance does not cover conditions that were caused by cancer treatment so my medical bills are increasing to the point of serious financial debt. I feel that every department at the hospital gave me extremely poor education, wrong information, improper treatment and care. I have done my own extensive research into my condition and have come up with my own diagnosis which was recently verified by a licensed PT at the hospital. The pain that I have experienced over the last 21/2 years may have been prevented if I had received certain basic preventative measures at the beginning of treatment.

My question is: Do I have a case to hold the hospital/doctors accountable for my poor care? I am not into "suing" but I would like some monetary compensation to cover current treatments. I live in California.

Thank you for your time,
Jillian Rose

 

[Proserpina]

Hello, thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 21/2 years ago. The biopsy and following lumpectomy surgery left me in excruciating pain and am still experiencing a high level of pain to this day. Regarding the pain, the biopsy department said to see the oncologist, the oncologist said to see the surgeon, the surgeon said to see a pain specialist- they all referred me to someone else.

Very common with a chronic pain patient.

I have seen 6 pain specialists trying to seek relief from the pain and no treatment has helped me nor has a diagnosis been made. I also have developed many debilitating and serious side effects from the treatments (surgery, radiation and prescribed medications) none of which I was warned about.

Did you ask about them?

Furthermore, insurance does not cover conditions that were caused by cancer treatment so my medical bills are increasing to the point of serious financial debt. I feel that every department at the hospital gave me extremely poor education, wrong information, improper treatment and care. I

What kind of improper treatment and wrong information?

have done my own extensive research into my condition and have come up with my own diagnosis which was recently verified by a licensed PT at the hospital. The pain that I have experienced over the last 21/2 years may have been prevented if I had received certain basic preventative measures at the beginning of treatment.

Please explain this.

My question is: Do I have a case to hold the hospital/doctors accountable for my poor care? I am not into "suing" but I would like some monetary compensation to cover current treatments. I live in California.

Thank you for your time,
Jillian Rose

Please answer the questions.

 

[garrula lingua]

rosewoman,
I'm sorry that you are experiencing such a situation.

I, also, have side effects from a terminal cancer situation from ten years ago.
My situation somewhat mimics yours.
In all honestly, I believe you have to celebrate every moment that is pain-free (rather than awareness of the pained moments); you have to learn distraction measures (a laugh with a friend kills pain; helping someone with problems also does, some people have told me that praying, creating, composing or singing, painting, etc works for them. Looking at my husband works for me - he's awesome, and pro bono law - esp working with the elderly or disenfranchised).

I found that changing my expectation of 'normal' was the best pain-killer & allowed me to stop most medications. (I believe you have to 'eat' the pain - let it become part of you & stop fighting it & don't ever expect 'normal').

Legally, I don't believe you have a case. There is no guarantee of outcome in any medical procedure - certainly not regarding cancer & surgery. Nerves were probably affected during surgery & radiation causes damage.

I believe you'll bankrupt yourself by suing regarding preventive measures that MAY have prevented your current problems.
It's too hard to prove.
"They" did not do (or neglect to do) anything which would amount to negligence/malpractice. Educating the patient is a great goal, but often, we're on our way to surgery and struggling to survive, so we miss the rehab & 'how to take care of' sessions. Often, we're given the info, but we're only absorbing 30% of the information flying around.

I'm sorry. I don't think you have a case ... and I think suing sucks out the last vestige of strength and vitality from people.
Lawsuits drain your energy, time, and resources.
I hope you achieve "pain-free' happiness.
Every moment of life is precious.

 

[ecmst12]

Chronic pain patients frequently benefit from treatment for depression concurrently with any pain therapies, even if they don't consider themselves depressed.

 

[garrula lingua]

Yes, ecmst, they do.

However, that type of medication also causes difficulty focusing and remaining alert - a definite problem if you want to work.

I truly don't know of any solution, except to drench oneself in denial, and remain focused on loved ones, fun and work - but that's just what helps/works for me.

 

[ecmst12]

Well, I was referring to therapy too, not just medication. But not all anti-depressents cause focusing difficulties. In fact, the pain medication is much more likely to have that effect.

 

[garrula lingua]

You know more than I - i just use what works for me (and I stopped medication several years ago; I'm sure there's been improvements I'm unaware of.)

OP, try some medical forums & as ecmst said, there are medications and therapy which may help.

 

[chrismiles]

I don't think I would be suing doctors who saved your life...they might not want you back as a patient...

 

[rosewoman]

Thank you

Thank you all for your input, the varied view points are interesting. In response to the comments:

1. I accept my compromised condition on one level- I try not dwell on the pain excessively and I do strive for quality relationships and to enjoy every moment in spite of the pain. I surround myself with beauty, animals, art and my loving husband and I do appreciate all that I have.

2. On the other hand, I feel that doctors have a responsibility to their patients- to help guide them responsibly and give them accurate, up-to-date information. The doctors have been paid $200- $1200 per consultation/appointment. I have paid them well for their expertise and trusted what information they gave me to be true. It is frustrating to later learn that basic information was left out and overlooked and that they are not current on the latest research.

One example of this (since it was asked) is my experience with my Radiation Oncologist. I endured 7 weeks of radiation therapy, during which I experienced intense sharp stabbing pain (in addition to the post-surgical pain) and had blistering, oozing skin where the radiation was directed. In tears, I would go to my radiation oncologist asking for answers and relief, but he would adamantly insist that the radiation could not be the cause of any pain. Shortly after the radiation treatment ended, so did the sharp stabbing pains. Additionally, later when reviewing my medical records, I noticed that they contain no information about the condition of my badly burned skin. I was also later told by other doctors that yes, radiation in fact can cause pain in some people. I also just learned that radiation treatment should be stopped when there is heavily blistered skin because it can in fact cause the swelling condition I now am suffering from.

I could go on and on with examples such as these...

3. Because I did not receive the proper care, I now need treatment that exceeds my monthly income. I cannot afford- from the same hospital, different department- the treatment that might help me get well. I am not wanting to sue- but of course I would like financial help from the hospital to treat the condition that was caused by improper treatment.

4. I should not the let fear of doctors possibly not treating me in the future keep me from voicing my opinions now, asking for what is right, and holding the doctors accountable for their actions.

I appreciate the legal advice that was given here- I get it that, even though my doctors were negligent and careless- I don't have a case. I was just hoping that I did so I could get the necessary treatment that I cannot afford.