Re: Planning Ahead/Avoiding ER Trauma

[Guest guest]

Anita,

You said, " I've finally started carrying a letter written by my doc that says

my lipase and amylase probably won't be elevated ... that I need lots of

heavy duty pain meds, and that I'm not a substance abuser.  He also has left

instructions in his office that ... I call and say I need to be admitted to the

hospital they arrange it and I bypass the ER " This is going to be the first

line

in the list of instructions for every new patient. I also have a letter from

my doctor which says essentially the same thing. I also never go to the ER

without calling my own doctor first for him to pave the way for a smooth

transition, and avoid the lengthy resident interview.

If anyone does not have a letter from their doctor, I encourage you to ask

for one at your next visit. If you want help with writing up a mock one I will

be glad to send you one. You can tell your doctor that this is the PAI standard

of care to achieve optimum level of care.

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director, PAI

*http://www.pancassociation.org

[Guest guest]

,

You said, " Most of my attacks happen in the middle of the night and then I

would feel guilty about waking her to make that call for me... " It is common

that most attacks happen at inopportune times, but since I am always admitted

under the services of my GI, anyway, I call whatever time it is. It is always a

short call. " Hi, it's KarynWms " " You need to go in? " " Yes, " " I'll call them "

" Thanks "

Someone asked me the other day if they should continue to see a GI since they

are not having ERCP's anymore, things are relatively status quo, etc. I told

them that I think it is important to see your pancreatic GI specialist at

least once a year to maintain that relationship. You never know when you will

need them.

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director, PAI

*http://www.pancassociation.org

[Guest guest]

I got my letter from my family doctor the other day, and it now has

pride of place in my handbag *L*..I think I'm going to be needing to

use it next week, having the semi permanent stent taken out and

another one put in..(is actually a temporary stent that the doctor

put in upside down so it wouldn't fall out *L*)..and I always have

an attack after an ERCP..problem is most of the attacks don't start

until I've made it home then I have to go all the way back to the

hospital..

I didn't think to ask my doctor about her calling the ER while I'm

on my way..one doctor did this for me and it was great, straight in

ahead of everyone else, but most of my attacks happen in the middle

of the night and then I would feel guilty about waking her to make

that call for me...She did put her pager number on the letter if

they need to contact her though.

[Guest guest]

I've got a letter too from my doctor and a copy of it is in

my chart. So far, I haven't had to use it, but you never

know when you'll need it.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to

that of a licensed physician or health care professional.