I had surgery at UM Laurel Medical Center and, overall, had a positive experience with my surgeon and several members of the staff. Unfortunately, my experience with my overnight nurse, Collette, was extremely disappointing and concerning.
Following surgery, I experienced significant blood and blood clots that interfered with my urinary catheter draining properly. Earlier in the day, when I felt that my bladder was extremely full, a bladder scan showed approximately 301 mL. My bladder was manually drained, a repeat scan showed approximately 66 mL, and I immediately felt significant relief.
When I began experiencing the same bladder fullness during Collette’s overnight shift, I repeatedly told her that something was wrong and that I did not believe my catheter was draining properly. A bladder scan showed more than 300 mL, but Collette told me there was no way my bladder could contain that much and that the machine must be wrong. I explained that this was approximately the same amount measured during the earlier episode when my bladder was confirmed to be full.
She obtained another scanner and checked a different area of my abdomen. That reading showed approximately 31 mL, and she told me that was the correct number. Meanwhile, my bladder pressure continued to increase until I was in significant pain.
She attempted to flush the catheter because of the blood clots, but it still was not draining appropriately. During one attempt, much of the fluid appeared to leak around the catheter and onto me. At one point, she began explaining to me how a catheter works. I told her that this was not my first procedure and, more importantly, I know my body. Unfortunately, I did not feel heard.
Eventually, I stopped trying to convince her and endured the pain and discomfort for the remainder of the night without sleeping.
Early the next morning, a student working with my physician listened to my concerns and contacted the doctor. Another bladder measurement was requested and again showed more than 300 mL, consistent with what I had been reporting throughout the night.
My bleeding and clotting ultimately continued to the point that my surgeon had to take me back to the operating room, where one large blood clot and multiple smaller blood clots were removed from my bladder.
I understand that bleeding and blood clots can occur as postoperative complications, and I am not saying that Collette caused those complications. My concern is that while I was experiencing a genuine postoperative problem, I repeatedly reported bladder fullness, catheter drainage problems and increasing pain, and I felt that my concerns and an abnormal bladder-scan reading were dismissed rather than appropriately reassessed or escalated.
No postoperative patient should have to repeatedly convince a healthcare professional that something is wrong while their pain and symptoms are worsening.
I do want to specifically recognize my day nurse, Gladys, who was wonderful. Her bedside manner was excellent, she listened when I explained what I was experiencing, took my concerns seriously and made me feel cared for. I am extremely grateful for the care she provided.
I have also submitted my concerns directly to the hospital through the appropriate Patient Experience process because I believe what happened overnight deserves to be reviewed—not simply because I had an unpleasant experience, but because patients need to feel heard and taken seriously when they report that something is wrong.