Don't Be a Complacent Patient

We start with a crisis. Blood sugars are high and out of control. Panic sets in. Frantically searching for answers provides a temporary solution. You relax and return to “normal” until the cycle repeats itself again.

I had a client who kept falling victim to this cycle. The phone rang and I was immediately met with a crisis. «I need help today; I'm in the hospital, and they want to discharge me. I want to go to another hospital that understands my medical diagnosis.» She continued with more information for another twenty minutes.

Patients often call filled with panic and stories that I, the patient advocate, must sort through to help determine their specific needs.

She was challenging to understand due to slurred speech and a weak voice. As I listened to her, I assumed she was elderly; she was only 45. She indicated she had inconsistent symptoms of numbness and slurred speech which started several months back. On occasion, she experienced weakness and difficulty walking. When her symptoms worsened, she went to urgent care, where they ruled out a stroke and prescribed steroids.

Within a day, she started feeling better, but that was short-term. Five days later, she started feeling weak with numbness, and her speech became more slurred.

Had this client been aware of patient advocacy services sooner, she may have been able to avoid hospitalization and panic entirely. I wish I could’ve helped her navigate her health situation sooner, but she was in a crisis and didn't have much assistance.

She went to the ER with admission to the hospital. She was diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia. Unfortunately, I also discovered she had a host of other medical problems associated with her diagnosis. She admitted she suffered through these symptoms for many months, but she didn't know how or where to get an appropriate diagnosis or treatment.

Had this client been aware of patient advocacy services sooner, she may have been able to avoid hospitalization and panic entirely. I wish I could’ve helped her navigate her health situation sooner, but she was in a crisis and didn't have much assistance.

My work functions best when handling the problem earlier in the game, focusing on navigating your situation's complexity before the situation becomes a crisis.

If she reached out to me sooner, this is what I would have done:

• Obtain a thorough case history to determine so I can learn any past medical issues and warning signs/symptoms.

• Research her symptoms and recommend a specialist.

• Educate her on what can cause her symptoms to worsen and lead to hospitalization.

• Help her navigate to the medical system that can treat her rather than letting her care deteriorate to the point of hospitalization.

My client was discharged home, not to a different hospital as she wanted. She received nursing care and physical therapy, but she didn't receive much education about her diagnosis.

Rather than wait for another crisis, we can work to understand why it happened and avoid it repeating. Together, we can end the cycle! Investing in your own care will let you be prepared and knowledgeable of your situation. Being an expert in yourself can help you avoid these difficult situations.

Advocates will help educate you so you have clarity in your diagnoses. I will also fight to fill the holes between you and proper care for your health and wellness. Reach out to one today!