What should we do about the way the hospital treated me?

Question

In december I was put as in-patient in a mental health facility. I've been diagnosed with atypical bipolar, borderline personality and schizo disorder. They immediately switched me from Risperdal and Lexapro to Abilify, without easing me out. They did not tell me what dose of abilify they were giving me and ignored me for the rest of the night. I woke up with violent tremors and 'tracers' which I have never experienced before. I was vomiting and my pulse was 132. Since then I have had permanent 'tracers' and tremors and I notice they get worse when I'm tired. I asked for a copy of my records so I can find what dose they gave me but they still haven't sent it.

For those who don't know what tracers are the best I can think to describe it is, if you were looking at a flashlight in the dark and the image of the light trails after, with tracers, anything that moves has a trail of it's image following it. this has greatly affected my social life and my health and I need to get testing done to see if I have some form of epilepsy but I can't afford it right now. what should I do? lawyer? what?

Answer 1

I'm sorry you're having a tough time. Switching a patient's meds to something that will hopefully stabilize them when they are first in the hospital is very common. Whatever you were on wasn't working or you wouldn't have been admitted as an in-patient. You do have a right to your medical chart, however that can take over a month to get.

I would talk to your doctor about the tracers and see if there is anything that can be done. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

Contact Legal Aid if you can't afford a lawyer. My former boss, a retired judge, recommended this when I asked her for legal advice for my friend. They can help you out.  

Answer 3

d**n. Don't you wish you lived in England. If you request your records over here they legally have to reply to you within 40 days with the information you requested.

I think it would probably be worth waiting for the records before seeking legal advice (I'm guessing it costs you guys a lot over there).

If it's affecting your life to this very day then that could defiantly be a case for legal action and compensation.

Answer 4

Lawyer would be your first and best choice.

Answer 5

It is against Federal law to deny you your medical records.  Send them a letter, registered mail demanding them (give them like 14 days).  The other (sometimes faster) way to get them is to get them sent to your current doctor, and get a copy from them.  

A lawyer might be a good idea.  

Answer 6

I would talk to an Attorney.  Good Luck