My mother who is 83 years old
was given an injection of Narcan a opioid antagonist, that almost killed her. She has a bad heart, high blood preasure etc. and 2 months ago fell and crushed a disk in her back which the doctors were giving her a 100 milligrams of Fentanyl plus neurontin to help boost the performance. She had awoke complaining of having trouble breathing, I called 911 and proceded to sit her up. She was breathing on her own, pulse was 97 and blood preasure was 170 over 74 she was talking and making sense. When I got to the emergency room she was screaming in pain,complaining that she was in so much pain she thought she was dying. Her legs and arms were shaking and I thought she was dying. I told the ER Doctor that I was afraid that she might be having withdrawl symptoms because they took the pain patch off of her. He assured me that it would take a long time for that to happen. He didn't even realize that she had been given Narcan which put her into immediate withdrawl!
2006-11-05 22:14:07 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Who gave her the Narcan? You skip that part completely, just going from calling 911 to talking to the doctor about her possibly withdrawing. Did the medics give her Narcan? The doctor upon his initial evaluation? You said yourself that your mother was on a couple of heavy narcotics, and respiratory distress/depression is a sign of possibly overdosing. In that case, Narcan was absolutely warranted. Perhaps at first glance, that's what they thought your mother had done. Sounds to me like they were trying what they could to save her life, given the information they had.
No, I don't think you should seek legal action.
2006-11-09 20:09:32 · answer #1 · answered by Morning Glory 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Emotionally, that sounds like a good idea. However, realistically, it isn't. If your mother did not suffer permanent damage it is not worth the hassle and the expense.
I would document what occurred and submit a copy of that document to the attending doctor, the head of the hospital and to your attorney. That should alert the hospital authorities to ask additional questions and be more alert the next time a similar situation occurs.
I'm sorry she had to suffer. I hope she's feeling better now. My mother is 86.
2006-11-05 22:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Blue 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would definatly see a lawyer about this. Whom ever gave her this mediation should have malpractice insurance even if it was a nurse. This was a careless mistake and it should not have happened.
2006-11-05 22:18:09 · answer #3 · answered by bunny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can always try to sue, talk to some attorneys. however, usually dont have a case if your mother was not injured in some way. sounds like she has recovered so unless there is some injury, i doubt you have any grounds to sue
2006-11-05 22:17:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋