Poor Me(s)???

[nanamac]

See, I already talked with one lawyer after I got home and he said "proving" medical malpractice would be very hard as there wasn't any thing "medically " done wrong to me and the one x-ray that I had did not show a break. I never had the MRI that they wanted to do because my OS told them no and to send me back. The lawyer said you really have to get someone to admit fault and since there is absolutely nothing in my record that would be close to impossible. He said personal injury was more the case but again none of the "events" are in my record.

 

[Jamie]

That's just one lawyer's opinion. Just like you have to hunt for the "right" surgeon, it may take a bit to find the "right" lawyer. I still think it's worth a try. Get as many facts as you can down on paper to talk from. It would be really good if you could make them in a Word document that you could email to a prospective attorney if needed. Dates, times, events are what's important. List names of anyone you know who was involved with each event and their relationship to your case. Also list when any xrays or MRIs were taken and whether you have a copy.

 

[nanamac]

Thanks Jamie. I plan on it. And, I have ALL the events, dates in a pocket calendar that I carry with me everywhere. And because I was fuzzy I wrote almost everyones names in it too so I'd remember when they came back into the room. Also, the letter I wrote to the rehab has everything in it so my evidence would be both. Now I'm anxious to see what in my hospital record as when I was taken back for the x-ray I BEGGED my OS not to send me back to that rehab but he said it wouldn't be in his or my best interest if he didn't.

 

[Josephine]

Another point - get copies of your xrays and have them interpreted by a specialist radiologist. A hair line break might be difficult to see but an expert might see it.

 

[nanamac]

I actually have it on CD from the rehab. I requested my FULL records and I guess thy sent it with me to the hospital. So they had the hospital forward them to me. I looked at them myself, both here and at the hospital and there was no difference in either places's x-rays, but then again I am certainly no expert. But I'm sure the hospital really scrutinized them since I went back there with severe pain. The fracture is SO evident on the second set of films at the hospital when I returned. Best!

 

[Josephine]

It takes a LOT of experience to spot a hair line crack. I've been able to do it a few times but mostly general doctors and radiology people miss them by a mile.

 

[nanamac]

I'm sure , as both mine and Kathy's were missed.... When I do get a lawyer I'll make sure to leave no stone unturned though. Thanks...

 

[Songlady]

So, Janet - (I didn't want to hijack hhh's thread) - are you telling me you can get UP from a sitting position without boosting off with your arms??? If so, my friend, you are waaaaay ahead of me on that one! And, yeah, so, I might be one up on you because I can walk around the neighborhood - but you know what, getting up without using my arms would be a more useful skill, because I need to do that a gazillion times a day! LOL:hehe:
I visited a friend for a weekend when I was in bad shape pre-surgery, and had to use her bathroom in the middle of the night..... her toilet just sticks out into the bathroom, with the pipework along the wall the wall, no counter or anything nearby, and it took me a number of tries before I finally LURCHED across the bathroom - almost took a bad tumble! lol
So... I am working on the front-of-thigh muscles, per my OS! :D

 

[nanamac]

Oh gosh no!!! ( I know I keep "hijacking" and I don't mean to). I have long legs but my raised toilet is not as high as the riser makes a reguler toilet. I was surprised how little effort it took. It's more comfy also as it is hollow, molded plastic. I have had to use something to help me up for a few years. A crutch (or 2) could work as an aid as well if you needed help but I have NO leg strength and was able to get up. Too bad you couldn't borrow one just to try but if you are doing the walking as you say I'm sure it would be fine. Best!