Medical

raydar

I've a friend that was ill for quiet some time and that was diagnosed with Diabetes was put on meds, for 4 years, later another medical Department contacted her to say she has a ruptured pancreas and doesn't have Diabetes and needs a new check up, she's going around with huge stress, nearly missed her brothers funeral

What happens here, she lives on her own and doesn't have money to get help? Can someone please help Thanks

raydar

Please can someone give advice and directions please

Peregrinus

While her situation is very unfortunate and I undertstand why she's stressed, I'm not sure what kind of help she thinks she needs. She's been told she has a ruptured pancreas and needs to have medical examination; she should book an appointment. If she doesn't know who to book an appointment with, she should start with her GP who can refer her appropriately.

coylemj

another medical Department contacted her to say she has a ruptured pancreas and doesn't have Diabetes and needs a new check up

If this 'medical department' knows she has a ruptured pancreas, why does she need a 'new check up'. Shouldn't they have scheduled treatment for what sounds like a serious condition?

Mrs OBumble

What country does she live in?

Peregrinus

Plus, why has this been posted in the legal forum? It's a medical issue.

callaway92

They want to see if they can sue the hospital for misdiagnosis, 4 years of payment for the wrong medication etc. surely. Any other costs they'd have incurred.

Rightly or wrongly, it should be obvious why the OP is asking.

Peregrinus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121564331#Comment_121564331

Well, the first issue there is whether the original diagnosis was negligent, as to which we have zero information. For an answer to that question, you're going to have to talk to doctors, not lawyers, so the legal forum is the wrong place to start.

But, right now, that shouldn't be the priority. Plenty of time to think about this in the coming months but for now the woman should focus on understanding and treating her newly-diagnosed health issues.

callaway92

Yeh but put yourself in their shoes. It’s too easy to say all of that when not in their situation. It’s a pretty natural reaction to have on their side.

Leg End Reject

Can one really survive for 4 years with a ruptured pancreas (or any other organ)?

No bleeding, infection, septicaemia, peritonitis,digestive issues?

How had she the wherewithal to get the original misdiagnosis but now can't present for a checkup? Surely an urgent scan and surgery would be required?

Dav010

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121564373#Comment_121564373

I suspect the two are unconnected, a ruptured pancreatic cyst causes acute symptoms, it’s highly improbable that it would go undiagnosed or that the patient would be able to put up with the symptoms for 4 years with such a medical issue. What is more likely to have occurred is that during the diagnosis of the pancreatitis, the hospital found that the diabetes was misdiagnosed.

I would completely disagree with the poster who thinks that legal advice is the most pressing issue, for most, the most urgent advice needed is that given by his/her GP and possibly a second opinion on the diabetes. Unfortunately hospital staff also occasionally misdiagnose patients.

Ezeoul

Diabetes medication and treatment is free in Ireland under the Long Term Illness scheme, so she shouldn't have incurred any costs?

Peregrinus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121564352#Comment_121564352

I get that she'd be upset, and possibly angry, but the priority here absolutely has to be her health, and no amount of legal action is going to benefit that in any way. She needs to focus on her health issues, on understanding them, and on getting them investigated and treated. Worry about lawsuits later, if at all.

(Apart from anything else, after she had done all this, she'll have a much better framework within which to understand what happened before, how it might have happened, and what impact it may have had on her. Not only will she be healthier, but she'll be better equipped to explore, and make decisions about, any legal issues arising out of her medical history.)

coylemj

If it's legal advice she's looking for, she needs to be told that medical negligence cases are fought tooth and nail and take years to get settled. Her absolutely top priority now should be to get that condition treated and worry about the legal side of things later.

lbunnae

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121564352#Comment_121564352

ABSOlutely it is a fair reaction to have on their side.

Ezeoul

Your friend needs to get in touch with the Endocrinologist who has been looking after her diabetes - has she been having regular HBA1C blood tests over the last 4 years? These are supposed to be done every six months.

It's quite possible her diabetes meds are doing their job and her diabetes is just very well controlled or her diabetes is in remission. (I'm T2 diabetic, and that's the goal!)

As for the ruptured pancreas, everything I've read online suggests this is not something you'll be walking around with for 4 years, untreated.

Not doubting your friend, but maybe it's only a recent, separate development?