DialysisEthics2_Forum

General Discussion => Patient Advocacy => Topic started by: amullin on December 16, 2009, 11:32:22 AM

Title: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on December 16, 2009, 11:32:22 AM
Larry was sent to Duke University Hospital to deal with his arm graft. He was told to present himself to the Emergency room, by his vascular surgeon. He did and was treated horribly. He was there approximately 12 hrs. It is a 3 hr drive one way.

After 5 hrs, he got an ultra sound on his swelling arm. He waited to see the doctor, who was going to write a script for pain and a sling. To come back to another appointment on Jan 21st.  He waited another 3-4 hrs, nurse came in and said he can leave. Larry asked for the prescription for pain medications and sling. No orders were written by the doctor and they could not find him. No wheelchair provided and left 11-12 hrs later and had to drive 3 hrs home.

His doctors were upset to say the least, they called and had him seen today. I called the CEO and the Medical Director the next day. Called Risk management and talked to them.. It appears that other patients have had trouble at Duke also with their treatment.

Waiting for a response and will post it with Chris' permission. No one should have to go throught this treatment. Waiting is one thing, sending him home with no medications for a level 10 pain is unbelievable.
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on December 16, 2009, 12:34:31 PM
Larry has already been through more than enough!  I would like to hear what they say, so no problem posting the response Arlene!   see_Larry Hall, Patient Advocate (http://dialysisethics2.org/index.php/About-Us/dialysisethics-staff.html)         
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on December 29, 2009, 11:58:20 AM
It appears that Duke University Hospital is the worse I have advocated with in 11 1/2 years.

They sent Larry a letter stating that they would be dealing with his choice of advocate. That they would be working through me. To make it short.....the Risk Manager never sent me a copy. I called and she said that it was faxed......only I have no fax to receive it. They simply I feel have no remorse over Larry's care. I finally after 10 different extensions talked to the CEO...a different name than the Risk Manager gave me. Imagine that. The Risk Manager, hung up on me and went to the CEO after that.

I talked to Mr. William J. Flokersons CEO of Dukes Administrative Assistant. They are working on it quickly....its over 2 weeks already and to leave a message for the Supervisor that is on vacation. ?!

They have just called Larry to up his surgery date......could it be because Carl is his attorney now. It is a sad day, when a University hospital puts a patient through even 1/2 of what Larry has gone through. Only to show little or no remorse to do what is right.

Thank You Carl Ginsburg (http://dialysisethics2.org/forum/index.php?topic=91.0)! Will keep you updated.
\
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on December 30, 2009, 12:03:57 PM
It appears that Larry may have his surgery on Monday. Please keep him in our prayers.
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on December 30, 2009, 01:21:48 PM
He will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on December 31, 2009, 08:15:28 AM
I hope he has no problems with his surgery. Will it be done at Duke University Hospital? Was the date changed from Jan 21st to Jan 4th because of Carl being involved now?
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on December 31, 2009, 10:05:07 AM
It appears that Duke has had a change of heart. It has become so large that the patients are all but disappearing in the fog.

I talked to the CEO's office and they are putting forth an effort to correct their treatment towards patients in the emergency room.

It is only the beginning. :cheerleader:

The treatment to the "risk manager" was poor to say the least. She hung up on me and said they did not have to do anything. I called the Administration office, and said that they could now contact Carl Ginsburg, who will be taking over as his Lawyer. This is the first time I have ever had to do this. To do what they did to Larry has no words to explain the "horror" that they put him through. It was his surgeon and physician that sent him to the emergency room at Duke. His arm was beyond anything they could do at a local hospital. They sent him home approximately 12 hours, with 3 hours one way travel time with no meds,wheelchair or meds. He was on his own with a level 10 paing.
This is the arm that DaVita trashed and was found guilty of medical malpractice. He has been suffering a pain level of 10. As between his treatments, the fluid builds in his arm.

It felt as if Duke joined DaVita with the lack of empathy and compassion. I have never seen Larry so down and ready to give up.

Carl and others are monitoring this at close.ly
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on December 31, 2009, 01:17:59 PM
Larry...

I hope your surgery goes well...

The Emergency Depts. are DREADFUL in Ireland, too!... I had to threaten to go screaming to the media to get Mum seen after a FOURTEEN hour wait...

Not proud of my behaviour, but it worked!...

I'm not known as That B*tch in the Wheelchair for nothing!...

Keep the faith, and keep fighting the good fight!...

Love...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on January 01, 2010, 04:35:39 PM
It appears that the letter that was mysteriously faxed...came in the mail. They fax Larry's information to a wrong fax number. They faxed (Duke University Medical Center) to an unauthorized faxed number. Had all of Larry's information on it. I think that this is truly a violation of the HIPA law. :nurse:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 01, 2010, 07:41:22 PM
It appears that the letter that was mysteriously faxed...came in the mail. They fax Larry's information to a wrong fax number. They faxed (Duke University Medical Center) to an unauthorized faxed number. Had all of Larry's information on it. I think that this is truly a violation of the HIPA law.

Aren't doing much to impress are they?  Must have went to the same school as our Irish hospital friends.

Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 02, 2010, 05:04:37 AM
That appaling, but not one bit surprising that Larry's personal information has been misused, accidentially or otherwise!...

I had dropped in some paperwork to the hospital relating to Mum... They lost it!... Now someone not only has Mum's medical details (some relating to her dignity), but they have her DOB, and PPS (Soc.Sec.) number... So they have everyhting they need to steal her identity!...

Some people are SO careless!...

Love to all...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 02, 2010, 03:54:18 PM
Yeah and it seems they just shrug it off as error and disregard the danger to security..
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 04, 2010, 06:50:49 PM
Today is Larry's surgery day   :goodluck:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 05, 2010, 03:41:26 AM
Any news of Larry???...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 05, 2010, 08:17:38 AM
Haven't heard anything, I'll have to call soon.

Chris
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 05, 2010, 08:25:42 AM
Thanks Chris...

I've had a candle lighting for him since midnight GMT... It's now 3.20pm...

Will you keep us informed, please???...

Thanks...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 06, 2010, 02:21:24 PM
Any news of Larry???...

Darth....
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 06, 2010, 04:32:11 PM
Nothing yet!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 06, 2010, 04:35:11 PM
Thanks Chris...

This is getting worrying...

I hope he's okay!...

God bless...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 07, 2010, 01:31:22 PM
I hope you hear something soon! Hope he is okay!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 07, 2010, 04:12:04 PM
Thinking of, and praying for Larry...

Get Well Soon!...

Darth....
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: larry hall on January 09, 2010, 05:36:07 PM
Thanks alot for thinking of me I'm set up for surgery monday at 10;30 am. My right arm is swollen to almost double the size of my left arm, and in very bad throbbing pain day and night. At this time im in to much pain to type i will tell you more later, again thanks alot.
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 09, 2010, 09:14:38 PM
Good to hear from you Larry!  We wish you all the luck in the world!  I'm sure Duke has some of the best doctors - if you can get to them.  At least I'm assuming you are going to Duke?  I didn't get a chance to ask you that.

But anyway, look forward to talking to you after your recovery! 
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 10, 2010, 12:52:29 AM
Thanks alot for thinking of me I'm set up for surgery monday at 10;30 am. My right arm is swollen to almost double the size of my left arm, and in very bad throbbing pain day and night. At this time im in to much pain to type i will tell you more later, again thanks alot.

Good luck Larry with the surgery! I have been following this thread and hope all the best!  :goodluck:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 10, 2010, 02:33:19 AM
Thinking of, and praying for you, Larry....

Wishing you all the very best on Monday, and in the future... :goodluck:

God bless, and please God, you'll be bouncing back very soon... :grouphug:

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on January 11, 2010, 10:33:54 AM
Update!

Larry is in surgery as we speak. His brother will call us when he gets out. He would appreciate all the prayers that we can give.

Duke is the most frustrating hospital that I have ever dealt with. I was told 3 different CEO names and was given the wrong one. I asked to be connected to Mr. Kevin Sowers, and was switched back to risk management. Then had to call and tell the switch board that I was a personal friend of Kevins. So Kevin is legally aware as CEO and will be held accountable.

It appears that they feel that they can get away with faxing Larry's personal information to a Davita fax number. My question is how would they know that number. They have denied his right of advocate..and then called Larry and he told Ms. Maddox that he wanted me to be called. Denying anyone their advocate is a big no-no. Plus a Hipa violation is a civil rights violation.  

One of Larry's doctors who had not seen Larry for awhile was upset at his arm. His skin stretches and he cannot bend it. His hand swells. This whole incident of Larry's arm was from Davita. Larry won his case against Davita for malpractice. Larry has paid dearly for their inexperienced help and the state put this Davita on fast track for patient safety issues. Larry  has paid a high pri :grouphug: ce.

Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 11, 2010, 11:48:18 AM
Poor Larry....

What a dreadful thing to happen...

Please God this operation will help him!...

Please keep us informed, and of course I'll be thinking of and praying for him...

 :goodluck: Larry... May only good things happen to you from now on!...

Love... :grouphug:

Darth....
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 11, 2010, 12:32:50 PM
I saw Larry's pictures of his arm and hand.  I can't imagine the pain he has had to endure!  To suffer that and then have Duke treat him the way they have is more than outrageous - it is criminal.  You are right Arlene, some people are going to have to be accountable for this - starting with Mr. Sowers.

Larry, you are in our thoughts and prayers today!    :grouphug:   :pray:

Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on January 11, 2010, 02:34:48 PM
Update!

Larry still needs your prayers. He was sent to ICU instead of the recovery room.  :grouphug:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on January 11, 2010, 06:59:39 PM
Larry just called. He is fine and feeling better. I received a text message from a family member that he was going to ICU. It appears that he did better than expected and is now in his room. He did not have to go to ICU as previously thought.

Larry wishes to thank all of those who kept him close to their hearts.  :dancing: :thumbs:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 11, 2010, 07:10:41 PM
That is great! Glad he is doing so well and was able to bypass the ICU! :)
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 11, 2010, 07:13:17 PM
Larry just called. He is fine and feeling better. I received a text message from a family member that he was going to ICU. It appears that he did better than expected and is now in his room. He did not have to go to ICU as previously thought.

Larry wishes to thank all of those who kept him close to their hearts.  :dancing: :thumbs:

Tell Larry he can stop scaring the h*ll out of us anytime now!    :) :bestwishes:
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 12, 2010, 05:03:58 AM
Thank God, he's safely over his op....

Now comes the hardest part.. Gawd, he's got a long road of recovery to travel!...

May God bless and protect you, Larry...

Get well soon!...

Love...

Darth....

Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 13, 2010, 06:28:25 PM
Larry continues to recover.  We've decided to post pictures of Larry's arm, this is his arm under DaVita's care:

(http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry6.jpg)

(http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry1.jpg)  (http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry2.jpg)

(http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry3.jpg)  (http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry4.jpg)

(http://dialysisethics2.org/open_images/Larry/Larry5.jpg)
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: MdGuy on January 13, 2010, 10:54:45 PM
 :pray: My prayers go out to Larry Hall who is recovering from his surgery. I hope his recovery is quick so he can get back home. I hope he don't have to experience anything like he did and hope in the future Larry gets the treatment he needs without any conflicts.
Best wishes to larry's recovery
MdGuy~
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 14, 2010, 01:36:38 AM
Oh my God!!!...

Look at how swollen the poor man's hand is... No wonder he's in so much pain...

I really hope that the operation works well, and Larry recovers well...

Thinking of you, Larry...

Darth....
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 14, 2010, 03:11:11 AM
Wow I have only seen one man before who had a fistula like that but never the hand swollen like that. Looks so painful!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 16, 2010, 02:56:01 PM
Any more news of Larry???...

Is he doing better???...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 16, 2010, 05:19:40 PM
I talked to Larry and he is out of the hospital and doing a whole lot better!  The swelling has gone down and he is sleeping pretty darn good. 
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: Darthvadar on January 17, 2010, 06:30:24 AM
Thanks be to God....

That's great news, Chris..

Thanks for sharing it!...

God bless...

Darth...
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on January 28, 2010, 05:06:51 PM
CMS and the State of North Carolina went into Duke Medical Center last week for an inspection. Dont have the results yet....but Duke still has not honored his right of Advocate. I will be questioning the rights of advocacy with the Disability Rights of North Carolina. I even have a letter faxed to Ken Thiry's office of Davita. My question is what is Duke doing with that fax number. I think they call it a HIPA violation,.

In all the years that I have advocated, I have never found an "ego" driven hospital. Fortunately they have to follow the rules like everyone else.

I am not done yet.
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on January 28, 2010, 06:10:23 PM
The first concern was to make sure Larry was safe!  But now is the time to address the conditions that allowed this to happen, to make sure it doesn't happen to another person.  Thanks Arlene for letting us know it isn't over!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: angieskidney on January 29, 2010, 08:12:29 AM
I talked to Larry and he is out of the hospital and doing a whole lot better!  The swelling has gone down and he is sleeping pretty darn good. 

Glad he is out and hope he has no more problems with them!

The first concern was to make sure Larry was safe!  But now is the time to address the conditions that allowed this to happen, to make sure it doesn't happen to another person.  Thanks Arlene for letting us know it isn't over!

Yeah exactly!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: amullin on July 08, 2010, 10:34:02 AM
CMS and State inspectors went in to Duke. Did find citations. Remember Larry was there for 13 hrs with no pain medications given to him.  :cheerleader:

Received a letter from Duke stating that they were sorry that Larry was disappointed with their care.. It appears that waiting 13 hrs with no pain meds is good care.


Anyhow.....Duke is in for another suprise....smile!
Title: Re: Larry's treatment at Duke University Hospital
Post by: cschwab on July 09, 2010, 04:18:34 AM
Let me guess, they aren't going to be happy with this surprise?