Listen to this
By Grandmaof2
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
Canada
April 12, 2008 5:52pm CST
Have you ever heard of anything so heartless and cruel? I had a nasty fall on April 8. I landed face first. I'm a big person and every pound landed on my left elbow. I dislocated my elbow. Unless this has happened to you then you have no idea of the pain. I'm laying on the pavement in the parking lot only a few hundred feet away from the hospital, as I had just been there for therapy on my neck and shoulders. Anyway I was carrying my purse which had my cell phone attatched to the purse and of course no one around and I could see my purse but couldn't reach it. No way would my arm move and it hurt so bad I began to shake. I used my leg to kick the purse where I finally reached it and I called the hospital as I know the number. First I got a recording that I was in an area where I needed the area code as well so I finally get the right numbers and I get through. I explained my situation and said I was unable to get up, please send an ambulance. This is what I'm told. Well you can't just call up here and demand an ambulance to come for you, hand up and call 911, then she had the nerve to hang up on me. I could see it if I phoned the hardware store but good grief, even the animal hospital would have done more than that. Finally after many attempts I did finally call 911 and a lady came along and called and left a message for my daughter. Now I'm at the hospital and of course it's noted I need exrays, I thought I'd die before they were done. The nurse did tell me I did a good job of damaging myself like I didn't already know. I asked if I had broke it too, and was told, well yea but the doctor will come and talk to you. Guess what after a long time of me laying on that hard stretcher and my daughter at my side along came ambulance attentants and told me they were there to take me on a three hour ride to the next major city. The doctor never did approach me. The ambulance ride was so rough, the pain I will never forget. I am home with a big heavy cast and still not sure if the arm is broke but I'll know Monday because I'm off to the city for exrays. The next time someone tells you that you only get what you pay for be sure they are telling the truth when it comes to health care. Where I live in Saskatchewan Canada our health care is free, we pay for meds and everything else, but the health care here isn't worth a thing. So folks when paying for good heath care be grateful. I've had a terrible two weeks which I will post after the numbness leaves my fingers. I only have the use of one hand so please excuse my mistakes. Thanks again for reading and I appreciate the prayers.
16 people like this
23 responses
@Darkwing (21583)
•
13 Apr 08
That's terrible treatment to get from the health authority, but oh so reminiscent of the state of health care in England.
I'm sorry to read you were in so much pain there. Surely, somebody could have checked you out... I mean it wasn't like they had to go miles to do so, was it? We pay our taxes, and expect far better than this, my friend. I would be inclined to make a fuss about it in the newspapers or something.
I hope you get well soon. Meantime, you'll be in my prayers and thoughts. Brightest Blessings, my friend.
@Darkwing (21583)
•
13 Apr 08
Well, I would be worried about having a heart attack myself! I think it's high time they were exposed for their negligence.
You're welcome to my prayers... you must be in terrible pain, which is another reason why I can't see why they didn't see to you more quickly. What the heck was the doctor doing?
3 people like this
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
13 Apr 08
I hopw you will feel better soon. Many of us in the United States look at your health care and think it must be good. But we forget that it is so different than we have. I have no insurance at all and paray nothing happens to us. Yours is not the first horror story I have heard about the Canadian health care system. Of course ours has its problems too. I remember a patient dying while waiting on a stretcher in a hallway of the ER in this country. I think the person who talked to you and the trip you had to take was totally uncalled for and I would hope that their would be a way you could complain to someone in the system. We have patient and consumer advocates here who if told about this lousy treatment would be all over those people and even show the public by putting the story on tv. Our tv "angels" would be livid! God bless you and I hope you feel better soon.
4 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Thank You so much. My contacts here have often kept me sane, I appreciate your kindness in knowing you took this time for me. Thank You
2 people like this
@caramello (4377)
• Australia
23 Apr 08
Having been in the nursing profession for over 30 years and have now retired I cringe when I read or hear stories like this one, and can only have complete compassion for you Grandmaof2 as this type of treatment of a human being is appalling. This goes against everything I was taught many years ago and even those who you have to first contact with to get you where you NEED to go the response there is unprofessional to say the least. But having seen those in hospitals today who are meant to be caring for you there are some who I would not even allow my pet to be seen by and that says a lot. I was taught in the old school by ex- army nurses who with looked upon with respect and it seems to have followed through in the careers these nurses went on to take. Compassion and understanding are what we need most when we have a reason to seek help and not ridicule. Whether you pay for your health care or not being treated as a human being is number 1 priority which does not seem to happen as much........I shall step down off my soap box......and wish you a full recovery Grandma. xo
2 people like this
@lilaclady (28207)
• Australia
13 Apr 08
Oh that is awful, where has peoples compassion gone, I feel in the hospital systems around the world compassion has been lost somewhere in all the red tape, People just don't care about each other anymore and that is a very sad thing for man kind....I hope you are ok and get better soon...
3 people like this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
I could never be so cruel even to the worst person in the world. You hit the nail on the head in saying compassion is lost.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
13 Apr 08
Holy moly! You have been through a tough time. Sorry to hear of how you were treated. Hope you mend quickly. Big huggers to you.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
22 Apr 08
Gee, it's hard to imagine how someone like that can be working at a hospital. Your injury and predicament sound awfully painful and embarrassing. I'm big too and the other day I was making up a bed on the floor for some visitors. I have to bed down and just as I stood up one of the children bumped me and down I went. My landing was on a mattress so not anything like as bad as yours. My friend and my daughter were there and were going to help me to my feet but I know my friend won't klift anything to heavy so I told him not to try. I had to crawl into my bedroom to heave myself into a sitting position on my bed. My knees are agonisingly painful as I crawl and my wrists are too having to try and support my weight. They knew I was embarrassed so they went away but this was worse. They could have consoled me at least.
It's bad enough that we fall and have to ensure pain one way or another but to be treated like a leper to boot is so disheartening.
I really understand you my friend and I wish I could have been there to help. Meanwhile, I hope you are feeling much better soon!
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
22 Apr 08
Not only did I rate a + but I wish we could be friends in real. It's so refreshing to relate to someone who really understands. Thank You. Love Ya Lots.
3 people like this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
13 Apr 08
Oh my, this is horrible. Why would they have to take you 3 hours away, you said you were close to a hospital. I had to ride in an ambulance once. I was strapped to a board, the ride was painful, I know what you mean. You would think they could put some good shocks on them. The guys kept apologizing for the rough ride, they said its a truck, it rode like a truck too. I only had a few minute ride, I can't imagine 3 hours. Why couldn't they just send someone from the hospital out with a wheelchair to get you. You had a nightmare of a day. As for your comment about the health care, I don't agree with you there. Some health care is better then none. I have no health care, and can't afford any neither. We both have problems, you would think that some of our "politicians" could figure something out. Combine your system and our system and make a good system. Take the good from both systems and make both better. I have been sick for about a week. It started out as a cold, now I think its becoming an upper respitory infection, thats what it feels like. I don't have the money for a doc or for the medicine. When I was in the car wreck, the guy who hit me has some insurance, just not enough. Now I am stuck with big medical bills and messed up credit because of it. The bill collectors even threatened to put a lien on my house and suspend my drivers license. For medical bills for something that wasn't my fault. I need dental care and also other medical attention and can't afford it. Anything with health care cost so much money, nobody can afford to pay for it unless they are rich and then they have health care insurance. I just read what happened to you again, that is so messed up, I am so sorry. Monday is going to be a good day, the doc is going to tell you that it will heal up good on its own and your don't need surgery. Think positive.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Wow you've had your bout with bad luck too my friend. Yes I hope the news is good Monday. Thank You so much.
2 people like this
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
13 Apr 08
That is awful maybe enough people will get tired of her acting this way and get her fired. I was upset myself last week by a lady who laughed in my face when I went to get my name changed on my medicaid card. It was their fault everything else was changed my i.d. and my social security number but the forget my medicare card. I know one thing if I ever so happen to get married again I will not change my last name.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Your prayers are important Thank You. That so called woman was not only rude to me but treated my daughter like a piece of dirt too.
1 person likes this
@cjsmom (1423)
• United States
13 Apr 08
Wow...you really are in a mess; I'm so sorry that you had to go through the 3 things back-to-back, especially falling like you did. I can't understand 'people' today; you'd think that the hospital wouldn't have any qualms about sending an ambulance as they know that they would be paid for it. I pray that you have a speedy recovery and that you'll be able to do your sewing again very soon.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Get paid I should say. When I get my bill I'll post it and I will bet it won't be far from about 1,800.00. We'll see. Thank You so much for your comments. They mean a lot to me.
1 person likes this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
14 Apr 08
Hi Doll
At our hospital unless you are in the parking lot
of the hospital you would have to call 911 because
legally they do not have the right to treat
anyone off the grounds. This is a job for the
EMT or EMS squads.
They are just following rules.
I'm so sorry you had to go through all that!
oxxoxoxoxoxo
1 person likes this
@SheliaLee (2736)
• United States
23 Apr 08
Bless your heart!!! That was a horrible thing to go through!! I'm so sorry that this happened to you!! I hope that your arm heals very quickly and that you get to feeling much better! I wouldn't blame you a bit for sending them a letter and giving them a piece of your mind for the way you were treated!!
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Oh man am I ever glad to hear from you. We're told that in the US if you didn't have money they would flat out let you die. I don't know why people can't be better educated than that. You made my night. Thanks
1 person likes this
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
13 Apr 08
I hurt my knee falling off the bottom two rungs of a ladder. I had no health insurance and very little money. I filled out the right forms, sent them to the hospital and they expunged my bill!! I was so thankful for that. Even though the dpctor's aide that treated me was rude, I got over it!
PEACE
1 person likes this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
14 Apr 08
My prayers go out to you Grandma, you should not of had to go through all that. I will keep you in my prayers. Healthcare these days is a joke, The cost is huge, and the care is on the down slide, it is so impersonal and all about money now, not the well being of the person, if we are people anymore, I think we are just dollars & cents today.
2 people like this
@cortjo73 (6498)
• United States
15 Apr 08
How horrible! I am so sorry you were mistreated...or shall I say, barely treated? Even as much as we pay here in the states, some health care is barely worth it. What ever happened to customer service...and, yes! I think that applies to everyone that works inside our hospitals too. We are patients but, we are also customers as you are providing a service.
I am so sorry for your mistreatment! I hope that you heal quickly and make a speedy recovery.
1 person likes this
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
21 May 08
Wow, that's terrible. I have never heard of a hospital employee telling someone to hang up and call 911. Is that really a rule there or was she just being an idiot? Even if it is I can't believe her hanging up on you was acceptable practice. Is there anyone you can complain to,like the hospital board or chief of staff?
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
21 May 08
For years and years you had to call the hospital and that's where the ambulance is but now they say you are supposed to call 911 but being hurt and in so much pain being I know the number for the hospital, I simply wasn't thinking straight. Yes I have wrote a complaint letter but who knows how much good that'll do?
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
29 Aug 08
I am so sorry to hear about this. That is totally ridiculous. I live in the United States and helathcare is so expensive here. My family does not have any kind of helath insurance and the doctors and hospitals will not help us without it. My daughter had to have surgery here recently and we were lucky enough to get Medicaid to help us pay her bill because we sure could not afford to pay $21,000.00 for her medical bills. Indurance would cost us about $600.00 per month for all three of us but we must pay $10,000.00 deductible each year before the insurance will step in and pay a dime. It is unreal.
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
13 Apr 08
What an ordeal!
I hope that everyone who is supportive of national healthcare for the U.S. will read your FULL account here. IT will NOT improve the healthcare situation, people!
sheesh, grandma, I wonder how they would have responded if you had fallen Inside the hospital.
@fpd1955 (2074)
• United States
13 Apr 08
Don't ya just love the caring medical "unprofessionals!" I am sorry you were treated that way. I am assuming that hospital you first went to didn't want to treat you for some reason or another. I find that awful.
I am thankful you still have one good hand, for now, to be able to tell us about this. I will say a prayer for you tonight before I go to bed.
Take care of yourself, grandma.
PEACE
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Thank You for your prayers and yes I think there was a reason the doctor didn't approach me. My daughter said and I think she's right, the doctor just didn't know what to do, kind of stupid and who knows maybe a tad bit lazy.
1 person likes this
@vera5d (4005)
• United States
13 Apr 08
that is really terrible!!! hopefully they gave you some good pain meds! If they didn't I would be taking 800 mg ibuprofen if you're allowed.
It doesn't sound anything different from our US healthcare system...we just pay $500 a month to be treated that way. Something is seriously wrong with medical industry.
Hope you are feeling better soon & that you have a better experience on Monday!!
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
13 Apr 08
Thank You so much. I will get back on after Monday to let all my friends here know unless of course they keep me,
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
27 Apr 08
Grandmaof2 you were treated horrendously by almost everyone and I know the pain you are talking about. I felland landed on my left shoulder and left knee.I had smashed liteally both bones in myleft shoulder and pain oh yes.I could not lift my arm.the people who saw me fall immediately called 911 and in two minutes the paramedics were there.two fine young men had to put abodyboard under me to get me onto a gurney and then took me to tthe hosptial I always used. this was done so quickly and everyone was so kind to me. I was just eighty. I too am a large woman and I will never forget sitting on that concrete with my shoulder hurting so bad and not able to lift my left arm. but I did have the best of care and luckily for me my hmo did pay all the surgery and hospital care. the billwas humongous. 86,000 dollars and Iwould have been sunk if they had not. I had to pay twenty dollars for one ambulance and fifty for the one to the rehab place. Now that was a terrible place.ppoor food,poor patient care and I was treated likea senile fool instead of the intelligent senior citizen that i was.this placeis now under investigation for patient neglect. I only wish that you had had comparable care for your injury.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
27 Apr 08
Wow always good to hear from other people. Thank You
1 person likes this
