I (badly) fractured my humerus and was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital for care which resulted in surgery to repair the fracture (plate required) and to check my radial nerve was intact (as I was experiencing nerve palsy in my lower arm and wrist). Operation was a “success” with plate in place and radial nerve bruised but intact. Leaving a rather larger than usual scar (even nurses were surprised).
Over the next 6 months I was in and out of the hospital’s post acute care clinic with check-ups and such. I was also referred to a specialist in Perth regarding the recovery of my radial nerve (which is on the mend quite nicely).
At my 6 month check with my operating surgeon I asked about something that had been concerning me, but when I had asked shortly after the operation everyone had dismissed as temporary sensations from the incision. I asked why my upper arm still felt numb and tingly to the touch (even painful sometimes). To which the doctor replied without batting an eye, I don’t know. He did not check it or run any tests.
One week later I asked my specialist and after a quick (painful) test he discovered that the sensory branch of the axillary nerve had been cut during the operation and after no chance in 6 months he suspects this is permanent.
I am furious that the operating surgeon seems to have lied straight to my face to cover this up. If he genuinely didn’t know he would have sent me for tests or insisted I speak to my specialist about it.
He discharged me from his care after the 6 month check and now I’m at the point where I need to get another x-ray, but am willing to do pretty much anything to avoid seeing him again.
I want him to know that it is not ok to brush this kind of thing under the rug. I’d rather he had told me that there was a possibility that additional damage had occurred during the operation. I’d be able to forgive a non life threatening accident, like this one, during surgery if he had just been honest with me.
Though I have had a great experience with the nurses and physio department, I am concerned about ever requiring any future care.
"Surgeon dismissed my concerns"
About: Geraldton Hospital Geraldton Hospital Geraldton 6530
Posted by camelopardalishp64 (as ),
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See more responses from Michele Young
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See more responses from Michele Young