#DandC #abortion #sedation #painmedication #IVsite #patientcare
If you feel like you did not receive the appropriate level of sedation and pain relief during a D&C abortion procedure, you are not alone. Many individuals have reported similar experiences and it’s important to address your concerns and seek resolution.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to address any physical discomfort or issues you may be experiencing after the procedure. This may include contacting your healthcare provider or seeking medical attention if you are having ongoing pain or complications at your IV site. Additionally, it’s important to document any physical evidence of bruising or swelling at your IV site from the procedure.
Here are some steps you can take to address your concerns and advocate for yourself:
Seek a Second Opinion
If you feel that your experience during the D&C procedure was not in line with the standard level of care, consider seeking a second opinion from a different healthcare provider. Another healthcare professional may be able to provide insight into your experience and offer recommendations for next steps.
Document Your Experience
It’s important to document your experience as thoroughly as possible. This may include writing down specific details of the procedure, the timeline of events, any communication with the healthcare staff, and the physical aftermath of the procedure. This documentation can be valuable if you choose to report your experience or seek legal action.
Report Your Experience
If you believe that you did not receive adequate care during the D&C procedure, consider reporting your experience to the appropriate regulatory or oversight organization. This may include filing a complaint with your state’s medical board, contacting the facility where the procedure took place, or seeking guidance from a patient advocacy group. Reporting your experience can help to highlight potential issues and drive improvements in patient care.
Consider Legal Action
In cases where a patient feels that they have experienced medical negligence or malpractice, legal action may be an option. It’s important to consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in medical malpractice to understand your rights and explore potential legal avenues.
Advocate for Change
Your experience can be a catalyst for change within the healthcare system. Consider sharing your story through online platforms, social media, or with patient advocacy organizations to raise awareness and advocate for improved standards of care for individuals undergoing similar procedures.
Remember that you have the right to advocate for yourself and seek resolution for your experience. It’s important to seek support from trusted individuals, healthcare professionals, and advocacy resources as you navigate this process.
In conclusion, it’s essential to address your concerns and seek resolution after a distressing experience during a D&C procedure. By seeking a second opinion, documenting your experience, reporting your concerns, considering legal action, and advocating for change, you can take proactive steps to address your experience and drive improvements in patient care.
If you are experiencing ongoing physical or emotional distress after the procedure, it’s important to seek appropriate medical and emotional support. You are not alone, and there are resources available to support you through this process.
This definitely needs to be reported. I’ve seen that posts were removed for giving legal advice so maybe there’s a different sub where you can ask questions about that.
Doctors who provide abortion care should be sensitive to the fact that this is medical care and that just like any other procedure, it is important that you are comfortable and properly sedated before your procedure begins.
I’m sorry you had that experience and I’m sorry that they did not take the time to replace your IV.
The first thing I want to check on is your pain now and how you are doing emotionally after your abortion. Once you are feeling better, I would consider checking in with the healthcare facility about their behavior and maybe a google review will help other people be aware about their insensitivity as well.
Absolutely should never have happened. I have always thought of induction of anesthesia/sedation as its OWN procedure and should be completed before anything else (exceptions in emergency situations but this is not one of them). It is a stressful time for patients and all focus should be on calming them and making sure adequate level of sedation is achieved safely. God forbid you have a reaction to the medications or something goes wrong. This is a critical time in any procedure that deserves its own focus!!
Im not a lawyer. I’ve never worked in OB/GYN. I don’t know exactly what the standards of care are in this procedure. But I do know that this is undoubtably over the line and completely unacceptable. It sounds like the nurses tried to speak on your behalf and knew this wasn’t right. I hope they submitted an occurrence/incident report because this would help you if you’d like to take action against this.
Versed and fentanyl generally do not burn the IV site. Propofol does but that would have been administered by an anesthesiologist/CRNA. Not an RN. The medication likely was absorbed through your tissue much slower than through your IV, which is why you weren’t sedated well enough and felt sleepy later on. A new IV should have been placed immediately. If you had a life threatening emergency without an IV site… things get a little sketchy. It is SO important to have and maintain proper IV access. The doctor saying not to put in a new one infuriates me.
OP I am so sorry this happened to you. You deserved better care and I hope moving forward you find a doctor who is more compassionate and empathetic to your pain and needs. This is truly unacceptable and I am angry for you. I do not have much advice for taking action as I’m unfamiliar with this process but I do believe you should report this doctor to the hospital/facility you had this procedure done at. Seek out a patient advocate at the facility and they can also help you with this.