Expert: Jack Schroder - 6/26/2007

Question
I went in for a colonoscopy procedure with a Dr. J. Sullivan, whose nurse told me I didn't have to meet the dr. prior to the procedure to have a colonoscopy. I can just book the appointment. So, I did just that. The Dr. arrived 20 minutes late for the procedure. We went in the room to start. I was put on mild sedation. I remember being shocked with pain and started screaming. I screamed a few times because it was very painful. I remember the doctor saying "her uterus". I was wheeled out of the room assuming it was over. When I came to in the recovery room, a nurse told me the Dr. couldn't complete the colonoscopy and ordered a barium enema. I went to have a barium enema which was very uncomfortable. I was told during the procedure that the barium enema would not complete (it stopped at a certian part of the colon) and they did another enema on me. I went home that day feeling like someone hit in in the stomach. I was having stomach pain, felt like air was bubling through me, my uterus hurt, I was feeling burning in my vagina, my ribs hurt, I wa sbloated, constipated, passing gas, and my stomach hurt. I saw Dr. Sullivan on Monday who said he could not finish the colonoscopy bececause the rod "flipped" when it passed my uterus and I jumped in pain. He said something is wrong with my uterus. I told him I have pain near my ovaries, my pelvis area, I am buring. He said he is not a gynocologist and can't say anything that I need to see my gyno. I told him I was experiencing the other discomforts which he said he knows nothing about because it is related to my uterus. He said he did not finish the colonoscopy and therefore does nto know why I am experiencing these things. My question is this: Could he have done something wrong that caused my utereus to react? The balloon used in teh barium enema, couldn't taht haev also irriteded my uterus considering I havd to move around with the balloon inflated in me? Even though the Dr. did not perform the barium enema, shouldn't he be responsible for the pain that could have caused me? If he felt something was wrong with my uterus, shouldnt he have NOT ordered the barium enema? I think it nade matters worse. ALso, at the Dr. appt. on Monday, my husband I saw taht he had open pussy lesions on his hands. Dont I have the  right to know what they were? I am now worried about infection.

Answer
First: This Dr. Sullivan did not see you prior to his intervention? That may not be malpractice, but he did you no service when he failed to ask you some questions about why you needed a colonoscopy. He is the expert and when a doctor sends a patient to him, he should determine first whether or not that patient needs a colonoscopy. That is his responsibility as the expert. So, he failed you right there.
Second: He left a nurse to tell you you were to have a barium enema? Where was he? That is his job, and he should ask you to agree to his suggestion. He does not send you to a barium enema without your consent.
Third: The instrument 'flipped' when it passed the uterus? What the hell is he talking about? Then he tells you he knows nothing about your problems because it is your uterus and he doesn't deal in those things? Come on. He caused this complication and he is required to find out what the trouble is. He can not just walk away from a patient because he doesn't know what is wrong. If he did not finish his examination, and knows that you are left in pain, his job is to ask an expert (maybe a gynecologist) to assist in your care. A doctor can not just walk away from his patient, but this clown did. He probably should have admitted you to the hospital as an in-patient, but of course that would have exposed his incompetence.
Fourth: When you saw the doctor (Sullivan?) for a follow-up visit he had pus on his hands? Did he put on gloves? Who is this doctor who sees patients while he has a skin infection? When you saw those hands, you should have left his office.
You do not ask the right question. Do you have a malpractice case? Probably. You must see a malpractice lawyer. You may have to talk to several before you choose one. Get a lawyer who is old, rich and hostile. If a lawyer you are talking to asks you to buy your medical records, leae. This case will cost money and your lawyer must have enough to work the case. You have every right to sue that Sullivan guy. He sounds as if he has some serious problems, drugs or drink or a lousy divorce. He had no right to see you when his hands were dirty. He did not ask for help after he injured you, and don't let him say he did not injure you. So, stop wondering and get a good lawyer now. Your lawyer will send you to a doctor who will help you.