I am so sorry. I have been diagnosed with Atrial Fib for over 20 years now. When I go to ER they tell me, no one has ever died from it? And they send me home. It is always hard to find results, via death certificate. They told me my husbands died of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, death certificate states Sepsis from lungs? Hand in there... Sandee

In answer to you first question......
No, you don't have to start a discussion when you first come on here or log in. You can just read or answer anything you like. If there is something on your mind or have a question you can start a discussion. Its all up to you.

As for the next item, I might be mad if the Doctor didn't do what he/she should have but what can we do about it? I think I would be changing Dr's though. Unless your planing to press charges I would let it go and put it behind me or it will eat you up.

When my husband was in the hospital (first time ever) They made so many mistakes I wrote the Administrator and really told them off about how his Doctor did. I don't think they ever did anything and I don't even remember hearing from them, but I never got another bill!

So very sorry Jen, I can't imagine how hard this news is for you. I can understand the panic tough, very much so. You were answered with the results and the questions have exploded. Give yourself time, talk it through with someone. We are here for you.

I understand where you coming from. My husband had a UTI for NINETEEN MONTHS !!!!!!!!! The VA stopped treating it becuase it wouldnt go away his cause of death? UTI, Sepsis due to UTI, and Toxic Mega Colon due to Sepsis. But everyone told me id never win against the VA

My husband died from liver failure. I had sent him to the hospital at least 2 months before he was diagnosed with esld, and all they did was bandage a wound that wouldn't heal and send him home. He had been in the hospital 2 years prior to that for a seizure that had resulted in a broken pelvis (due to falling) and they didn't catch it while it could still be treated. ...I think they waited too long to do certain procedures which would have not only made him more comfortable but may have prolonged his life, even if only by a couple of weeks. His death certificate doesn't list any cause of death. So I understand where you are coming from in terms of anger at the doctor. But even if I sued, won, and was vindicated, it wouldn't bring him back. Twice, as I was thinking that way, what could have or should have been done to prolong his life, the song "let it be' started playing on the radio. And I think that's the only thing we can do, for our own sanity if nothing else...is let it be.
I'm so sorry that you are feeling this way because I feel the same way and can't even put into words the emotions it stirs. Helplessness, guilt, rage, sorrow, despair...all rolled into one and then some.
Again, Jenbird, I'm so sorry. Hugs, Wendi

I think you should speak to a lawyer about your options as far as a malpractice case. It is true that it will not bring him back, but I see you have a 7-year old who will not have their father's love, support, and financial support, and frankly, I would consider it for your child's benefit not yours or society's or whatever. The legal system would probably not care about your kids who are older (18 and 23, right?), but your little one would be considered.

You can also consider filing a complaint with the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners. It might be worth taking a look at their website for information, and to see if your doctor was listed as someone already facing complaints. Here is a link to their website:

http://www.medboard.nv.gov/

It is possible that there are lawsuits against the manufacturers of the diet pills your husband was prescribed. A lawyer would help you with that question.

I found out 2 years after the fact that Cliff had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and was supposed to go back for tests and follow-up. He didn't tell me any of this. I had taken him to the doctor to get - I hoped - the doctor to help him quit smoking because of his COPD. The doctor didn't do anything that day. His death certificate lists his causes of death as heart attack caused by hypertension, hypercholesterimia, and COPD. Yeah, all the stuff he was diagnosed with at his last doctor's visit. I knew my chances of getting anywhere with any action against the doctor were slim. Cliff had made his choices, and it was out of my hands, and my kids were over 18.

Your situation is a bit different, in my opinion. I would speak to a lawyer, just so you have the peace of mind later on if you decide not to do anything about it that you at least made that decision with all the facts in front of you.

I know you are already on overwhelm and are feeling crushed as it is, and a legal case sounds like just impossible right now. However, I am being as straight with you as I can, that I think you should speak to someone so that it does not eat you up and you don't regret it later. Maybe I am totally wrong and you wouldn't have a leg to stand on. Maybe the best thing to do is walk away. I don't know, but the point is that right now you don't know either, and the only real way to know is to talk to a professional about it.

I am sorry you are going through this. It just sucks!

Love and Hugs,
Martha

Jen,

I totally understand where you are coming from and your range of emotions. I'm so sorry. I didn't find out until dealing with Probate (subpoenaed medical records) that my husband had extremely high cholesterol (left unaddressed) as well as irregular ekg/eck's dating back eight years (primary physician physicals) prior to eventually being diagnosed with CHF. By then, it was too late to stint, bypass, etc. Had he been warned of his high cholesterol (put on meds) and referred to a cardiologist years before he would have most likely had the chance to live another another couple of decades with proper treatment. (J had yearly physicals and his primary said every single time "keep doing what you're doing! You're healthier than most 30 year olds I see!") Really?

Trust me, I was beyond livid to have discovered this information. I sat on it and thought about it for six months and finally took all of this information to a good malpractice attorney. Do we have a case? Still not sure. As they work on a contingency fee, it is up to them whether it will be worth pursuing. My files have been passed from his office now to a N.P for review and compilation, then will be passed along to a Certified Expert Witness M.D. for final determination. (This does not cost me anything)

The point? You don't have to make this decision "today". Most states have a two year statute of limitations to file within. Trust your heart and intuition on this. Meanwhile, focus on what needs to be done today and that is taking care of you and the children.

Big hugs . . please keep us posted on this. xo, Dayna

In Nevada, it is only one year, not two, from the time you discovered or should have discovered the malpractice.

Hugs....

Thanks for the clarification Martha. I should have added "check your State's statute of limitations . . my bad. :( That's why you are the awesome CL that you are!! Always covering our arse's, in more ways than one!! Hugs

Thank you all so much for all your help! It is so so so helpful! I am going to wait for a while until probate is over and then speak to an attorney. I may however talk to my attorney I have now to see what she recommends. You are all such a blessing to have!! Even if it is over the net! Thank you all again and I will keep you posted.
Hugs to you all.

One other thing, Sandee, please do not listen to whoever is telling you that you cant die from afib. My husbands mom almost did a few years ago, his aunt had to have a pacemaker to help her and his uncle has had a rough go with it as well!! Please get a second or third opinion.
Jennifer

Afib can cause strokes and that's a major role in stroke victims. The question is what is causing the afib. It can be caused by a valve problem that may require surgery. It needs to be explained exactly what the problem is and why.

i urge all of you to talk to your doctor and ask questions until you understand what they are telling you. Sharon

I am very sorry for your loss.
Hugs.