Out Of The Blue For Us
9 January 2004
I have read with great interest the narratives on this web page. I have so many questions, because my husband, Jim (age 63) had an emergency operation for an aneurysm of abdominal aorta (ruptured) on October 8.
On September 25 he came home from work complaining of severe back pain. As he has had a history of bad back, I suggested he lie down, etc. In about 15 minutes he was vomiting blood. I immediately called 911, told them of symptoms, and they could not decide if they should transport him or should I. I didn't debate that. I put him in the car and took him immediately to St. Luke's Baptist Hospital ER.
It was about 6:00 p.m., so I thought this ER would be a little less crowded than Methodist Hospital (true, but maybe not a good decision on my part). They put him in a treatment room immediately, did ekg, blood pressure, chest x-ray, lab work, and did insert a tube into his stomach to check for blood. After four injections of a heavy pain killer, he was sent home with pain medication for his "bad back."
So, in the succeeding days, we went to our physician three times because the pain was uncontrollable. On the third visit, October 7, our doctor ordered a CAT scan for early morning on October 8. As soon as the CAT scan was completed I was called into the examination room, our doctor was on the telephone and he directed me to take Jim to the Methodist Hospital emergency room immediately.
Upon arrival, he was met by a team of wonderful doctors and nurses. The vascular surgeon who had been called in and was waiting, told me that he was being prepped for surgery immediately. To paraphrase, I was told that he had a 20% chance at best of survival. I was also told that while he had repaired many aneurysms, he usually did not see patients at this stage. Most people die immediately.
So, surgery, intensive care for days, 10 pints of blood, a nicked duodenum, feeding tubes, drains, IV's, loss of a kidney. He returned home the night before Thanksgiving. Nothing by mouth since his surgery. He has only recently begun to eat, the drain is still there, and he receives food via feeding tube at night for 8 hours.
This came out of the blue for us. We had no idea and probably did not ask the right questions of our care providers. But..shouldn't the first ER doctors have picked up on the vomiting of blood? I would really like another professional opinion on this.
Update: 12 Jan 2004
There is a lot I left out because it has been so overwhelming. First of all, Jim's aneurysm was about 8cm. He is under the care of about 11 doctors...all of whom are remarkably wonderful. I shall never be able to thank them enough for their care and continued concern. Jim will visit the vascular surgeon every three months forever.
But, the good news! He is eating...we have been out to dinner. He walks, he drives (I have tons of errands that always need doing) and tomorrow he goes to work for half a day. He still has a drain tube which probably will be removed next week. He also has a stomach feeding tube, which he hasn't used since last Thursday and it will probably come out. Believe me, I know how blessed we are. After reading these dozens of stories, I can't believe we made it this far.
It makes me so angry that when a person presents with this awful acute back pain, a CT scan often is not initially ordered. I have to believe my anger should be directed to insurance companies. I still, however, have concerns about the level of care we received at our initial emergency room visit.
Thank you all for your support and help in making me understand just what we are dealing with.
Update: 6 October 2004
Just wanted to give an update because this web site has been so comforting to us this past year. Friday is the one year anniversary of Jim's surgery. Except for the fact that he visits several doctors more often, and takes a few more pills than before, he looks and feels fine. I think he tires easier, but he still plays golf and we are thanking God every day that he is here.
Tonight we are celebrating our granddaughter's tenth birthday. Do you know how wonderful it is to know that we can both share this with her? Her Papa is delighted!
My prayers go out for all of you who have posted your narratives. I do know the agonies you have gone through. It is beyond comprehension how often this is misdiagnosed. Thanks to all of you who offered up your prayers and concern for us.
Discussion, comments, or questions: Martha Skinner
© Copyright 2004 Martha Skinner
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