My sister had her elbow repaired today.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

Just in time- the original hack surgeon did such a horrible job that by the time the REAL doctor opened her arm up today half the hardware was either loose or broken. There was a plate that had been put in- the doctor had to literally cut it into two pieces to remove it. Some of the screws had penetrated through the far side of the bone and was rubbing against the OTHER bone. Do you have any idea how incredible THAT pain had to be? I've felt it myself, and I can tell you she's far stronger than I would have been under similar circumstances. She's put up with it for WEEKS.

There didn't turn out to be any infection, which was a blessing. She now has a partial artificial elbow joint, and he repaired some tendon damage while he was in there. The splint will be on for three weeks, then will come the therapy. I know that will be hell because I've been through it twice myself when my knee was replaced.

She came through it well, although when I left her this afternoon the nerve block had yet to wear off. No biggie- the doc gave her some Oxy and other cool pain pills- she'll be asleep or stoned for a couple days, I'll wager.

Next up: The Malpractice Suits against the original doctor and the manufacturer of the surgical pins and screws that broke while inside her.

[ThomCat]

1. Good luck and best wishes to your sister.

I wish her a hell of a lot of endurance. :hug:

That's quite an experience.

[Radio_Lady]

2. Best of luck... sue everybody involved if you have the time and money.

Doctors who are butchers should be made to pay -- the same for companies that don't test their medical equipment, rush it to market, and leave terrible physical damage in their wake.

[Prisoner_Number_Six]

3. The REAL surgeon said he'd support her in writing.

Now THAT'S a rare thing. He was pissed.

[Radio_Lady]

4. VERY, very rare, indeed! I worked in medical and worker's compensation claims investigation for...

large insurance companies in Massachusetts.

The only doctors who would corroborate injury claims were those that the defendant had to PAY a very pretty penny.
Most of them dodged that bullet completely.