SG
Samantha Gomez
4 days ago
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the care I received during my visit today. I left the facility feeling unheard, dismissed, and in worse condition than when I arrived.
I presented with heart palpitations, dizziness, and nausea. Despite reporting that I had vomited, I was not provided any treatment for nausea. I also felt that my concerns about my heart palpitations were not taken seriously. During discharge, I was told by the attending physician that my symptoms could be related to menstruation; however, I am not currently menstruating, and I had eaten prior to my visit. Even after receiving hydration, my symptoms did not improve.
Additionally, during my evaluation, I was instructed to lie down, sit, and stand while my blood pressure was being measured. I noticed a significant increase in my blood pressure upon standing, rising from 100/61 to 136/89. This change was concerning to me, yet it was not addressed or discussed further.
I was also concerned to find that my race and ethnic background were documented incorrectly in my medical record, which raises questions about the accuracy and attentiveness of my overall assessment. Initially, I was informed that my symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as a pulmonary embolism or heart attack, which understandably caused concern. However, I was later discharged and told that there was no significant issue, based on only one EKG that was performed while I was not actively experiencing symptoms, despite clearly explaining that they were intermittent. I want to also add that I was not hooked up to any monitors so that they could see the change between when my symptoms were present and when they would go away.
While my condition may not have appeared urgent to the care team, it was serious enough for me to leave work and seek medical attention. The lack of concern and dismissal of my symptoms has made me feel discouraged about pursuing further follow up care, as my experience was treated as though it were insignificant.
Following discharge, while traveling home, I fainted on the train and was informed by bystanders that I was shaking while unconscious. This experience was extremely distressing and has raised serious concerns about whether my condition was adequately evaluated and whether it was safe for me to be discharged.
I hope this feedback is taken seriously to improve patient care and ensure that future patients feel heard, properly assessed, and safely discharged.