On Dec. 6, I had ankle ligament reconstruction surgery. Two days post-op, I returned to the doctor and had dressings changed and was told -- in my 45-second consult -- that all looked well. In the proceeding days, the pain in my ankle became more intense. I contacted the physician and was told to keep it elevated and continue on the pain medication. When I returned to the doctor nine days post-op, the ankle was red and swollen. The doctor said that I had cellulitis. I said, "Oh, it's infected." His response, "No, cellulitis." Now, I'm no doctor but isn't cellulitis an infection caused by bacteria? In my drug-induced euphoria, I didn't argue. Now the doctor isn't too concerned, except about his good name, I'm sure. I, however, am coming up on two weeks off work, which has implications for me. So I sit here with my foot above my heart taking an extended course of antibiotics.... - Julie's story, Dec. 20.
Advice to patients: Slow down Dr. Speedy by asking some prepared questions: How would we know if this wasn't healing well? What is the most common complication after this kind of surgery?
This is Julie. It’s very important for people to speak up, ask questions and take responsibility for their own health. I think it’s also important for people to realize that doctors and clinicians are only human and therefore, make mistakes. I don’t like to blame the people. I know better. I know mistakes are made. I should have pushed my physician when the pain increased post-op, but as you know, it’s different when you’re the patient. Had I pushed I would have saved myself 6 or 7 days of pain.
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