I posted about how my afib started - I had a severe GI allergic reaction to a food and the hospital staff mistakenly thought I was withdrawing from cocaine. They withheld my regular pain meds that I take for a cervical spine injury and let me writhe in pain for 3 days. My heart couldn't take it any more.
Well, I have some good news, sort of. I wrote to the hospital and gave them a full account of my ordeal, plus provided abundant proof that I never take illicit drugs. I only asked for a tiny amount of money as a token off good faith from the hospital. And, they agreed to pay me!!!
The amount I asked for is only $1,000.00 US. It's hardly anything, considering what I have to pay for the rest of my life for my heart condition. However, the money is not what I was after. I really wanted to get the message to the hospital that their staff absolutely needs to pay better attention to patients' needs and not jump so quickly to an opinion without sufficient information. I dread the thought that other people might endure a similar experience.
Also, I have a feeling I'll be needing to go to that hospital again and I'd like it to be on good terms.
In addition, I hate the idea of lawsuits, but I felt very strongly that the hospital needed to pay attention to my complaint and not just sweep it under the rug. Now, I'll have concrete proof that they have acknowledged accountability, but in a way that won't hurt them.
Yes, I now have to live with an enlarged left atrium that won't get better and AFib that doesn't quit. And my blood thinner costs me $113.00 copay per month, which will eat up the hospital payment in no time. However, nothing that the hospital can do would heal my heart, but at least they now A: are aware, B: are accountable in writing, and C: I can still be welcome at that hospital if necessary. To me, that's a win.
I have a lot of faith in a higher Being, and that's who I consider my best 'doctor'. It keeps me going. Plus!!! All of you people here have helped me learn so much about how to live with my condition that many of my initial fears have been allayed. How much better can it get??
Love to all of you and Merry Christmas!!!
I know what triggers AFIB. 
Should I go to A and E? 
Should I get an Ablation?
Does anyone else have this kind of afib?
