Medical Errors and Deaths in the U.S.
 

These reports keep coming out. When I think of how we put our lives into the hands of doctors/hospitals, I shiver. My last surgery in 2010, left with so many complications, but I'm living.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...mepage%2Fstory

A good thing about the internet , you can research your hospital & doctors before hand..
https://www.google.com/search?q=hosp...ngs&gws_rd=ssl

Get second & third opinions...

It's good to have someone go with you to the pre op appts , so they can help ask questions and recall things that you might have forgotten.. Especially if you might be nervous /distracted.

At hospital have a trusted person there that will speak up and ask questions if /when you aren't able to.
Ask /oversee everything to help make it a good & safe outcome..

What it that (med) for? (make sure it is actually for the person...)
What is happening next?

If surgeon doesn't mark with pen on correct body part, request it...
The hospital I have been to with family members the last 10+ years - they always mark area with a marking pen..


Accidents do still happen, but having someone with you should help to avoid problems.

I just had a colonoscopy 3 weeks ago. Well they found a polyp and a tiny ulcer. But when these got to the lab the vial supposed to have the ulcer sample had a polyp and the vial supposed to have the polyp was empty. So as luck would have it the DR. informed me of this mix up and wants to re do it. And guess what day he informed me of this? Can you say friday the 13th ! Well as medical mistakes go this was minor but still sucks!

Doing quite a bit of talking and researching on colonoscopies. I never have done one and I hit 80 last year. Many many do them like an assembly line of people and there are groups of alternative holistic healing types who won't go near them. There are dangers like infection, perforation of the colon and more. I know my parents generation did not have this test and many lived long lives and did they have polyps, who knows...do I, who knows. I trust that I am fine. So maybe some here want to read this link:

Colonoscopy: Is it worth the risk?

Every two years I get a free screen for faecal/occult blood. So far nothing of concern has emerged.

A friend of mine who was at genetic risk of colon cancer died from it because she didn't get a colonoscopic examination as often as recommended.

One of my nephews is at increased risk of colon cancer because he has Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

I suggested that he see a modern evidence-based gastroenterologist about how often he should have a colonoscopy. He accepted my suggestion.

Caroline, I am very close to your age. I didn't feel I needed Colonoscopies; after 50 or even 60 since there wasn't any cancer on either of my parents side; so why get a Colonoscopy...??.

A few years ago, I went to the ER because of my having awful constipation and difficulty have a BM....Eventually was admitted because no matter what was administered, still somewhat impacted.

After being admitted; the following day, a GI doctor came to see me trying to convince me I should take the Movi Prep, etc. and get a Colonoscopy. It took some doing, My children sided with the GI doctor. I gave in and gave the "okay"....

Drank the awful "stuff"; next day my scheduled Colonoscopy took place. Results; I had a cancerous tumor at the top of my rectum.....Following day had surgery to remove the rectum and a few feet of colon. I was able to have enough muscle to attached remaining colon to an.al area. (NT does not allow the actual word so that's why the an.al).

I live with daily abdominal pain. Eventually developed 3 Abdominal Incisional Hernias They were repaired with another surgery adding to the additional painful side effects due to rectal cancer. I feel this very well could have been avoided had I had done timely Colonoscopy as had been suggested.

BTW: My 3 adult children all had a Colonoscopy done.... and will continue. They are not taking any chances....

Gerry

Thanks Gerry.

Here is an article about the Australian perspective on this We'''re not doing enough about a lethal cancer that'''s easily treated .

I feel very fortunate and still no invasive tests done on this ole gal. My adult child who is 55, had some of these tests in her 40's I believe and she's done she has said, no more.

I really believe the grape seed ex I've been taking for decades has been my miracle for so much and the colon too.

We all do what "feels" right for ourselves and I do so much to avoid invasive stuff to my body.