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Title: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by ClusterChuck on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:05pm I am getting tired of this KERAP!! Why do I have to be the one to train the medical staff, at my local teaching hospital, what a cluster hit is like, and how to deal with it? I spent most of last night, in the emergency room, for something not related to clusters. Naturally (for me, anyhow), while there, I got hit. I asked for O2 with a non-rebreathing mask. The nurse had to get the doctor’s OK, first. Fine. I can accept that. I had already told her about my cluster headaches. By the time they got their act together, I was at a full KIP 8. I had two doctors, and three nurses in there trying to do something for me. They kept trying to hold me down, the bastards!! They were also trying to get me back on the bed (not that they had any hope of that!). Fortunately, one nurse had the sense to remove the I.V. I had attached to me. She really accomplished a lot, seeing how I was dancing and flailing around so much. I was trying to tell them to just leave me alone. I had the O2, and there was nothing they could do. The doctors were trying to decide what drugs to give me to alleviate the pain. Fortunately the O2 worked. After it came down, they were totally blown away with the severity, and the speed that it came on, and also, how quick it went away, once it started to go. They were amazed that someone could survive one of those, never mind up to 15 a day, day after day. They were very receptive to my information, and hopefully, the next ch’er will have an easier time of it. It was very frustrating to keep having to refuse all the drugs they were trying to inject me with. I just hate being such a spectacle! And why, with all the times I have been in the ER, haven’t I run across someone that I have already trained? Oh, well, such is the life of a reluctant trainer!! Chuck |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Melissa on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:16pm Chuck! Always tryin to draw attention to yourself! Tsk tsk! ;) What "other" problem were you having that you had to go to the ER? Are you alright sweets? Don't make us worry about you more than we already do!! *tappin foot* :-* |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Sandy_C on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:16pm Geez, Chuckie. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. But, try to look at as an educational opportunity for the people who work in the ER. God knows, when CH sufferers have to go the ER, we are treated like druggies half the time. I've learned that there are times when you must hide your CH hits, and times when you just gotta let it fly and let everybody and their brothers see a full blown 10. Once people witness it, they begin to understand what you are going through. I've shown the biggie on three separate occasions, and those that saw it, now give me the space and time that I need to get through it, and the encouragement I need to get through the next one. Again, sorry you had to go through it, but maybe, just maybe it helped. :-/ Sandy |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Kris_in_SJ on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:17pm At least you were able to educate a particular shift of people in the ER. It likely won't be an experience they forget very soon. Perhaps, if each of us approached our local hospitals about giving an inservice to the ER staff about Clusters, your experience would never have to be repeated. Maybe ... someone could put a PowerPoint presentation together and we could all hit the road. Good God! What I wouldn't give to see our medical profession educated by lay people with a rare disorder! Kris |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by ClusterChuck on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:22pm on 08/08/05 at 19:16:22, Melissa wrote:
Don't worry, I'm fine. I'm still here to bitch and moan, ain't I?? Don't worry. I'm a survivor. Chuck |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by ClusterChuck on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:27pm on 08/08/05 at 19:17:19, Kris_in_SJ wrote:
Kris, the frustrating part is the number of times that I have been to the ER (almost all for non-CH related things) and I almost always get hit there, and I STILL have yet to find someone that I have already trained!!! I don't mind training, but when will it end? I have been there at least a dozen times in the past couple years. Chuck |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Sandy_C on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:28pm on 08/08/05 at 19:22:50, ClusterChuck wrote:
You damn well better be! Luv & kisses Sandy |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Charlie on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:38pm So sorry Chuck. http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/red mad.gif It's a never ending battle to get some sanity or at least some common sense drilled into terrified medical staffs. Here, at our hospital, everyone seems to know of it thanks to some cousins and friends with CH. We have a good hospital anyway. Damn it, I guess the ER is one place where gray hair doesn't impress anyone. http://www.netsync.net/users/charlies/gifs/sigh.gif Not that we're all that impressed with you anyway.... 8) Charlie |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Frank_W on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:41pm Chuck, you didn't go another 12 rounds with the toilet seat again, did you? :o [smiley=laugh.gif] Hang in there, bro'. Love ya'! -Frank |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by maffumatt on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:41pm Chuck your tool................ an educational tool that is. And an insperation.................. |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Jim R on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:47pm Been in your shoes in the ER, Chuck, many times. The training seems to never end - even those you've previously trained need refreshers! Better luck next time! Jim R |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Melissa on Aug 8th, 2005, 7:58pm Chuck, I hope you know I was just teasing you... :-/ I'm glad to hear you are alright, and I'm sorry about having to educate the medical community where you live. I know it gets tiresome and becomes and annoyance. take care, mel |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Lizzie2 on Aug 8th, 2005, 8:20pm Aw man Chuck...I'm sorry to hear that.. :-/ I may actually be using one part of my honors project for ER inservice for nurses at some point, but I've been too busy getting adjusted to life with the little ones lately! At any rate, because I've spent a lot of time working in the ER, and then also as a patient for quite an array of complications, I have talked their ears off about CH...and at least 4 or 5 of them (yeah a small number to say the truth) have seen me get hit while working in the ER. The last time that happened (several months ago), the nurse I was working with told me to go use O2 in the flex unit...however, when the beds are full, I didn't have access. So my friend Jim, who was a tech in the ER, went and got me ice, met me outside, and gave me a cigarette while my friend Tara stood guard and gave me ANOTHER cigarette. I don't even smoke...LOL The combination of CH AND ER work is just enough to send this non-smoker over the edge, though! ;) Glad you are okay.....we all worry about you!! Hugz, Carrie :) |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Jimi on Aug 8th, 2005, 9:13pm I bet you scared the hell out of them. I can just see them standing there with their mouths open when you came down and looked at them all normal again. Well as normal as you can look. :-* |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by cootie on Aug 8th, 2005, 9:33pm You need a break dude.....I dunno how you do it and that break has got to be comeing cuz you deserve it. PF wish book Pam |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by blossom on Aug 8th, 2005, 10:12pm Chuck, Chuck, Chuck - always trying to make a scene. ;;D I hope all is well and you are feeling better. :-* - Karen |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Linda_Howell on Aug 8th, 2005, 10:12pm damit. damit damit!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chuck you have rarely brought me to tears. But you did it this time. Fu** I just got my pics back from Dallas. I am looking at one in particular...you're on the couch...and Charlie is standing there educating that security officer who was freaking out. He could not understand why we were all just standing around...not doing anything. Not until Charlie took the time to explain. Chuck, I love ya man...one of these days you will meet up with one who you have educated/trained... Linda |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by don on Aug 8th, 2005, 10:26pm Come clean Chuck. You weren't at the ER. You had to do down to the free clinic again didn't you? |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by sandie99 on Aug 9th, 2005, 4:02am Chuck, I'm so sorry... :'( Maybe one of these days we've trained them all! (Well, alt least living in hope doesn't hurt!) I still think that you're a better trainer than I am, though. I get very irritated with some attacks and I'd be ready to hurt anyone... Add couple docs and nurses with no idea and blood shed is ready. ;;D And I'm a peace-loving person! That's why I try to deal with the beast as much on my own as possible. Sanna |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Frank_W on Aug 9th, 2005, 6:48am on 08/08/05 at 22:26:26, don wrote:
*snicker* |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Kim Y. on Aug 9th, 2005, 7:10am Chuckster.... :( Sorry it got so bad that you had to even go to the ER. :'( Hope you feel better today. PF wishes and vibes... Quote:
Kim |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Cathi04 on Aug 9th, 2005, 9:24am I'll say it, you cross-dressing hippie.......it's your ticker, damnnit! A weakened heart, on top of the stress of all these high-kip hits, you're trouble, my friend! Take care of your self, mister.......and always wear clean undies...ya just never know! Now.should the nursing staff get combat pay, or should you get a Training fee?????? Bit me....... :P Cathi |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by Ruth on Aug 9th, 2005, 9:26am Hi Chuck, sorry to hear about your ordeal at the ER room, I have never been to ER for a cluster but last year I was in ER for another reason and got hit. I asked for an imitrex shot and was given it in a speedy manner. I wish that all of us out there could have such a good experience, maybe someday :-/ Take care guy, Love ya Ruth |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by burnt-toast on Aug 9th, 2005, 9:34am Exactly why I've never gone to the ER. Here's hoping you get out of the training business! Best Wishes Tom |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by E-Double on Aug 9th, 2005, 11:56am Show off ;) Just happy you are ok! You are ok right? |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by lionsound on Aug 9th, 2005, 8:01pm Chuck, one can only hope that with all of the expert training you've done..one of those newbie docs or nurses might end up in another ER actually knowing what to do for one of your fellow Clusterheads. :) Hope you are feeling better. hugs and PF's Rori |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by ClusterChuck on Aug 9th, 2005, 8:01pm on 08/09/05 at 11:56:46, E-Double wrote:
I have never been, nor ever will be "OK" !! !! !! To all the rest of you, I was NOT there for a cluster hit. I don't do that. This was for another, unrelated, but ongoing problem. Chuck |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by broomhilda on Aug 9th, 2005, 8:18pm [smiley=hug.gif]' s and :-* and pf wishes... |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... Post by ClusterChuck on Aug 9th, 2005, 8:21pm OK, I am TIRED of this shit!!! Would you beleive I was back in an emergency care facility today? This time, not for me, but the warden from hell. (She was running a fever and vomitting for the past three days. Turns out to be a kidney infection.) Anyhow, dear ole Dad was in the treatment room, and guess who came to visit? The BEAST !! !! !! Damn him!! !! !! Stephanie, bless her heart, stopped her shivering and vomiting long enough to call for help. She told them to get me some oxygen, at 15 lpm, and a non-rebreathing mask. They asked a few questions, the doctor came in, and OK'd the treatment, and then left. The doctor just shrugged it off, and went about his business. Not so the nurse! She was freaking out !! !! !! She went to get a bp testing thingy (forgot the name of it) and a meter to track my pulse. When she came back into the room with the equipment and started to approach me, Stephanie told her that if she valued her life, she would not go near me with that stuff. The nurse sort of poo-poo'ed Stephanie (after all, she is only a kid !!) and was getting ready to start attaching things to me. Stephanie sat up, and told her in no uncertain terms to "BACK THE FUCK OFF !! !! !!" THAT got the nurse's attention!! Haha!! Stephanie then proceded to educate this woman, and told her that I had the oxygen and there was nothing more that can or could be done. Stephanie also explained how often this happens to me. The nurse took in how calm Stephanie and the doctor were about this, and made the smart choice, and backed off. After the hit, I did give her a fuller explanation, and crash course in CH. She was very interested, and said she was going to do some research. I gave her this and the OUCH web addresses, and she said she would check them out. MORE TRAINING !! !! Sheesh!! Chuck PS: I guess, especially after today, I will keep the brat around ... For a little while, anyway ... |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by don on Aug 9th, 2005, 9:07pm Quote:
Heavy anti biotics aand stay out of the massage parlors. You'll be fine. |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by nani on Aug 9th, 2005, 9:42pm Chuck...you're such a drama queen. You had to go and steal Stephanie's thunder, didn't ya? ;) ;;D Steph, feel better soon, honey! |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by Kevin_M on Aug 9th, 2005, 10:10pm YEAYYYY STEPH!!! Hope you feel better soon Sheriff. Take care too Chuck |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by Lizzie2 on Aug 9th, 2005, 10:33pm Chuck - That's a great story - even though you had to do your educating once again!! I can speak from personal experience when I say they probably touch on CH and ALL headache disorders for less than an hour in nursing school. So, to be fair, most nurses really have no clue about CH. I'm just glad she was open to the idea of learning about it and that she plans to research it even! I know that I'd probably be tempted to want to monitor someone's blood pressure and heart rate if I saw someone in extreme pain like that, but at the same time - once I was 'filled in' on the situation, I would definitely back off until the hit was over and then ask some questions. Even if the doc didn't make a big deal out of it, I'd still be concerned as a nurse - only because I've learned (especially recently) that docs don't pay attention to a lot of things, and it really is up to nurses to be observant, assess patients well, and then inform the docs and be an advocate for the patient in all situations. It is a shame that the education must continue, however!! I keep getting a hefty dose of education in the neonatal department, but it's from the situation - I don't think most neonates can tell me a thing or two about being premature, etc! ;) Keep fighting the good fight - and may the beast leave you the hell alone for awhile - and also may you and your family quit requiring the service of all these wacky ER's! Hope Steph (And YOU!) are feeling much better! Hugz, Carrie :) |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by Frank_W on Aug 10th, 2005, 6:59am WTG, Steph!!! [smiley=headbanger.gif] I hope you're feeling better. Chuck... what can I say... I hope you someday get a break from this crap. :-/ |
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Title: Re: More ER training ... UPDATED Post by burnt-toast on Aug 10th, 2005, 7:49am YowZa - Not only trainin' em' but keepin' in business too! Man I hope things settle down for ya' God Bless Tom |
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