I just got out of Georgetown University Hospital where I went to adjust my Parkinsons Medication. During the 12 days I was there I experienced a wide range of abuse, neglect, and psychological torture including:
I was not given food in ER after 7 hours of waiting (finally policeman gave me food). The ER was very stressful, due to extreme overcrowding, babies crying and water dripping from the ceiling but it is only route to be admitted. Stress is known to be very harmful for Parkinsons Patients
I was labeled with several false psychiatric labels by psychiatrists while standing in a narrow isle near my cot in the Emergency Room, while the man next to us complained and demonstrated the he could not breathe. I was not told this at the time. But false diagnoses influenced the remainder of my time at the hospital.
I was restricted to a small room for 12 days. Requests for walks in hallway or outside and Physical Therapy were denied with excuses involving the pandemic. Lack of exercise is known to be very detrimental to Parkinsons patients. Those who have not been locked up like a bird can not appreciate how harmful it is. Prisons used to restrict prisoners in this way but stopped because it almost always caused mental illness.
Nurses did not respond to buzzer calls at all about a third of the time. The same buzzer system is used for low priority calls and high priority ones. Twice nurses did not pursue getting a doctor even when they were told it was an emergency. My concern over this issue was labeled as a “fixation.” I repeatedly was denied blankets which forced me to shiver in my bed all night. When my nostrils got stuffed no cold medicine was provided. When I requested water none was brought to me.
I had the worst diarrhea of my life 5 times while at the hospital. I had to sleep in bed in a pool of shit because the nurse would not clean it up. The hospital failed to vigorously pursue lab testing to determine the cause. This something no person should have to experience.
Twice I was given too much diarrhea medicine. The first time experienced severe stomach pain. The second time I suffered loss of coordination and inability to balance. No one showed much interest. But my balance has still not fully recovered.
I called police via 911 due to lack of timely buzzer response. As retribution Hospital staff came to room and removed the Hospital phone.
A staff member also tried to grab my personal cell. The staff did not call the poison center as a decent person might or vigorously pursue finding a remedy for the overdose while keeping me informed.
When the DC police arrived they did not come to me but instead went to the hospital nurse, even though I was the one who had called. I pointed out that it was simple to verify the veracity of my claim that help calls are left unanswered by just speaking to patients. I was told that police do not have jurisdiction and that hospital would have to investigate. My concern over the lack of an emergency buzzer was cited as proof of mental illness(a fixation).
I was told a meeting to discuss my release would take place in my room (which I was not allowed to leave) at a particular time. No one showed up but a meeting was held in an adjacent room where I could hear bits a little about me being discussed. This childish prank may have been constructed to bolster the claims that I had paranoia.
In summary, I was held in the hospital against my will, even though it was a voluntary admission for drug adjustment. I was constantly given many pills on an empty or irritated stomach. Unable to get contiguous sleep by nurse interruptions around the clock a couple of bad nurses tortured me in the ways listed and held prisoner in the tiny room. Under duress I agreed to take antipsychotic medicine. I am very damaged. I’m convinced without the heroic efforts on the part of my wife I would have died.
Going to the Hospital With Parkinson's DIsease
Holiday Humour at My Expense
im back again my parkinsons friends i missed being here talking to my friends i hope every one is doing well as i have had a very bad time..
Final verdict on the efficacy of Nilotinib by the two trials: Georgetown University and Michael J Fox Foundation (MJFF)
Bad Day at Black Rock
