All articles tagged with #patient experience
A 23-year-old from Esher contracted meningitis while studying at the University of Edinburgh, endured severe illness and feared death or paralysis, was told she might stay in hospital for up to three months but was able to go home after a week, and has since become a Meningitis Now ambassador urging others to seek help promptly.
Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, a pediatrician and emergency medicine head at UPMC, shares her breast cancer journey through social media to raise awareness, support others, and document her treatment, highlighting the importance of knowledge, community, and resilience in facing cancer.
Women, and some men, face significant challenges in accessing pelvic floor therapy due to insurance restrictions, high costs, and systemic undervaluation of this essential treatment, which is crucial for addressing issues like pelvic pain, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Patients often experience delays, inadequate coverage, and emotional distress, highlighting the need for systemic healthcare reforms to improve access and recognition of pelvic health.
The article provides a personal account of undergoing radiation therapy for metastatic Ewing’s sarcoma, highlighting the process, the supportive team at Sibley Memorial Hospital, and the importance of small interactions in patient care, emphasizing that radiation can be an effective and less taxing treatment option for pain relief and disease management.
A TikTok user named Shawn Michael shared his distressing experience with a misdiagnosis of his colon cancer by an oncologist. Initially diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, Shawn was later told it was stage three, only for the doctor to revert to the original stage four diagnosis. This inconsistency left Shawn feeling betrayed and questioning the competence of his doctor. The video, which went viral, prompted many viewers, including healthcare professionals, to advise Shawn to seek a new oncologist. Shawn has since decided to change doctors.
A woman named Maggie Hamill warns against LASIK eye surgery, claiming it has caused her chronic pain and significantly impacted her life. Despite initial success, she developed severe long-term side effects, including chronic dry eye and corneal neuropathy. Hamill has tried various treatments with limited relief and regrets undergoing the procedure. Her story has resonated with many online, prompting discussions about the risks of LASIK.
A study from Ireland highlights the complex physical and emotional challenges faced by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The research emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care approach to support patients throughout the treatment process. Interviews with 12 MS patients revealed themes of balancing hope and fear, emotional and physical recovery challenges, and adjusting to treatment outcomes. Despite varied experiences, most patients expressed no regrets about undergoing HSCT, though further research is needed to better understand patient perspectives and decision-making.
A recent explanation of how anaesthesia works has surprised many, revealing that it doesn't induce sleep but rather turns off the brain, rendering the patient unconscious and unable to perceive pain. This process also involves medications that can paralyze the body and erase memories to reduce anxiety and PTSD risk. The revelation, shared by a medical expert on YouTube, has sparked anxiety and fear among viewers, with some sharing traumatic experiences of waking up mentally during surgery while being physically paralyzed.
A patient shared their experience of suffering from undiagnosed B12 deficiency for two years, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, heart palpitations, and facial numbness. After finally receiving a diagnosis and intramuscular injections, their condition improved significantly. The story highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating B12 deficiency, which affects a significant portion of the population, especially older adults.
Musician Christian Nolen played his guitar during brain surgery to help doctors protect his hand movement while they removed a tumor. The awake surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine allowed for real-time testing of his dexterity, ensuring the tumor removal didn't harm his ability to play. This approach also offers benefits such as improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays for patients undergoing brain surgery. Nolen, who has been playing guitar since he was 13, successfully passed his dexterity tests and is now back to playing his beloved instrument after the surgery.
Mari Grug, a TV presenter, shared her experience with metastatic breast cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, describing it as feeling like a friend during her cancer journey. Despite initial grim prognosis, she has responded well to treatment, with her liver cancer shrinking significantly. She is now advocating for early medical intervention and sharing her journey to provide hope and support to others facing similar challenges.
A study by Manchester Metropolitan University reveals that women with endometriosis feel dismissed and "gaslit" by doctors when seeking NHS treatment for the condition, leading some to give up on seeking treatment altogether. With over 1.5 million affected in the UK, the research aims to gather experiences of those living with endometriosis, including their struggles with diagnosis and treatment, in order to shed light on the challenges faced by patients.
A woman in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is sharing her experience of encountering bed bugs in a local hospital delivery room in the hope of raising awareness and preventing others from going through the same ordeal. After being bitten by the bugs, she was moved to a different room, but she expressed disappointment with how upper management treated her. The hospital stated that they have measures in place to mitigate the risk of vector transmission and are dedicated to cleaning and sanitizing their facilities. The woman advises future hospital patients to inspect their rooms and minimize personal belongings.
Dr. Liz O'Riordan, a breast surgeon who was diagnosed with breast cancer, reflects on her experience and the lessons she learned. She admits to not regularly checking her own breasts because she believed being a breast surgeon made her immune to the disease. However, when she was diagnosed, she experienced the physical and emotional toll of treatment, including the loss of fertility. Dr. O'Riordan emphasizes the importance of doctors understanding the patient experience and recommends that they explore online resources and breast cancer forums to better support their patients. Despite having to retire due to complications from her cancer, she now helps others through blogging and videos.
A cancer diagnosis turned the author into a jerk towards health care workers, but her dying mother taught her to be kind. She learned to ask open-ended questions and show authentic interest in the people helping her during her own medical crisis. By doing so, she found moments of respite and connection with others in similar situations.