Nurse caused bruises after colonoscopy

I just had a colonoscopy yesterday.  This was a follow-up to one in March to look at a suspicious area.  I am 32 years old and I have had 8 colonoscopies since I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2001. 

My colonoscopy was scheduled for 2pm, but it didn't begin until 3pm.  When I came to, I remember several nurses coming in and telling me I needed to release the air in my stomach (i.e. pass gas).  Though I was still loopy, I remember responding that I wasn't able to.  I was sooo tired, but I remember them getting in my face and getting angrier. 

Finally, one of the nurses came in, flipped me on my back and started pressing with all her weight with her hands and fingers all over my stomach, seemingly trying to force the air out.  I told her it hurt really bad, and she said, "yes, I know, but you're not cooperating."  I have never had this happen before.

My mom (who was picking me up) overheard them saying they were ready to go home and I was the last patient.

Finally, the doctor who performed the colonoscopy came in, examined me (very gently) and said I could go.

Today I woke up to my stomach being painfully sore.  When I looked at my stomach, I had bruises all over it from her hands.

I have NEVER had an experience such as this.  I have two hernias that protrude on my stomach.  Thank goodness she didn't rupture one of them...or something else.

Do you think I should say something to someone about this treatment?  I really think this was wrong, but I don't know who or if I should say something.  What would you do?

that's so awful...i'm sorry that happened to you:(  i would most definitely call the doctor and report them.  i've never heard of such a thing.  they were totally out of line and did not treat you gently or respectfully; it's obvious that they were in a hurry to leave.  report them to your doctor and perhaps it will save someone else having to suffer!

In an ideal world, that nurse would be sitting in the county jail waiting to be arraigned on assault charges.  Since you were sedated, I imagine the powers that be will discount your version of events.

Still, you should follow up with your GI, the hospital, and your state's review board.

Take photographs to document the bruises. That sounds like a form of assault to me. The fact that you were sedated makes it worse. I would be reporting this!

Just my 2 cents on this.  Yes I would report it by calling the head nurse on duty that day and letting him or her know.  I would also let the GI doc know about this when you seem him or her.  However I would let them know so this never happens to you or anybody else for that matter.  I would be fired up to the point of pure anger.  After having 7 colonscopies myself I have never had or known anyone to have a nurse physically push on an abdomen to help expel gas.  I have had plenty of wierd and unnecessary things happen to me in life, I usually have the position of bringing it to that person's attention because they may not know they are doing something wrong, like a nurse with very little experience.  I hope you are alright and can just move forward, if not that's a different story.

MyUC

I agree! That's crap. Reporrrrrt. Also pics.

teachtoreach said...
and she said, "yes, I know, but you're not cooperating."

The fact that the nurse said you weren't cooperating is a sign of abuse. She is blaming her ill treatment of you on you. That's what many controlling, abusive people do.

I agree with the others. Take photos and report the situation at once.

teachtoreach....are you coming back for an update? kind of unfair to leave us hanging.

respectfully,
quincy

That was outrageous behavior which you should definitely report to the doctor who scoped you! First of all, the doctor should suction out excess air toward the end of the scope. Then you would only have a little left to expel on your own-- not a big deal. It happened to me, though, that once when I arrived in the day patient recovery room an obnoxious nurse ordered me to turn on my side "so that you can expel gas." Luckily, I was already pretty alert & replied that I didn't need to expel anything, but I needed to get the IV taken out of my arm before I could turn in any direction! She was just plain dumb. Unfortunately, hospitals also hire their share of bullies & incompetents, which reliable doctors can confirm. Sometimes even they can't get rid of these jerks-- truly appalling what some of these unworthy staffers get away with. Hope you feel better by now. / Old Hat (30 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)

teachtoreach, I am relieved to hear your update as I have been wondering what happened. I hope the person (nurse) is fired! I also hope you are doing better. It sounds like a traumatic experience. If nothing else I hope you are able to get closure. I guess I have a lot of hope :)

I think that 's a good idea....let us know please.

It's good you contacted the director....and it's good she responded to your complaint.

q