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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Racer on April 25, 2006, at 18:19:57
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse (nm), posted by BrianBoru on April 25, 2006, at 14:36:04
Two comments:
1. Careful not to click the box that says "no message, just post above subject" if you're actually posting a comment. It'll swallow your posts, as you can see above.
2. I went through a terrible experience a couple of years ago, although mine wasn't a few hours, but over a year's worth of misery that left me in very bad shape. Two years later, I'm still suffering, and trying to recover from it.
I did complain, to the state and local authorities that licensed the facility in question, and the licensing boards of the individuals involved. You know what happened? I sweated, suffered, questioned myself and my own perceptions of things, etc. It was hellish. And none of the licensing agencies did anything at all. They told me there was nothing wrong with what happened to me. You can imagine how I felt about that, right?
While I am appalled by what you describe, my personal advice to you is to let it go. Work on recovering from your depression, and if you still want to take action once you're back on your feet, there's still time to do it. Trust me -- you do NOT want to go through that process while you're still actively depressed.
Again, I have no doubt that what you described did occur, and I'm profoundly sorry that you had to go through it. It's just that, from personal experience, I wanted to warn you that the complaint process is another opportunity to feel brutalized. Think carefully before you commit yourself to it.
Oh, and do check out the Civility guidelines for this site, at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil This is a great site, with a lot of support and empathy and all the rest -- BUT part of what makes it a great place to find support is that the civility guidelines are enforced. The first warning is a "Please be civil" from either Dr Bob or one of the deputies, but after that, you can be blocked for anywhere from one week to one year. I'd hate to see that happen to you, when you've just found this place.
Peace.
Posted by sleepygirl on April 25, 2006, at 21:44:43
In reply to Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 24, 2006, at 18:40:47
I am sorry to say that there are likely many instances of mentally ill individuals being mishandled (that's a nice way of putting it) and treated more like criminals
ignorance runs rampant in many places within the "mental health system"
some people working in mental health really shouldn't be- due sometimes to ignorance, sometimes due to the abusive nature of said individuals, and sometimes there is a poorly planned and executed system for dealing with situations that could be handled in a humane and professional manner - many issues....complicated by many things - and the mentally ill are less able to have their concerns sincerely recognized, and so they become less "visible" and more likely to be discounted
this of course is a generalization
your situation was reprehensible -
be well, take good care of yourself and know that you are a person worthy of respect and compassion (in case this experience left you in doubt)
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 8:40:48
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by sleepygirl on April 25, 2006, at 21:44:43
sleepygirl,
Thanks. I needed that kind of support. Your message meant a lot to me.
BrianBoru
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 8:56:06
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by Racer on April 25, 2006, at 18:19:57
Racer,
I had an appointment with my own doctor just after returning home (I kissed the ground when I crossed the border into Gettysburg. Now I know how escaped slaves must have felt). Anyway, we discussed the hospital situation. I went through a similar situation once here in Pennsylvania. I was taken to the Hershey Medical Center (yeah, that Hershey - Chocolate Town) where I was seen by no less than 3 doctors and four nurses as well as a social worker, all in 3 hours). I was in a normal room in a normal bed. I wasn't left in a locked cell sitting on a vinyl mattress soaked in my own urine and blind from Mace, with no doctor or nurse in sight. This is the difference in mentality between where I live and where I was (I won't mention the names - I have to be civil (even though I'd like to steal the faces off some people's heads)). It's incredible. I was planning to retire elsewhere in a few years, but no more. I'll stay in Pennsylvania for good. There really are two Americas. This has nothing to do with the general populace of either America, but with the rule-makers in each of them.
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 17:31:15
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by Racer on April 25, 2006, at 18:19:57
Progress ! I got the South Carolina Health Licensing Commission to open a case and begin investigating my ordeal. Let's hope they get the truth and not a bunch of falsified records (I would expect the latter) and that they can actually do something about it.
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:02:04
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 17:31:15
Brian I hope so as I live in Charlotte NC and it quite lovely here. I've worked in VA Beach, Conneticut, and North Carolina in psych and I have never in my life heard of the thing you describe. Mace? It has to be illegal. Were you in a little town with one gas pump on your way home? I think what happened to you is horrible and you know it gives psych a bad name. I haven't worked in 8 years due to mental health issues myself and been in the hospital some better than others but never ever did I see or hear of anything like this happening. Love Phillipa
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:09:22
In reply to Re: Help Dealing with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:02:04
Philippa,
Conway is a town of about 12,000 and is the county seat of Horry County, where Myrtle Beach is located.
I never would have believed that such a thing could occur until I found myself right in the middle of it. We spent 16 years going on family vacations to that area. One of the things that makes me the saddest is that now those good times are gone forever. I could never go back.
Brian
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:17:55
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:09:22
Unbelievable I figured maybe a "hick" town somewhere in the middle of nowhere. I'm sorry but I wouldn't go back either. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on April 26, 2006, at 18:25:25
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:09:22
>We spent 16 years going on family vacations to that area. One of the things that makes me the saddest is that now those good times are gone forever. I could never go back.
> BrianBrian, could you separate the town, and your good memories of it, from the psychiatric ER where this happened? I know it was traumatic for you, and I can certainly both sympathize and empathize with you, and I even feel a lot of anger and frustration at even the idea that this sort of thing goes on. What happened to you there was WRONG.
But that's only one event, out of sixteen years, one building, out of how many there? Couldn't you salvage the town itself from the behavior of those few people?
Again, I'm very sorry that you went through this, and my comments in no way indicate that I don't believe you.
Peace.
(By the way, you mentioned being black, are you also large? Tall, muscular, etc? It's wrong, and I still see it happen -- LARGE black men are frightening to a lot of people. Sometimes including other large black men... Again, I'm sorry you went through this, no matter what variables went into it.)
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:31:01
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:17:55
Brian my favorite is VA Beach, next where I moved from Emerald Isle, and then My Daughter's favorite Hilton Head. I know what you mean though as I had my first panic attack living in Florida and everytime I go there I am reminded of it and this is over 30 some odd years ago. As a matter of fact last summer we were briefly there and had one again. So I really empathize with you. Love Phillipa
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:40:14
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse » BrianBoru, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:17:55
I might get flagged again on this one (at this point I'm so depressed about this whole thingthat I really don't give an alligator's behind), but the South plays by a different set of rules than we do up North, and its a set of rules that I can't tolerate. I'll either stay in the North or find some nice place with a beach nearby that I can retire to. Can you imagine what the rest of the medical care in that hospital must be like ?
Posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:44:27
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:31:01
Interesting - I was doing some research. The University Hospital in Cincinnati is currently on probation for use of Mace in its psychiatric unit. They were told to clean up their act or lose their psychiatric unit license.
In the state of Wisconsin, the use of Mace on patients is illegal.
Hmmmm.....
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 18:55:37
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:44:27
Brian two things places first. Seriously look up VA Beach as I left Fairfield County Connecticut for it. And I found it very unsounthern. If I were to recommend an up North place it would probably be Cape Cod. And why in the world would anyone use Mace!!!!!! Heck a shot of ativan or well they used to use haldol(maybe the haldol gave some tardive dyskenisia or lowered blood pressure too quickly) or the use of meds without a petition from a judge is now considered illegal. But I would think Mace would be worse. Just me my own opinions. Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2006, at 19:00:16
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:44:27
Forgot that psych hospitals everywhere are disappearing due to insurance and home treatment and I agree with you the care at that hospital in other units must also be bad. Most people in Emerald Isle (no psych hospitals there) for any Medical conditions travel to Raleigh around four hours away as the local one sre termed places people go to die. Love Phillipa
Posted by henrietta on April 26, 2006, at 19:03:53
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by BrianBoru on April 26, 2006, at 18:09:22
Brian, hi.
I'm a transplanted northerner, or, more accurately, a transplanted border-stater, and unfortunately I know of which you speak.
My gut feeling is SUE THE %$#% out of 'em. file whatever charges you can, bring this to the attention of the media. HOWEVER, I also think this is a delicate thing: you must do what's healthy for YOU, and don't pursue it if it is/could be damaging to your emotional well-being.
But I know from your posts you're perfectly capable of making the appropriate decisions, so I don't mean to sound preachy. JUst mean to offer encouragement and support for whatever you decide to do.
I'm so sorry and so appalled by what happened to you, but I'm sorry to say I'm not surprised.
Be well, take care of yourself. Do whatever is best for you!
Yours, hen
Posted by madeline on April 29, 2006, at 8:30:49
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by henrietta on April 26, 2006, at 19:03:53
Once again, I am sorry for what happened to you. Your treatment was appalling no matter your size, color whatever and is inexcusable.
But,
I am from the south, I have lived here all of my life and I'm beginning to take what you say very personally.
I know (and I think you know) that the entire south is not represented by a single crappy hospital in Conway south carolina. In fact, by your own admission, you got very good treatment right across the street.
Again, these generalizations are hurting me and maybe other people too. Please think of us.The really sad thing is that I want to help and support you, Brian, through this horrible time. Please please try and stop.
Posted by madeline on April 29, 2006, at 8:31:39
In reply to I want you to stop bashing the south, please » henrietta, posted by madeline on April 29, 2006, at 8:30:49
Posted by BrianBoru on April 29, 2006, at 8:38:46
In reply to Above message for Brian, sorry (nm), posted by madeline on April 29, 2006, at 8:31:39
Madeline,
My initial comments were made when I was still in a rage over what happened to me in SC. Don't take it personally - however, there is much in the South that needs to be changed to bring the South into line with the rest of the US. For God's sake, South Carolina even recently discussed (once again) seceding from the Union !The people who treated me horribly were all white Southerners. The people who treated me well were blacks, Mexicans, an Indian psychiatrist, and a few whites who were Northern transplants. What conclusion would you come to if you were faced with those facts ? Call it bigotry if you want, but bigotry always begins with an element of truth.
Posted by madeline on April 29, 2006, at 8:47:21
In reply to Re: Bashing the South, posted by BrianBoru on April 29, 2006, at 8:38:46
I am a white southerner. If you had been under my care I would have treated you very very well, and I still would and want to, despite what conclusions you may draw about me.
I wish you all the best Brian, I really do.
Posted by verne on April 29, 2006, at 9:02:58
In reply to Re: Bashing the South, posted by BrianBoru on April 29, 2006, at 8:38:46
Let's not forget that recently a group of off-duty white police officers in Detroit, Michigan, were acquitted of all wrong doing after severely beating a black man. This included sticking a pen deep into his ear and numerous kicks to the head and body. The victim will be disabled for life.
They weren't trying to "arrest" him. They merely suspected that he had stolen a police badge at a party and were "questioning" him. The badge was never found.
And now one of the police officers is suing to get his job back.
verne
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 19:19:14
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse, posted by henrietta on April 26, 2006, at 19:03:53
Excuse me henrietta I too am a transplanted Northerner from Connecticut Fairfield Country the richest part of the USA and I have found that the Southern people are wonderful and very friendly. And when people move to the South now they are either coming from Florida or the North and I haven't met anyone yet that did't love the warmth of the people here. We have large cities The best shopping Nordstroms etc. I take offence of bashing the South too. Besides a wonderful climate too. We have sandy beaches that are clean, and beautiful Mountains a few hours away. What more could you ask for. Do you enjoy horns blasting like I experienced born and raised in CT. I've never had a person blast their horn at me people take turns letting each other into heavy traffic. Maybe the South isn't for you. Love Phillipa I better stop now.
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 19:29:52
In reply to Re: Bashing the South, posted by BrianBoru on April 29, 2006, at 8:38:46
Brian after l6 years visiting here just find another beach or the Mountains or VA Beach. But I am also white and am friends with Afro-Americans, Mexicans, Filipinos, and worked with them all . Although I'm not working right now. Believe it or not color, size has never been an issue for me. People are People. And I still say something was wrong with that place you were at. Something is not quite right. Love Phillipa
Posted by verne on April 29, 2006, at 19:58:05
In reply to Re: Bashing the South » BrianBoru, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 19:29:52
I just saw the movie "Swimming" which I guess is set in Myrtle Beach. I really like the soundtrack. The movie goes nowhere but sometimes I like movies that go nowhere. It just is.
I've lived in lots of beach towns - mostly on the West Coast and Spain. Never been to the gulf or East Coast beaches though.
Anyway, I'm hoping to move to a lake or beach in about 3 years.
Any recommendations?
Verne
Posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 20:17:23
In reply to Swimming » Phillipa, posted by verne on April 29, 2006, at 19:58:05
Whatever you do find one that has a lot to do all year round and doesn't get cold in the winter. As pretty as Emerald Isle is in the summer the winter was horrible. No shopping,nothing to do, cold, rainy, drove me nuts. I'd head toward California or Somewhere in Florida away from the hurricaines. My Oldest Daughter lives in Stuart FLA and so far they have been lucky. Oh first she liveed in Jupiter FLA I loved it there. Big Malls nice beach for some reason little wind. Very pricey though. But the US beaches are. In Emerald Isle it was a ghost town in winter the people were all rich and on vacation all the time. So we moved inland to Charlotte. If I never see a beach again I'll be happy. When young I loved the Carribean but then I was a sunworshipper. In the two years we lived at the beach my husband and I aged 20 years. I love VA Beach middle of the road between Northerners and Southerners. Hope this helps. Love Phillipa ps yes I would move back to VA Beach pleanty to do too.And change of seasons too and Williamsburg less than an hour away, Busch Gardens and lots more.
Posted by henrietta on April 30, 2006, at 19:52:30
In reply to Re: Help with Hospital Abuse » henrietta, posted by Phillipa on April 29, 2006, at 19:19:14
Dear Phillipa:
In an ideal world I could afford to find your perceptions delightful. I'm sincerely praying for that ideal world.
Meanwhile, who says I don't appreciate (or belong in) the south? One of our greatest citizens hails from just outside Charleston, SC. Steve Colbert! Kiss kiss to that native South Carolinian, Steve Colbert, and kiss kiss to you.
Fondly, hen
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