Specialist has advised me to seek legal advice.

ComptonLA

Hi and thanks for taking the time to read my post. I’m new to boards so if I’m in the wrong section for advice please let us know.

I had an appointment with my specialist for a very rare condition that affects the nervous system and how the brain reacts to pain. Less than 10 people in Ireland suffer from it.

Out of the blue my Doctor contacted me to come into see him the following day. I hadn’t seen him personally in maybe 5 years as I had 35 operations between 2009 and 2013 following a severe accident.

His first words out of his mouth was you may need to seek legal advice. There was also another person in the room whom I later found out was Senior Management.

To cut a very long story short, I’d been prescribed the complete wrong medication for my condition and 10 Times the safe dose due to a miscalculation on their behalf. They were reviewing my case and the error was noticed, the miscalculation between Fentanyl and Morphine could have killed me and they are not sure yet of any damage to organs and future problems.

I’m wondering is it an over reaction on their part to seek legal advice or do I need to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Any help, advice or questions are welcome and thank you in advance for reading.

joficeduns1

Based on the fact that they have made you aware of the "miscalculation" I'd say there is an investigation underway and they are expecting retribution to be sought. It's in your interest seek proper legal advice as you are likely going to be entitled to something. Best of luck with everything.

cobhguy28

ComptonLA wrote: »

Hi and thanks for taking the time to read my post. I’m new to boards so if I’m in the wrong section for advice please let us know.

I had an appointment with my specialist for a very rare condition that affects the nervous system and how the brain reacts to pain. Less than 10 people in Ireland suffer from it.

Out of the blue my Doctor contacted me to come into see him the following day. I hadn’t seen him personally in maybe 5 years as I had 35 operations between 2009 and 2013 following a severe accident.

His first words out of his mouth was you may need to seek legal advice. There was also another person in the room whom I later found out was Senior Management.

To cut a very long story short, I’d been prescribed the complete wrong medication for my condition and 10 Times the safe dose due to a miscalculation on their behalf. They were reviewing my case and the error was noticed, the miscalculation between Fentanyl and Morphine could have killed me and they are not sure yet of any damage to organs and future problems.

I’m wondering is it an over reaction on their part to seek legal advice or do I need to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Any help, advice or questions are welcome and thank you in advance for reading.

The have made you aware of an issue, depending on the issue, that might means the statute of limitations start now.

Car99

I would get in contact with a law firm with very good experience in malpractice and seek their direction. They will know what questions to ask and how to proceed.

Best of luck.

to99

You absolutely need to see a medical negligence practitioner.

Do not just blow it off.

notabogsnotion

It entirely depends on whether you have had a negative impact on your life. If the drugs worked - good. You're now addicted - not so good.

They have made an admission and apology. However, have you been affected by these drugs?

o1s1n

notabogsnotion wrote: »

It entirely depends on whether you have had a negative impact on your life. If the drugs worked - good. You're now addicted - not so good.

They have made an admission and apology. However, have you been affected by these drugs?

Fairly sure the OP isn't a doctor and has no way of knowing if this has damaged them long term. Bit of a silly question.

100% seek legal advice, do not delay.

notabogsnotion

o1s1n wrote: »

Fairly sure the OP isn't a doctor and has no way of knowing if this has damaged them long term. Bit of a silly question.

100% seek legal advice, do not delay.

Fairly sure the poster knows whether her life has been affected.

o1s1n

notabogsnotion wrote: »

Fairly sure the poster knows whether her life has been affected.

' the miscalculation between Fentanyl and Morphine could have killed me and they are not sure yet of any damage to organs and future problems'

Yeah, real clear alright.

longgonesilver

As well as legal advice you first need medical advice.

You need to ask an independent doctor about the dosage and the possible damage done.
Did you actually consume the incorrect dose.
Did your pharmacist also supply you with 10 times the safe dose??? The initial mistake should possibly have been picked up by the pharmacist. Did your GP or your pharmacist correct the error and you were taking the right dose?

Peregrinus

The first thing you need is medical advice. You need this whether or not you are considering legal action. You need to know how this has affected you, how it might affect you in the future, what effects those might be, whether there are things you should be doing now to reduce your risk of future adverse effects, etc, etc.

When you have a good understanding of all this, and not before, then, and not till then, is the time to consider whether you have suffered the kind of injury for which you should be seeking compensation. You are facing a serious health issue and you should not let the legal/financial tail wag the much more important health and wellness dog.

Having said all that, obviously the GP you spoke to feels that it is quite likely that you will choose to go down the legal route. And, yes, you will need to see an experienced medical negligence specialist. It's just important that you situate that decision and that process in the proper context, which is your health, your welfare, your happiness and your quality of life. If you sue, understand why you are suing, and what you hope to achieve by it, and what suing can and cannot do for you. But put all that off for a couple of months while you get to grips with the health, wellness and lifestyle implications of what has happened to you.

PatrickSmithUS

ComptonLA wrote: »

His first words out of his mouth was you may need to seek legal advice. There was also another person in the room whom I later found out was Senior Management.

He is spot on. Speak to a solicitor with a reputation for handling [link removed].



Incorrect prescriptions that have an impact on your daily life are being heard all the time.



There was even an issue with the swine flu vaccine ten years ago I think.

IAMAMORON

You need to report this incident to the Medical Council immediately.

Professional Competence
Email: pc@mcirl.ie

Professional Standards
Please note the Professional Standards lines are open from Monday through Friday between the times of 10:00am until 12:00pm and again from 2:00pm until 4:00pm

Telephone: +353 1 4983100

Email: complaints@mcirl.ie


If you are the victim of medical malpractice without precedent you need to report the incident and your specialist to the Medical Council.

The MC will advise on a proper medical malpractice solicitor.

You will not get proper legal advice for this on a public forum.

notabogsnotion

Was it a one-off dose? Was it a medication additional to Fentanyl and Morphine or was it that they prescribed you a high dose of one or the other?

notabogsnotion

If you've had no repercussions, you won't get anywhere.
Even if you have had, you won't get anywhere lol.
Have they given you anything in writing?

Peregrinus

Peregrinus wrote: »

The first thing you need is medical advice. You need this whether or not you are considering legal action. You need to know how this has affected you, how it might affect you in the future, what effects those might be, whether there are things you should be doing now to reduce your risk of future adverse effects, etc, etc.

When you have a good understanding of all this, and not before, then, and not till then, is the time to consider whether you have suffered the kind of injury for which you should be seeking compensation. You are facing a serious health issue and you should not let the legal/financial tail wag the much more important health and wellness dog.

Having said all that, obviously the GP you spoke to feels that it is quite likely that you will choose to go down the legal route. And, yes, you will need to see an experienced medical negligence specialist. It's just important that you situate that decision and that process in the proper context, which is your health, your welfare, your happiness and your quality of life. If you sue, understand why you are suing, and what you hope to achieve by it, and what suing can and cannot do for you. But put all that off for a couple of months while you get to grips with the health, wellness and lifestyle implications of what has happened to you.

Even though I agree with the priorities outlined in your post, afaik being informed by the GP of this starts the clock running on any proceedings that need to be issued? In that case the OP needs to speak to a lawyer about timelines to bring proceedings (2 years from the date of knowledge, afaik).

Medical Negligence cases are complex OP, speak to a reputable expert who will be able to direct you on how the case could proceed, if you choose to take one.

You aren't clear on what the next medical steps are, OP, has your GP arranged a referral to an expert in this area?

Renault 5

OP. you need to contact a solicitor.

not the solicitor on the main street but a solicitor who has taken cases against the HSE.

You can easily find the names of these types of solicitors if you google cases against the HSE and choose the news tab.

notabogsnotion

It wasn't a GP who disclosed this information to her. She describes them as a 'specialist', so presumably a hospital consultant of some sort.

notabogsnotion

This wouldn't be negligence. Moreso malpractice.

Etc

I think it's pretty clear cut, if the specialist is telling you to seek Legal Advice you should.

The hospital knows this is a serious mistake therefore will be expecting the worst both legally and from your future health perspective.

Start with your local solicitor, if it required specialist legal intervention they'll know what to do.

Good luck, this must be very worrying so the sooner you consult a professional the sooner you can start to deal with it.

notabogsnotion

notabogsnotion wrote: »

If you've had no repercussions, you won't get anywhere.
Even if you have had, you won't get anywhere lol.
Have they given you anything in writing?

This is clearly wrong.

notabogsnotion

Deleted User wrote: »

This is clearly wrong.

You think?

o1s1n

notabogsnotion wrote: »

If you've had no repercussions, you won't get anywhere.
Even if you have had, you won't get anywhere lol.
Have they given you anything in writing?

Their solicitor could request medical reports showing the dosage.

The solicitor could then contact a medical expert, get them to review the reports in relation to the person's illness and see if the dosage is as crazy off as it is.

If it is, and this dosage could potentially cause great harm, then of course they would get somewhere.

Are you an insurance underwriter trying dissuade people from medical negligence cases by any chance?

to99

You can get your solicitor to FOI the medical reports or you can do it yourself.

notabogsnotion

o1s1n wrote: »

Their solicitor could request medical reports showing the dosage.

The solicitor could then contact a medical expert, get them to review the reports in relation to the person's illness and see if the dosage is as crazy off as it is.

If it is, and this dosage could potentially cause great harm, then of course they would get somewhere.

Are you an insurance underwriter trying dissuade people from medical negligence cases by any chance?

She doesn't need a solicitor to request her bloods. Just a GDPR request. She appears to have vanished (hopefully still alive!), so it's hard to tell whether it was the fentanyl and morphine they overdosed her on, or whether it was another medication. Hospitals/nurses even would know a typical dose of the pain killers. I strongly suspect that something has shown up in her bloods (e.g. liver/kidney function gone awry) which has prompted them to admit their mistake. Yes, certainly, if she can afford to engage a solictor, it is the least stressful option as they can request on her behalf.

CIARAN_BOYLE

longgonesilver wrote: »

As well as legal advice you first need medical advice.

You need to ask an independent doctor about the dosage and the possible damage done.
Did you actually consume the incorrect dose.
Did your pharmacist also supply you with 10 times the safe dose??? The initial mistake should possibly have been picked up by the pharmacist. Did your GP or your pharmacist correct the error and you were taking the right dose?

I really agree with this.

Solicitors are great but you need to know where you are medically.

Victor

Sorry to hear this.

Do look after your mental health.

ComptonLA

Thank you for all your replies and help, I will do my best to answer some of the questions.

Doctor in question is a Specialist Consultant in the field of my condition in one of the largest Hospitals in Ireland.

Yes pharmacist did question the dosage and did contact the specialist for clarity and guidance on the matter. GP never questioned it. I’m under the impression that he thought the specialist knew best.

As for any injuries or damaged, they are sending me for a variety of tests. Bone Density scans and scans on organs. It has had an awlful effect on my life as your constantly drowsy and tired from the medication. They also mentioned it can cause early dementia in some people.

The type of medication it is it cannot be stopped immediately I’ve already started the weaning over period and can take up to a year because of the dosage I was taking, they reduce it very slowly, as I’ve been taking it for close to 10 years.

They were well prepared for the meeting with all my operation consent forms and medical notes.

Thank you

rhc2s4lj5p0xu9

ComptonLA wrote: »

Thank you for all your replies and help, I will do my best to answer some of the questions.

Doctor in question is a Specialist Consultant in the field of my condition in one of the largest Hospitals in Ireland.

Yes pharmacist did question the dosage and did contact the specialist for clarity and guidance on the matter. GP never questioned it. I’m under the impression that he thought the specialist knew best.

As for any injuries or damaged, they are sending me for a variety of tests. Bone Density scans and scans on organs. It has had an awlful effect on my life as your constantly drowsy and tired from the medication. They also mentioned it can cause early dementia in some people.

The type of medication it is it cannot be stopped immediately I’ve already started the weaning over period and can take up to a year because of the dosage I was taking, they reduce it very slowly, as I’ve been taking it for close to 10 years.

They were well prepared for the meeting with all my operation consent forms and medical notes.

Thank you

If you don't mind my asking what were the dosages. I apologise if you do mind my asking, no need to say.

I am surprised the GP did not spot it especially the fentanyl, not saying I do not believe you

seagull

I trust the hospital are picking up the bill for all the additional tests.

Victor

Oh, also consider getting alternative medical advice.

ComptonLA

Hi no it’s not a problem.

100micrograms per hour Maitrfen fentanyl patch, changed every 72 hours.

Oxynorm 60mg every 4 hours and a few others like solphadine 4 times a day.

Also have 2 spinal cord stimulators implanted.

The mix up was whatever the patch and Oxynorm = per hour.

I’m now wearing a 50microgram per hour patch with a further reduction next month.

The GP was never arsed checking and I often seen locum Doctors. The specialist provided the prescription every month directly to pharmacy. I’ve also changed Gp over what has happened .

the14thwarrior

could i ask what the diagnose is?

ComptonLA

Hi I have a rare form of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. It’s nicknamed the Suicide disease due to the amount of people who take their lives due to it. There is no cure and it’s the most painful condition known to mankind according to the McGill pain scale. It’s also known as CRPS and RSD.

I spoke with another consultant in this field from the Mayo Clinic in Cleveland via Zoom and he confirms everything I’ve been told. Going to seek out a Good Medical negligence Legal representative Monday as I’ve been advised that the statue of limitations is started.

JustAThought

Etc wrote: »

I think it's pretty clear cut, if the specialist is telling you to seek Legal Advice you should.

The hospital knows this is a serious mistake therefore will be expecting the worst both legally and from your future health perspective.

Start with your local solicitor, if it required specialist legal intervention they'll know what to do.

Good luck, this must be very worrying so the sooner you consult a professional the sooner you can start to deal with it.

I absolutely would not waste my time or money in ‘starting’ with a ‘local’ solicitor. OP needs a one specialising in medical malpractice - not a well intended wills and probate or generalist with zero specialist experience. I found that out to my cost. And the law society will not say who specialises or recommend - as someone suggested here - get creative with law reports, case histories and google.

I’m very sorry to hear of this OP - and that it slipped under the radar for so long. Will you go abroad to another specialist for a second opinion/treatment? I’d imagine finding a doctor experienced in your area and trust are going to be key factors.

ComptonLA

Thanks for your response Justathought.

I’m sorry for what happened you seems all to common these days, I.e Cervical.

Yes will have to go U.K or America as I previously said, The Mayo clinic has a few Doctors in this field.

Another reason will be I’m pretty sure there is only 3 or 4 Doctors here in Ireland who deal with the likes of my condition. With such a small community of them I can’t see them going against each other if it ended up in Court.

Regards.

the14thwarrior

ok thanks just wondering.
I have met quite a few people with CRPS not trying to turn the conversation but its rare, but not that rare, and certainly way more than 10 people in ireland have it, in various forms and degrees of severity.
terrible thing mind you.

the14thwarrior

please understand I'm not a doctor or a lawyer.
but in terms of CRPS it is the pain that the medication you were prescribed was trying to combat.

therefore it appears to be a dosage issue in terms of malpractice.

its such a complex diagnose, with no real proven methods of treatment but a combination of therapies, surgeries, MDT involvement, medication, patches.

i worked in this field in the USA, there would be a lot of doctors that specialise in it, but like Ireland, a lot of doctors also specialise in pain management, which is often the only way to treat the disease because a cure is just not there.

so my advice is to be careful if you seek treatment aboard, that you don't just end up with a pain doctor........

ComptonLA

the14thwarrior wrote: »

ok thanks just wondering.
I have met quite a few people with CRPS not trying to turn the conversation but its rare, but not that rare, and certainly way more than 10 people in ireland have it, in various forms and degrees of severity.
terrible thing mind you.

Sorry I should have clarified it a bit more, yes CRPS is rare but plenty of sufferers in Ireland.

What I told was rare was the spreading to other limbs not injured. Original was a fibula + tibula open fracture. When I first developed CRPS in my injured left leg, my right leg mirrored everything that was going on. Then I devolped it in my arms and the same thing happened, both arms never injured started to mirror each other exactly like the legs did.
It was explained to me it’s quite rare to see it spread to other limbs so severely and so quick ( within 5 months of leg fracture ).

Nerve conduction studies were carried out numerous times over a couple of years and showed changes in my nerves and how the signals between the brain and nervous system.

Do you work in the medical field, and any comment on the medication you asked about.

Thanks for your feedback it means a lot especially when someone understands CRPS.

the14thwarrior

i do work in the medical field, but i would not have a comment on the medication.
it would be beyond my remit and perhaps that in general of a boards user.

I think the best thing is to seek a lawyer specialising in medical malpractise and they can guide you on your next steps.

It is rare that diffuse whole body CRPS occurs, but the disease is typed accordingly.

in the clinic i worked in, one of the first things they did was vastly reduce all the medication, strip it back to bare essentials, a lot of physchology, other therapies, and review of nerve blockers, stimulators, etc.

Strumms

What I would not be impressed by, is that during the consultation, there was a third party present, a non medical person, is that even legal ?....you were not made aware of this in advance or by courtesy at the beginning of the consultation... that’s bollocks quite frankly...

You should have been asked and informed before the consultation, but they’d have been worried you might have brought a witness or own legal person....

Scummy from them, but not surprised.

Mod
Have removed possibly defamatory remarks

Scotty #

Strumms wrote: »

but they’d have been worried you might have brought a witness or own legal person....

...to a meeting that is to inform you that you should seek legal advice....??? :rolleyes:

ComptonLA

the14thwarrior wrote: »

i do work in the medical field, but i would not have a comment on the medication.
it would be beyond my remit and perhaps that in general of a boards user.

I think the best thing is to seek a lawyer specialising in medical malpractise and they can guide you on your next steps.

It is rare that diffuse whole body CRPS occurs, but the disease is typed accordingly.

in the clinic i worked in, one of the first things they did was vastly reduce all the medication, strip it back to bare essentials, a lot of physchology, other therapies, and review of nerve blockers, stimulators, etc.

Yes I had that done within the 1st year. Basically no medication or intervention for 1 month. Completed the Ulysses program successfully. It compromised of OT, Physchology and lots of alternative ways and coping strategies. 9 to 4 everyday.

After that multiple surgeries including Ketamine infusions, Lidocaine infusions and trialing different types of technology to interrupt pain signals. Had what feels like hundreds of nerve block injections which is a at best temporary treatment for a permanent problem.

Took looking back now crazy amounts of prescribed medication. Liquid ketamine, Actiq lozenges on a stick. Lyrica 600mg daily, cymbalta, OxyContin, morphine injections and a whole host of others. None ever helped so eventually stopped taking them on my specialists advice.

Really have lost faith and trust with the team and am heartbroken in a way because everyday is not a struggle, every second is with this horrible condition.

Strumms

Scotty # wrote: »

...to a meeting that is to inform you that you should seek legal advice....??? :rolleyes:

Was there minutes taken ? has the op been furnished with a copy ? Yes, the should have been invited to obtain a witness and or a legal person present.

Scotty #

Strumms wrote: »

Yes, the should have been invited to obtain a witness and or a legal person present.

That was the purpose of the meeting, in fact, it was the opening sentence... "You may need to seek legal advice".

ComptonLA

Strumms wrote: »

Was there minutes taken ? has the op been furnished with a copy ? Yes, the should have been invited to obtain a witness and or a legal person present.

Hi thanks for input.

For clarity I got phone call 24 hours before “appointment”.
1st words on day was you need to seek legal advice and was provided letter at end of meeting explaining their position.

Couldn’t bring anyone because of COVID.

I’ve really needed guidance because I feel lost at what has happened.

I also know when the ball starts rolling he can no longer be my doctor and I feel abandoned left on all this life changing medication that ive to try get off on my own with zero support.

I’m also a father and husband trying to make life normal after my whole world has been turned upside down.

I’m afraid, medically feel alone and violated. I would never have taken the medication if I’d had known what I know today.

Wesser

You dont need to.... but you might like to.

Fairly decent of the doctor to come clean with you. He could have tried to cover up

Why would ypu feel abandoned ? You havent needed to see him in 5 years. Who ever said that youd have zero support?

ComptonLA

Wesser wrote: »

You dont need to.... but you might like to.

Fairly decent of the doctor to come clean with you. He could have tried to cover up

Why would ypu feel abandoned ? You havent needed to see him in 5 years. Who ever said that youd have zero support?

Although not their for 5 years I could always pick up the phone if needed, their was no major advances in technology to help me. I had no reason to see them as such, although the prescription was still provided every month.

I was just going with the flow. I spent roughly 2 years in hospital in a 4 year period, I trusted this guy with my life.

All the operations, all the dedication from me to build myself up for these operations, all the family commitments, can’t remember much of the past 10 years due to been over dosed on Fentanyl and morphine. Peopl looking at me as if I was a “ junkie “ for want of a better word.

And now left with no doctor to guide me to get me off this powerful medication on my own at home scares the living daylights out of me, before accident I wouldn’t even take a paracetamol for a headache.

He made it crystal clear if I took medical advice he could no longer be involved in my treatment.

And after all that I still have to somehow manage the most painful condition known to mankind.

Wesser

You could ask him for someone to take over your care instead?

Sorry to hear what a dreadful effect this has had on you. Hopefully with the dose reduction things will be improved for you.


Also hoping that reducing the dose wont cause the pain to get too much worse for you as it seems you have tried many options.

I think it sounds to me that what you 'need' is a new doctor. Maybe ask them if you coukd be referred to another specialist?

longgonesilver

You could be slightly cheeky and write to him and ask if you were to stay with him, how he would manage your condition for the next ten years.

Have the drugs given you a reasonable level of pain free times over the last 5 years?

Strumms

ComptonLA wrote: »

Hi thanks for input.

For clarity I got phone call 24 hours before “appointment”.
1st words on day was you need to seek legal advice and was provided letter at end of meeting explaining their position.

Couldn’t bring anyone because of COVID.

I’ve really needed guidance because I feel lost at what has happened.

I also know when the ball starts rolling he can no longer be my doctor and I feel abandoned left on all this life changing medication that ive to try get off on my own with zero support.

I’m also a father and husband trying to make life normal after my whole world has been turned upside down.

I’m afraid, medically feel alone and violated. I would never have taken the medication if I’d had known what I know today.

So...

They gave you 24 hours notice...not good enough.

Wouldn’t allow you to bring a legal representative due to covid... not good enough. All that is not an accident and nothing covid related, they are shafting you..

outpatients of the same hospital are allowed to bring a carer / companion to appointments if required, you are just asked to advise the hospital in advance. I have a letter in front of me expanding on the process to follow. Legal rep should be no different..
Mod
Possibly defamatory remarks deleted