# Where's davidm? In the hospital recovering from a medical screwup. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 29, 2017, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049 "2017-11-29T12:24:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/301 "2018-02-01T15:04:31Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > So how’s the rehab place treating you? Pretty good overall . You need to be aware and advocate for yourself but overall it’s pretty good for a rehab. They’re very good at their main function, rehab (walking, weights, etc.). I’m getting stronger and steadier every day. I do have to speak up sometimes about getting the right meds at the right times. When I first arrived they gave me hydrocortisone along with my other meds. When I questioned it they said it was for inflammatory bowel disease. This made no sense since the inflamed part (my colon) was removed in the 70s and I haven’t been treated for inflammation in any way since then. I refused it and the GI doc later confirmed that I did the right thing. I have no need for it and it could have been counterproductive. I think it may have been due to a miscommunication with the hospital. They were giving me cortisone at one point; I think to raise my blood pressure, but it had been weeks since they had given it to me. So I don’t know that I can blame the rehab. My big problem right now is eating. Solid food causes problems so they have me on clear liquids (I’m getting my nutrition via TPN through a pic line). But even liquids go straight through me. I have an appointment on Monday with a specialist at Jefferson in Philly. He’s supposedly one of the best for my type of situation. Hopefully he’ll have some answers. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/302 "2018-02-01T15:09:31Z")
Do they have any idea on when you’ll be released? ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/303 "2018-02-01T15:10:03Z")
Good to hear about the improvement. Gaining more mobility must be nice! ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/304 "2018-02-01T16:01:34Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Do they have any idea on when you’ll be released? No idea, but lately I’m getting the impression that they’re moving in that direction. I don’t feel that I’m ready but ultimately it’s up to the insurance company. I’d rather be eating and not have to deal with the TPN at home. ---
**Author:** ![steatopygia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steatopygia/32/3132_2.png) [@steatopygia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steatopygia)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/305 "2018-02-01T19:32:34Z")
Yeah, you don’t want to be dealing with TPN at home. But if that’s what it takes, do it. I don’t know PA’s rules on home IV administration, but you might need a home health nurse to come by and run that. If I was you, with your record of poor care from the medical field, I would be trying to get home as soon as possible. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/306 "2018-02-01T20:07:52Z")
I’m glad you’re getting stronger. I agree that dealing with TPN at home will be annoying, but getting out of rehab as soon as possible is better in the long run for your health. Have you thought about joining one of the mafia games over on the Giraffe Board? Just something to keep you busy in your down time. ---
**Author:** ![kayT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayt/32/3633_2.png) [@kayT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayT)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2018, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/307 "2018-02-01T22:42:15Z")
Good luck with the specialist on Monday. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/308 "2018-02-02T01:36:35Z")
> [@kayT](#): > > Good luck with the specialist on Monday. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![kambuckta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/53a042/32.png) [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2018, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/309 "2018-02-02T06:19:29Z")
Thinking of you David from over the Big Ditch. Best xx ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/310 "2018-02-13T18:22:05Z")
Checking in, in case anyone is wondering. I’m still in the rehab, and I’m still not eating. Even clear liquids seem to go straight through me. ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/311 "2018-02-13T18:35:41Z")
Brutal- and no clear answer why? Keep us posted ! Happy Descending Colon thoughts your way. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/312 "2018-02-13T19:12:32Z")
Want a visitor? If so, PM me the address; not before the weekend, though. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/313 "2018-02-13T21:02:08Z")
I just got a visit from someone telling me that today is the last day my insurance will pay for. No way am I ready to go home yet. One of the previous rehabs is harrasing me for $5000. They did nothing for me except let me get sicker! ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/314 "2018-02-13T22:03:06Z")
Is there a patient advocate on the premises who can help you sort this out? ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/315 "2018-02-13T22:10:49Z")
They had me fill out a bunch of forms to apply for medicaid. Correct me I I’m wrong, but I think I have to spend myself poor before medicaid will pay for anything. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [February 13, 2018, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/316 "2018-02-13T23:52:57Z")
It might be worth starting a new thread with a title about medicaid so you get the experts in here. **Broomstick** might know. I’m sure there are others. ---
**Author:** ![JackieLikesVariety](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackielikesvariety/32/296_2.png) [@JackieLikesVariety](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JackieLikesVariety)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2018, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/317 "2018-02-14T02:21:30Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Checking in, in case anyone is wondering. > > I’m still in the rehab, and I’m still not eating. Even clear liquids seem to go straight through me. I’m sorry you aren’t able to eat - how is everything else? is anything going well? less assist needed, less pain…? ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2018, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/318 "2018-02-14T11:28:03Z")
Here’s the Medicaid thread: [https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=849239](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=849239) ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2018, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/319 "2018-02-14T11:39:10Z")
> [@JackieLikesVariety](#): > > I’m sorry you aren’t able to eat - how is everything else? is anything going well? less assist needed, less pain…? I can get around with less assistance, but it’s still difficult. Other than when I had the DVT in my leg, pain hasn’t been an issue. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [February 14, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/320 "2018-02-14T16:01:21Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > They had me fill out a bunch of forms to apply for medicaid. > > Correct me I I’m wrong, but I think I have to spend myself poor before medicaid will pay for anything. Changes are your insurance either has a limit on skilled nursing care / rehab, or they’ve deemed you “as recovered as you’re gonna get” and consider it a long-term-care scenario. You (or your brother) should contact your insurer - and possibly the state’s insurance commissioner. The insurer, to find out what’s going on. The insurance commissioner, in case you’re getting shafted by insurer bureaucrats. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049.md?page=15) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049.md?page=17)