# 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:** 2
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/21 "2017-11-29T14:21:33Z")
> [@Darren\_Garrison](#): > > So the take-away here is do not taunt _Varicella zoster_\*\*?\*\* Is that a reference to my old shingles thread? I highly doubt that there’s a connection, and it turned out not to be shingles anyway. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/22 "2017-11-29T14:38:32Z")
I’m glad you’re doing better. Such a scary thing to go through! (Not to be crass, but have you looked into getting a lawyer?) ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/23 "2017-11-29T14:40:49Z")
> [@ivylass](#): > > I’m glad you’re doing better. Such a scary thing to go through! (Not to be crass, but have you looked into getting a lawyer?) Thank you. Regarding your question; no comment. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/24 "2017-11-29T15:09:08Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Holey crap! :dubious: Glad you’re on the mend, **davidm**. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/25 "2017-11-29T15:13:13Z")
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and it’s good to hear you’re already headed down that path. You seem to be in good spirits and to have a positive attitude, which I think helps a lot. Any idea yet when you might be released, or is it too soon to tell? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/26 "2017-11-29T15:24:13Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Thank you. > Regarding your question; no comment. Well, that answers _that_! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/27 "2017-11-29T15:26:31Z")
I’m shocked to hear about your horrific ordeal, oh my gosh! Glad to hear you’re struggling back, hoping you know we’re all pulling for you. Yours is a very valued voice, on this board. (Please tell this Canadian you’re not on the hook for the resulting medical costs of this! Dear God, surely even the US system isn’t THAT heartless! Or is it? I shiver to even imagine that it’s entirely possible!) Stay strong and know you’re in our thoughts. Sending tsunamis of healing vibes your way! ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/28 "2017-11-29T15:32:05Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Thank you. > Regarding your question; no comment. Gotcha. Good luck with everything. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/29 "2017-11-29T15:34:15Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > … > Any idea yet when you might be released, or is it too soon to tell? I’m being moved to a rehab center soon. They gave me a list and from my research it appears that I’m going to have to choose the least bad from a list of mediocre or worse choices. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/30 "2017-11-29T15:39:29Z")
> [@elbows](#): > > I’m shocked to hear about your horrific ordeal, oh my gosh! Glad to hear you’re struggling back, hoping you know we’re all pulling for you. Yours is a very valued voice, on this board. > > (Please tell this Canadian you’re not on the hook for the resulting medical costs of this! Dear God, surely even the US system isn’t THAT heartless! Or is it? I shiver to even imagine that it’s entirely possible!) > > Stay strong and know you’re in our thoughts. Sending tsunamis of healing vibes your way! I have pretty good insurance. Considering what I pay for it every month, it had better be good! Oddly enough, apparently all dialysis treatments for anyone are paid for by the government. Don’t ask me why that particular procedure gets special treatment. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/31 "2017-11-29T15:42:02Z")
Actually, I think the medico-legal term is **therapeutic misadventure.** > [@Wikipedia](#): > > Therapeutic misadventure can be defined as an injury or an adverse event caused by medical management rather than by an underlying disease. ---
**Author:** ![gnoitall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/bb73d2/32.png) [@gnoitall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnoitall)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/32 "2017-11-29T16:00:59Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Actually, I think the medico-legal term is **therapeutic misadventure.** “Misadventure?” “_Misadventure_?” Isn’t that synonymous with “hijinks”? Did the hospital have a little peccadillo? :smack: Mental note: medico-legal terminology is apparently self-serving doublespeak. :mad: **davidm** : I’m glad you’re on the mend and hope you keep at it. I always like your questions, and will expect you back to ask more. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/33 "2017-11-29T16:01:07Z")
Glad you’re still with us, **davidm**! That sort of massive infection is truly life-threatening. (Hell, much more minor infections are life-threatening.) Good luck with the PT, and yeah, you will need it just to get back on your feet. But welcome back to the boards! ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/34 "2017-11-29T16:27:48Z")
Wow, what a mess! Glad to hear you are improving **davidm**. Thanks for checking in. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/35 "2017-11-29T16:30:08Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > I’m being moved to a rehab center soon. They gave me a list and from my research it appears that I’m going to have to choose the least bad from a list of mediocre or worse choices. It’s good that you have such a positive attitude. Just get through it. I don’t have personal experiences with such places myself, but had a few friends that spent a week or two in one. These folks had very good insurance, but I can’t say much good about the rehab centers. They serve their purpose, I suppose, but not a lot of fun. Give 'em hell, David! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/36 "2017-11-29T16:41:06Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > “Misadventure?” “_Misadventure_?” Isn’t that synonymous with “hijinks”? Did the hospital have a little peccadillo? :smack: > > Mental note: medico-legal terminology is apparently self-serving doublespeak. :mad: [Misadventures, even nonmedical ones, can kill you.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_by_misadventure) ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/37 "2017-11-29T16:42:19Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > It’s good that you have such a positive attitude. Just get through it. I don’t have personal experiences with such places myself, but had a few friends that spent a week or two in one. These folks had very good insurance, but I can’t say much good about the rehab centers. They serve their purpose, I suppose, but not a lot of fun. > > Give 'em hell, David! 🙂 The doctor just now came in and took the trache out. I have to put a finger over hole to talk until it closes. They’re going to put some gauze over it so I can talk freely. I’m currently sitting out in a chair, which is a big step. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/38 "2017-11-29T16:58:46Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Actually, I think the medico-legal term is **therapeutic misadventure.** Iatrogenic > **[Definition of IATROGENIC](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/iatrogenic)** > > induced unintentionally by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures… See the full definition > [@](#): > > Definition of iatrogenic > : induced inadvertently by a physician or surgeon or by medical treatment or diagnostic procedures… ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2017, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/39 "2017-11-29T17:04:00Z")
Maybe this seems beside the point, but did you get a diagnosis on the Crohn’s? Seems like if that were still undiagnosed, your recovery would be even more difficult. Anyway, best of luck, in the hospital, and if it comes to it, in the court. ---
**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:** [November 29, 2017, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049/40 "2017-11-29T17:15:38Z")
> [@RivkahChaya](#): > > Maybe this seems beside the point, but did you get a diagnosis on the Crohn’s? Seems like if that were still undiagnosed, your recovery would be even more difficult. > > Anyway, best of luck, in the hospital, and if it comes to it, in the court. I’ve been tested before and I do not have Crohn’s (or celiac, for that matter). I was admitted with a bowel obstruction, which resolved itself. I can’t say why they decided to do the scope. That’s one of the things that has been lost in the memory hole that I have for that period. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wheres-davidm-in-the-hospital-recovering-from-a-medical-screwup/803049.md?page=3)