Patient-6

48 Hours waiting for surgery, very little medical care, no signs of having surgery, still suffering, Patient-6 chose to leave the hospital

After being admitted to the hospital from the ER, I spent 5 hours in the ER lobby -- following nearly 12 hours in the ER itself.

I was then transferred to the crowded family surgical waiting room on the 3rd floor, where 20 patients, including post-op, pre-op, and individuals with various health issues from cardiac to post-cesarean wound infections, were accommodated in hard reclining chairs.

The environment felt overcrowded and uncomfortable, raising concerns similar to healthcare facilities in third-world countries.

Upon my arrival at the ER, I was initially informed about undergoing surgery that same night, but plans changed by midnight, rescheduling the procedure for Thursday morning. Come Thursday noon, experiencing back pain that impeded my mobility, I requested discharge.

Initially, I was informed that I would need to make my way down three floors to the main entrance for an Uber pickup. However, I was later moved to a room with two available beds, enduring 24 hours without food or drink, until the surgery was rescheduled for that evening.

On Wednesday at 6 pm, following 6 hours in the ER, I was examined by an ER doctor.

Meanwhile, on Thursday morning at 9 am in the family waiting room, a physician assistant from the urology department informed me of a change in the planned surgical procedure -- from stone removal to stent insertion.

Despite requesting my required daily medications multiple times, I received no response.

As Thursday progressed without the necessary administration of fluids, my IV became clotted, and I received limited water intake every 4-6 hours, further exacerbating my persistent pain.

By Friday at 8 am, I was informed that the surgery would take place before noon.

Friday at 11 am, a hospital intern came to check on my post-operative progress and mentioned discharge. However, I clarified that I had not had surgery yet. The intern briefly visited for about 15 seconds and indicated he would return.

By 12:30 pm (being in the hospital for over 48 hours), a discharge planner approached me to prepare for discharge. I reiterated that I had not undergone surgery  yet.

The only questions asked were about my insurance coverage and arrangements for getting home before she left.

At 2 pm, there were no signs of progress in terms of surgery -- with no surgeons, anesthesiologists, or surgical nurses visiting. I had not received any fluids orally or through IV, apart from 3 ounces every 4-6 hours.

Feeling unwell with stomach issues, dehydration, and a severe headache, (and no sign of having surgery after more than 48 hours), I decided to leave the hospital.