Health care system sucks

[CompassionAk]

So my boyfriends dad fell off a roof yesterday afternoon,landed on his head and was knocked unconsious with an 8 inch gash and visible skull.They medivaced him up to Anchorage and did a full body scan and stiched his head up and discharged him.He said he questioned them about why they don't keep him overnight for observation and they said if he had a seizure to go back in.....Is this common procedure?I can't belive they just let people out the door like that.I talked to him today and he feels dizzy and nauseaus,he's staying in Anchorage one more day in a hotel near the hospital and then flying home tomorrow afternoon.I'm freaked out about him flying back,am I over reacting?

[Pips mom]

Well.....it does sound as if they should have kept him overnight, and they did mention seizures, but I would think if something like that were to happen, it would have happened by now? or at least maybe by the time he plans to fly back home. How long is the flight? If it's a long flight, I'd suggest that he try to stay a day or two longer.....tell him his health comes before any reason he needs to get back home sooner.....I would think anyone would understand his reasons for staying longer! I do know that after a good blow to the head that it's normal to feel some dizzines or even nausea....my sister had a concussion one time and she felt that way for some time afterwards. My opinion is this.....if the flight is longer than say, hour and half-- two hours, I'd hold off on going home for a couple more days!

[bbslovie]

Hi, no I don't think you're overreacting at all! I'd have him stay put until the dizziness and the nausea subsides. Just my :2cents:

Barb :)

[NickyBeth]

No, for concussions it's not uncommon to be released the same day as long as there is someone to keep an eye on you. Since he's staying in a hotel, he technically has someone to look after him. (not as per MY call, as per the hospital's line of thinking!!)

24 hours is enough time to recover from a concussion. He's probably nauseous from the meds they have him on. Anything that is a narcotic will also "bind him up" enough to not poop (excuse the crudeness) for 3-5 days.

Personally, my thoughts on the subject at hand differs from what the hospital deems is correct treatment. I'm sure you are worried about him all the same, but he'll be fine! ;)

P.S. I've worked in a hospital and in the ER/OR...so I can tell you first hand why they think this way. Patients are like cattle to a hospital. Move 'em in and move 'em out!

[CompassionAk]

Thanks for reassuring me guys!My boyfriends brother is up there with him so he does have someone to look after him.I'm glad he chose not to fly tonight because if he took the last flight home today it would take 4 hours and teh one tomorrow should take a around 2.

[personatus]

I had the same thing, split my bonce open a good un', they let me out after a few hours...looked the like elephant man and felt like I had the worlds worst hangover mutiplied by 50. :D

[CompassionAk]

How long did the pain last?

[personatus]

Only a day or two to be honest, I was suprised it never hurt alot. This was also 8 inchs long, 1 inch open and right down to the skull. Lost a fair bit of blood as it ripped an artery and the ambulance took 45 minutes to arrive! The nurse who sewed me up was half asleep and made a right pigs ear out of it, hency the messy scar im left with :( People call me Harry Potter now thanks to the scar it left me with lol :D

[CompassionAk]

Yay Dads here safe and sound,seems a bit disoriented still but considering what he went thru he seems in good shape.Ouch Personatus what happened anyways?

[FuzzyAga]

Your Boyfriend's Dad is a lucky fellow. He should recover with rest and quiet.

I was a passenger in a car that rear-ended at a red stoplight. There was no damage to the car, but I banged my head against the head restraint and suffered nausea for several days after that. I was seen by a doctor but naturally with no injuries, was allowed to go home.

It's not a pleasant sensation to feel nausea so some TLC for your Dad would be good. :)

Best to you and yours.