In a discussion between Matthew and Sara B, Sara suggested there is an article on the TNA site that you can print and take to the ER when you have to go. That's a great idea.
This got me to thinking: Has anyone out there got their Neurologist to write out some instructions for the ER in case you have to go?
I personally do not live in the same town as my Neurologist. Is this common? Do most people live in the same community or different communities than their neurologist? How easy would it be for the ER to just call the Neurologist for a consult during an ER visit?
Just brainstorming some tactics when faced with an ER docs who knows less about TN than we do.
I have a letter written by my hospital consultant on how I should be treated when admitted to ER, or A&E as we call them here in the UK. He wrote the letter as a result of the atrociously poor treatment I received on my two previous admissions. It confirms the fact that I have TN and details the treatment I should receive on admission. I'm fortunate that so far I haven't needed to use it although I think it could present practitioners with a problem because they would undoubtedly need to ascertain it’s veracity before they could administer any treatment. When my attacks are at their worst I am rendered incapable of speech so I guess at the very least it’s a sort of comfort blanket.
I have only had to attend the ER once. I didn't think they could do anything for me and the on-call DR basically agreed with me. After reading so many blogs and discussions on here I am thinking we were both wrong. I will definately be discussing that with my Neurologist and asking him to provide me with an emergency plan, if he is willing.
I haven’t visited an ER since August 18, 2009, when I had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), a mini-stroke, and that was FUN! 3 days in ICU, seizures and such…another day.
My first of several ER visits I was with a friend who knew, and the EMT folks stopped trying to treat a heart attack; I would have done the same, I was symptomatic.
I kept a note in my wallet after that, until the next time. That didn’t work out so well, it took me awhile to be able to point to my back pocket.
I wear a Medic-Alert type ID bracelet and I still carry my note. Emergency planning is important, as we hear the “Talk To Your Doctor!” ads.
I think that is a wonderful idea. I wish I had of thought of that months back before I had surgery. Last year I had to go to the ER twice my TN got so bad. Once by ambulance and another my husband drove me, both times I was treated terrible!!! The first time the DR. at the ER did not even No what Trigeminal Neuralgia was, I was frightened by this. The second time the amulance driver crabbed my arm and me telling him I had TN pain to give me just a second and they didn’t. I think that is a great idea to have the neurologist write you a letter explaining TN and the systems. It is so scary when at the hospital they don’t even understand what problem you have.
On my first admission to the ward, they gave me morphine, not sure of the dose but it was administered after the attack had started. It only served to intensify the pain as it became the only thing I was consciuous of. The next step was pethidine injected into my leg which seemed to offer some relief although it did not kill the pain completely. On my last admission (before I had the letter) they eventually administered Pethidine and Paracetemol intravenously, but only after my wife had a shouting match with them. I know I’ve said it before, but there is a breathtaking ignorance of TN out there among the medics.
Jim
Elaine Iles said:
I have only had to attend the ER once. I didn't think they could do anything for me and the on-call DR basically agreed with me. After reading so many blogs and discussions on here I am thinking we were both wrong. I will definately be discussing that with my Neurologist and asking him to provide me with an emergency plan, if he is willing.