Consent forms pre-surgery!

January 29, 2004

In a message dated 1/29/04 7:23:28 AM Pacific Standard Time,

> I am still not clear on this, and my MYO. is coming in Feb.

> **Is it enough to write the following statement on the hospital admissions

> form, as well as the informed consent documents before surgery ?

>

> " I DO NOT WANT A HYSTERECTOMY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES OTHER THAN THOSE

> NECESSARY TO SAVE MY LIFE " .

>

Some of you may remember the stories of my " colonoscopy from hell " several

months ago. That was the, thank G-d, the only " procedure " I have ever had in my

adult life (the other was a tonsillectomy at age 10 or so).

Consequently, I was unpleasantly surprised and quite unprepared at the

*frightening* consent forms that I was made to sign in the surgery center

immediately prior to the procedure! I felt it was at best inconsiderate and at

worst

calculated- I mean, what was the likelihood that I (or anyone) would refuse to

sign and walk out at that point? I had already prepared myself for it

psychologically, logistically (I had already taken the day off work & scheduled

someone to pick me up) and especially *physically*- having already endured that

NASTY " bowel prep " (those of you who have been through this know of what I

speak!) It was 7am and I just wanted to get the damn thing over with! So, I

signed

with some notations on the form, but did NOT feel good about it. Definitely

not the best way to go in for any procedure!!

I promised myself that were I ever to have elective surgery again, I would as

to review and sign all of the paperwork in ADVANCE.

Those of you who have had (and who have upcoming) myos- what was your doc's

procedure vis-a-vis the consent forms? Can you review the forms at your

leisure, sign them at home, and bring them with you when you come in?

Also, could someone please send a copy of the recommended addendum to the

forms that Carla recommends in her book?

Thanks to all!

Elana

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