Comments on: What’s the Diagnosis #3

By: horsetech

horsetech — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:10:47 +0000

I appreciate the fact that whoever this patient is took the time to pose for a picture. I’ve seen lots of cool stuff that I wish I had pictures of, but I never have a camera with me and I rarely have the time/free hand for photography anyway.

P.S. What does it say about me that I’d rather look at the eviscerated part (oooh, guts, cool!) than the blotchy skin and almost pendulous belly button below? I guess it’s good I’m in equine, not human, medicine.

By: steinwayrn

steinwayrn — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:19:15 +0000

Unfortunately, I have experienced this first hand. After getting over the initial panic of there is a HUGE hole in my belly, I went to the ER. After 7 1/2 weeks of twice daily wet-to-dry dressings on myself, I am now the proud owner of a pretty impressive scar.

You forgot to mention the complications following closure of the opening. I have had to had 3 subsequent surgeries d/t abdominal adhesions…I’m just waiting until I become the next victim of small bowel obstruction d/t adhesions.

In my case, I blame the surgeon—or the surgeon’s PA to be exact. But, I can’t really prove that he was at fault. No, I didn’t sue…not in my nature. But, I have a fun story to tell

By: Don Salva

Don Salva — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:46:58 +0000

Whoaaa, that’s some nasty…shit! No pun intended.

I’ve seen my fair share of corpses and autopsies visiting my close cousin who’s a medical examiner.

But this one, on an actual living human being, that’s just…I don’t know…gives me a strange feeling.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:22:30 +0000

Maybe there’s something wrong with me, that pic just doesn’t look that gross.

If only 85% of cases achieve successful closure, what happens to the other 15%? I assume infection, if not already present, is a huge problem?

By: Katherine

Katherine — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:07:56 +0000

Not that I would know the diagnosis, but I browse with pictures turned off, and the name came up where the picture would have been. Does keep me from being grossed out until my curiosity gets the better of me though

By: cynic

cynic — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:20:10 +0000

You just need a bigger stapler.

By: WhiteCoat

WhiteCoat — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:36:10 +0000

Sorry about that – fixed. Will keep in mind for the future.

By: the psycho therapist

the psycho therapist — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:41:04 +0000

Gak. Yak. This is a perfect example of why I decline patient attempts to frequently drop ‘em and show. Just because I am “in the field”…

To MysteryMedic:

He overdosed on a speedball because he couldn’t get the pills (the high of choice) he was normally prescribed.

Maybe he couldn’t get the drugs of choice (narcotics) and that is sad but your connection might be spurious. Speedballing includes heroin and some from of stimulant, usually cocaine in the street definition, or so methinks. The patient might have *also* enjoyed speedballs as well as straight narcotics. Jes sayin’…

Either way, I hear your cry.

WC, man o’ man this post taught me to be on guard. Not such a bad thing so I ain’t complainin’.

There but for the grace of what-the-f-ever goeth I in the shoes of these folks.

By: April

April — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:06:03 +0000

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that I have really enjoyed reading your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!

By: MysteryMedic

MysteryMedic — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:02:09 +0000

Unfortunately you forgot one “cause” that I know of personally. A self-removal/manipulation of staples to cause dehiscence and evisceration was done by a family member because it was an instant admission for pain control, surgery, and more pain control. Sadly he died a few years ago. The doctors just kept writing the scripts and he kept filling them. He overdosed on a speedball because he couldn’t get the pills (the high of choice) he was normally prescribed. He had several admissions for dehiscence. I still don’t understand how we can require ID for OTC pseudoephedrine but not a narc script. Didn’t mean to hijack this but it just reminded me of someone that needed help, that everyone knew needed it, and never got it.

I hope your rock is OK…