10.9k
10.9k

I almost lost my ovary because three doctors told me I was "just anxious" about period cramps (self.TwoXChromosomes)

submitted by [deleted]

[removed]
top 200 commentsshow 500
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a
formatting helphide helpcontent policy

[–]Chittychitybangbang 2754 points2755 points  (56 children)

Girl I’m a nurse. You might not see the results of those complaints, but i guarantee you, make the biggest stink you can to the hospital. Write reviews. Name the docs, but go after the SYSTEM. I’ve been on meetings where they discuss this kind of event, and they hate that it happened, for many reasons.

Imaging should be a ‘cover your ass’ protocol! It’s an ultrasound! It’s non-invasive and there’s no radiation!! I’m ripping my hair out for you, as some one with PCOS.

When you are recovered and have more energy, please lay waste to these people.

[–]WillowSmithsBFF 614 points615 points  (29 children)

Question for you as a nurse:

From a cynical/financial standpoint, why would the hospital not do the imaging? 

Even if she is “just being dramatic,” why wouldn’t the hospital want the money she/insurance would pay for the imaging services? 

[–]No_Molasses_6498 319 points320 points  (7 children)

Billing is a nightmare, especially with how ass-backwards the insurance system is in the US. And if OP is uninsured, they're straight-up not getting paid period.

In Canada there's no problem getting imaging done. You graze your leg a bit and they'll toss you into an MRI machine just for the hell of it. There's no insurance to deal with, no dumfuck on a phone saying "ehh that quadruple bypass wasn't medically necessary as there is Aspirin to fix clogged arteries so fuck yourself," no chasing a patient for months/years over unpaid bills, etc. It's just "cool we get to use the multimillion dollar cool ass piece of equipment again."

[–]UncleNedisDead 217 points218 points  (0 children)

100%.

My overweight sister went into the ER for abdominal pain on the right side, but for close to a week. Constipation. Fever. Could be appendicitis, could be “period pain”.

They did a CT scan within 2 hours of arrival at the ER. Turns out it was diverticulitis! But walked out with a prescription of antibiotics, and $0 bill.

Everything’s just easier with a single pay system, taxes covered it. No one has to worry if they’re unable to pay rent if they see a doctor.

[–]praxios 106 points107 points  (1 child)

Just an FYI as someone who has been uninsured for 3 years now — hospitals in the US are legally bound to administer care to anyone who walks through their doors. They can’t turn people away if they are uninsured, broke, or homeless. The only time you are on the hook for paying is when you have an actual appointment with a doctor.

I had 2 kidney stones during the time I was uninsured, and I was a frequent flyer at my local ER because I couldn’t pass the stones and the urologist quoted me 3k just to get in the door. It got to the point where they literally stopped giving me actual pain meds because they assumed I was just there for the drugs until they saw the giant stone on the ultrasound. I’m neck deep in medical debt from all that nonsense, but if it was legal for them to turn me away I would be dead.

[–]nessnessthrowaway 64 points65 points  (2 children)

Unless you're an unlucky Canadian like me and have several doctors order ultrasounds and X-rays several times over 18 months to figure out why I kept on having attacks of severe abdominal pain... only to image every organ multiple times except for my gallbladder.

Ovarian torsion? No. Appendix? Nope. Ovarian cyst? No. Better check the appendix again. All clear. Maybe constipation? X-ray says no. Let's check that appendix again! Well, we can't see anything life-threatening, so let's give her IV toradol and send her home.🤦‍♀️

I finally had it taken out last month. The surgeon told me at my follow-up appointment this week that he was shocked it hadn't ruptured yet when they got in there. I kid you not... overall, it was 6 cm in diameter worth of gallstones. Just one of them was 38mm in diameter.

I went through 18+ months of unnecessary pain because they kept looking in literally ALL of the wrong places. At least the only thing I had to pay for was my parking on the day of my surgery! 😅

load more comments (1 reply)

    [–]BeBesMom 19 points20 points  (0 children)

    Insurance not paying for it, takes too long to get authorization and they don't want to do it, admin on docs' d*cks about overspending/ " unnecessary tests." You blow your horn as loud and long as you can.
    What state was this in? Some states threaten docs if there's anything close to seeming like they might be dealing with an issue that could lead to terminating a pregnancy. This is real Gilead stuff. Real America now.

    [–]overdoneribeye 117 points118 points  (6 children)

    If she is from the UK, there is no insurance because its all taxpayer funded and comes out of our NHS's money pot. So doctors dont like spending their limited budget on tests if they dont think they need them, especially for hysterical women

    [–]Vulwarine 57 points58 points  (0 children)

    Unfortunately this also happens in countries with universal health care. You can see this all over the world.

    [–]itshayjay 17 points18 points  (0 children)

    Even if that were true, it wouldn’t even play into this situation; ultrasound costs nothing because the operator (doctor) and machine are already there and it takes minutes.

    load more comments (4 replies)

      load more comments (13 replies)

        [–]EfficiencyOk4899 147 points148 points  (2 children)

        This is the craziest thing to me. How in the world can you be turned away without a simple test?!? That takes 5 minutes! And could save a life! What the fuck?

        [–]AinsiSera 69 points70 points  (1 child)

        And it’s a POC test! It’s not a send out, there’s no resources used, it’s literally “go find the machine, wheel it in, use it, wheel it out, done.”

        I’m no ER doc but I would expect ER docs would be able to do a quick bedside ultrasound, having had several quick bedside ultrasounds done for various reasons… (several baby related but also boob abscess that one time)

        [–]GlitterBombFallout 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        Hell, I had a bedside x-ray done when I broke my fibula, they just wheeled in a tiny machine, put it on my foot, and took imaging. I was glad that I didn't need to walk as it'd been like 12 hours at that point 😐

        [–]Railboy 82 points83 points  (1 child)

        What's going on in their heads with stuff like this? I'm not talking about the shitty attitude, I mean the choice to actually send people home without basic cover-your-ass procedures. At that point it seems almost sadistic or destructive, like they want someone to get hurt.

        [–]MadelineLime 40 points41 points  (0 children)

        Misogyny is why.

        [–]i-split-infinitives 121 points122 points  (1 child)

        Seconding this as someone who frequently has to advocate with doctors for my intellectually disabled residents. Make noise, and keep making noise until you're heard. Go after their social media, leave reviews on business sites, contact the Better Business Bureau if you're in the United States. Name names. Do not be silenced until you get what you want. Be respectful, not dramatic, stick to the facts, but don't let them make you cower.

        It works. I have a reputation now among the medical offices in my area. I found out from a nurse who was doing intake for my father when I took him to an appointment that I'm known for being knowledgeable, giving helpful information, and following instructions well, but also for standing up for my residents and being "someone you don't want to cross." It's important to note here that you're looking for respect rather than fear or derision, and that comes from confidence, not arrogance. My mother was someone who commanded respect but was also liked and admired by others, and I've spent my life trying to emulate her. Apparently, I've finally gotten it right.

        Edit: Thanks for the award!

        [–]Mic98125 55 points56 points  (0 children)

        https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/10/emergency-room-wait-times-sexism/410515/

        This article was published literally ten years and nine days ago and it was devastating, both to the woman who lost her ovary while being verbally abused, and to the hospital which acted more like a fast Eddie’s discount kidney stone emporium than a medical center.

        Six months later, scrolling Twitter I saw it happen again in real time to an actor’s wife.

        No one seems to be reading ultrasounds or CT scans in time to help women when they are in the worst pain of their lives. Are bimanual pelvic exams useless at sussing out ovarian torsion? Other than saying “Please note in my file that I have asked for an ultrasound to rule out ovarian torsion and you have refused to provide care” is there anything else we can say? Is there a specific person we can ask for?

        [–]Auroraburst 44 points45 points  (1 child)

        My ER sent me home with gallstones twice before the third time (when i actually passed out from pain) a nurse decided "no I'd rather do a scan" and wheeled out the ultrasound machine, despite the attending dr telling me it was indigestion (again).

        Took her 5 minutes to grab the machine and find the problem. 5 minutes.

        I imagine all ERs have portable ultrasound machines, wouldn't it save so much time to just... use them.

        [–]1890rafaella 72 points73 points  (0 children)

        I’m a retired NP and anyone complaining of abdominal pain should get (at the least) an ultrasound if not a CT scan. It’s protocol and most health care providers to do to CYA if nothing else. PLEASE write letters to the hospitals about these irresponsible health care providers!

        [–]bouguereaus 11 points12 points  (0 children)

        Seconding this. Do not let the hospital and shitty doctors claim even an inch of plausible deniability.

        load more comments (14 replies)

          [–]melropesplays 503 points504 points  (5 children)

          For me, PLEASE SUE!! Most medical malpractice just settle so you probably won’t need to go to court (I’m NAL) but this is the one thing I regret about “letting go” of a Dr gaslighting me for 10 weeks regarding my health that eventually required 3 surgeries to fix. Speak w an attorney for a free consult and evaluate your options. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

          [–]AttorneyDC06 145 points146 points  (1 child)

          I agree. Consult an attorney. FYI: Med mal lawyers don't charge the client upfront (they accept a portion of the settlement as payment) so it literally costs nothing. Talk to a lawyer NOW.

          [–]000-Hotaru_Tomoe 33 points34 points  (0 children)

          This. Complaints are not enough, they end up archived without anyone looking at them.

          Sue, sue, sue!

          load more comments (2 replies)

            [–]Basically Eleanor ShellstropJollyJeanGiant83 1692 points1693 points  (21 children)

            I'm not a litigious person but this sounds lawsuit worthy.

            [–]AttorneyDC06 1175 points1176 points  (19 children)

            As a lawyer, I love that you are filing complaints. You may have a valid medical malpractice claim as well for denial of care (especially if you have lost function in an ovary). Talk to a lawyer.

            [–]atomikitten 244 points245 points  (18 children)

            Can she really get anything to happen if she can’t prove loss of function?

            Just playing devil’s advocate even though I absolutely think there deserves to be consequences for denial of care when it turned out to be a real emergency. How hard is it really to just ultrasound? The machines are in the hospital already, use them.

            [–]Illustrious_Owl_3804 663 points664 points  (5 children)

            In medical negligence lawsuits- they look for four things. First- they look to see if duty was owed to the patient. In this case, the patient has an established patient doctor relationship. Second, they look to see if there was a breech in standards of care- the first two doctors failed to assess properly. Third, the breach of standards of care caused harm- the patient in this case deteriorated as she began to experience loss of function in her leg as her ovary worsened and became more infarcted. Fourth- the breech of duty caused harm which resulted in injury- the patient in this case needed emergency surgery which was delayed because of failure to identify earlier, and now the patient will have permanent complications to that ovary.

            This is very lawsuit worthy.

            [–]Estrald 102 points103 points  (2 children)

            Yesssss, this needs more attention! Boost this lawyer I say! Boost them! Make these dismissive losers pay!!!

            [–]Illustrious_Owl_3804 101 points102 points  (1 child)

            Oh I’m not a lawyer lol- I’m a critical care nurse and experience in legal nurse consulting

            [–]Estrald 37 points38 points  (0 children)

            Oh sorry, I thought you were the lawyer, your PFP was the same color, and I didn’t read your username! Still, thank you for your input and expert advice on this, and I truly hope OP uses it!

            load more comments (2 replies)

              [–]Early-Light-864 61 points62 points  (7 children)

              To prove malpractice, you hsve to prove that the doctor violated the standard of care.

              Which...4 doctors all did the same thing, so it seems op received exactly standard care

              [–]ahlana1 196 points197 points  (2 children)

              My friend is a radiologist and he told me when a woman presents at the ER with abdominal pain it’s an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian torsion UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE. I had this conversation with him after I was treated in a similar way to OP. Now he gets put on speaker phone with the ER doctor if they don’t take shit seriously.

              [–]PainterOfTheHorizon 67 points68 points  (1 child)

              Especially with an IUD!

              [–]thedoodely 28 points29 points  (0 children)

              That was my thought, it wouldn't be the first time an IUD has traveled and pierced the urine wall. They didn't even check to see if it was still in place and that doesn't even require an ultra-sound.

              [–]Illustrious_Owl_3804 102 points103 points  (0 children)

              No, to prove malpractice you have to prove duty was owed, breach of standards happened, that breech caused harm, and that harm resulted in injury.

              The first three doctors do breech standards- the patient shared relevant information and history. Because she shared red flags and warning signs, ignored deterioration symptoms (an ambulatory patient who suddenly can’t walk is a BIG red flag) an ultrasound was absolutely warranted in this case. I’m a critical care nurse- we do these all the time in the ED.

              They failed to recognize and intervene, which led to further deterioration. Technically the third doctor is liable, but because the fourth doctor intervened- correct diagnosed imaging was ordered and the issue was identified. However, because care was delayed by the first two not properly assessing- the patient now has permanent injury to her ovary.

              [–]jugnificent 54 points55 points  (0 children)

              Or four doctors all fucked up.

              load more comments (2 replies)

                load more comments (4 replies)

                  [–]Vast-Breakfast-1201 32 points33 points  (0 children)

                  If it costs you more later to have IVF or something, suffering aside, that alone would be exceptionally fair compensation.

                  [–]RubySubmarine 201 points202 points  (3 children)

                  Had a verrrrry similar experience. Lost my ovary. Left me with serious trust issues regarding the medical establishment and even people close to me who didn’t believe me. Now I’m in ultrasound school so I can hopefully help prevent this from happening to more people. I’m sorry you had to go through this, internet friend ♥️

                  [–]PristineViolet 25 points26 points  (0 children)

                  God bless you. Study hard in school. We need more people like you in health care.

                  load more comments (2 replies)

                    [–]WaterFrogSnail 172 points173 points  (5 children)

                    I was in a STEM graduate program working towards my PhD and went to multiple ERs multiple (10+) times with sudden onset severe systemic neurological symptoms, high blood pressure, and pain. Every time my symptoms were dismissed as anxiety or stress. By the time I finally was taken seriously at the ER in ANOTHER STATE, I'd had a heart attack because my brain could no longer control my blood pressure, temperature, or heart rate.

                    I had anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis caused by an ovarian teratoma that was identified on a scan 6 months before but ignored, and by the time I was diagnosed and treated (my treatment was also delayed by 2 years) had permanent brain damage and disability and runaway inflammation that triggered two more inflammatory disorders over the next 5 years.

                    I had to drop out of the graduate program and it took years of physical therapy and immunosuppressant treatment to be able to walk, communicate, speak, and function again. My entire savings was depleted and I was plunged into deep debt.

                    I was also put on Prednisone for 5+ years which caused so many long term effects by itself. My entire life and everything I worked for went straight into the garbage because of the delayed diagnosis and treatment and I am still trying to climb out of this pit. I am in my 40s now, so my age also makes a huge difference in terms of recovery of my life and career path, than if I'd been in my 20s with a lot of time to rebuild my life. There are people with this diagnosis who, when they are diagnosed and treated promptly, are able to resume their lives with minimal permanent disability in 1-2 years. In my case both diagnosis and treatment were grossly delayed.

                    I currently work at poverty wages, I am on two strong immune suppressants, and I'm still trying to figure out if there is any way to salvage my life so I don't die prematurely in poverty.

                    [–]Cautious_Ice_884 54 points55 points  (0 children)

                    Hoooly fuckk.... I'm so sorry this happened to you. This is a fucking torturous nightmare.

                    [–]KrytenKoro 30 points31 points  (1 child)

                    Please talk to a lawyer about suing those doctors.

                    [–]WaterFrogSnail 30 points31 points  (0 children)

                    I got sick in 2018. Was not capable of coherently talking to any lawyers until 2023 and everyone I spoke to made it very clear I had no case. You need money and status to sue. The legal system is made for the rich and a sick joke for everyone else.

                    My mom had a breast lump in her 30s, dismissed by doctors because she was "too young to have cancer" until her breast ulcerated and it was diagnosed as stage 3b invasive ductal carcinoma in her 40s, then a couple years later it metastasized to her bones. Died at 63. She went to multiple lawyers immediately after diagnosis and no one would take her case. In fact they all said she had no case.

                    [–]hopfl27 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                    Oh my gosh that is appalling. I am so sorry for your situation. I hope things improve for you.

                    [–]=^..^=SuckerForNoirRobots 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                    I'm so fucking sorry.

                    [–]momofeveryone5 328 points329 points  (5 children)

                    I've told my son, a white 17 yo 6ft tall male, that he could make a mint by providing a service to go to doctors with women. All he has to do is sit there and say "this is not how she usually is" or "it's starting to effect our sex life". Then the women would finally be taken seriously. He could sign NDA with them for keeping medical info private.

                    I'm so sorry you had to go through this.

                    [–]wildlybriefeagle 93 points94 points  (1 child)

                    I got a new male doctor and bring my husband to all visits.

                    I'm a nurse practitioner. My new doctor seems to be good. And I still bring my husband.

                    [–]Hita-san-chan 18 points19 points  (0 children)

                    I know I have anxiety, and it has been getting worse. I told my husband he has to come with me to my next appointment so they cant just brush off my concerns as "Just GAD". I hate that I feel like I cant advocate for myself because they just see "Hysterical woman" (which is a whole other kettle of fish, but whatever)

                    [–]Basically Leslie KnopeThrowaway_Consoles 52 points53 points  (0 children)

                    You just know if a man says, “It’s starting to effect our sex life” they would move heaven and earth. Can’t let the factories shut down! That would be a tragedy.

                    Friend got a vasectomy at 23. Most doctors here won’t let you tie your tubes until 30 or if you’ve already had 3+ kids unless you raise a massive massive stink

                    It’s bullshit

                    [–]pegasuspish 25 points26 points  (0 children)

                    Reading this post, all my past experiences and the experiences I've read from fellow women, the statistics on medical misogyny and gaslighting..

                    I am thinking about exactly what you described. Maybe I hire a male actor for an hour when I go to the doctors. It would almost certainly make me more safe and improve my care. 

                    Unreal.

                    load more comments (1 reply)

                      [–]=^..^=Maru_the_Red 87 points88 points  (2 children)

                      CALL A MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY NOW. Find one that will take the case upfront, no retainer.

                      They exist. Believe me, if ever l have seen a case for neglect it's this and you had surgery DEFINITELY call an attorney - they caused you an irreparable injury, to which you had emergency surgery.

                      Google the best malpractice attorney in your state and enjoy f-ing the system back for what they did to you.

                      [–]FantasticBallFondler 24 points25 points  (1 child)

                      And make sure you don’t pay a dime out of pocket, because malpractice suits are hard to prove and this one will be no exception. You don’t want to go broke because your lawyer couldn’t prove it. The lawyer can take a cut if you win

                      [–]=^..^=Maru_the_Red 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                      Yes, exactly this. It would serve you well to sit down and write out your exact day with timestamps that can be corroborated with your cellphone location data. That's going to be real important and you should do it while it's fresh in your mind. Including the information for each of the doctors that you saw that day. The lawyer can find all the pertinent information with that and decide whether or not this is a case they're willing to take.

                      Good malpractice attorneys take no money up front because their confidence in winning or settling is high. You went to three different medical facilities. That is a whole lot of cash, Ma'am. A whole lot.

                      [–]goth-hippy 234 points235 points  (0 children)

                      Just remember the second doctor was a woman as well. The medical gaslighting of women is so ingrained in the medical system that even other women do it.

                      Happy you’re safe OP. This is truly irritating and frustrating. Your feelings are entirely valid and i wish i could give you a hug and scream at the doctors with you.

                      [–]=^..^=Hello_Hangnail 77 points78 points  (1 child)

                      Ovarian torsion is one of the most painful things that can happen to our reproductive organs. Having any other organ wrapped around itself and dying from lack of blood flow would be taken seriously. I am so sorry you had to go through this when it was preventable, op. People don't go to the ER for cramps unless they're so bad that they think something terrible is happening

                      [–]grievingwoodlands 56 points57 points  (0 children)

                      I’m so, so sorry this happened to you. This is nothing short of horrific.

                      I saw a video skit recently where a dad took his son into the ER for testicular pain and was shocked with how quickly they were seen, scanned, and rushed into the OR - and he was then told about how dangerous testicular torsion is and how important it is to take care of it immediately. There were so many comments on the video pointing out how fucking disgusting it is that someone with potential ovarian torsion is not treated with anywhere near the same urgency and care. It is inexcusable. I hope your recovery is going as easily as it can. ❤️‍🩹

                      [–]Ginger_Libra 125 points126 points  (1 child)

                      I’ve had my own experiences with being dismissed with pain and I am so sorry this happened to you. I’m enraged on your behalf.

                      Please channel this rage into reporting them. To the medical board in your state. To the hospital. All of it.

                      Wishing you better doctors and healing.

                      [–]benfoldsgroupie 26 points27 points  (0 children)

                      This! Funnel your anger into teaching every one of those dismissive assholes a lesson they (hopefully) won't forget!!

                      [–]SilverConversation19 124 points125 points  (1 child)

                      OP, if you can, find that older doctor and ask for her to put into writing how the other doctors ignored you. You will probably have grounds to sue.

                      [–]Scarbarella 72 points73 points  (0 children)

                      Typically when charting you’re writing that there have been multiple visits PLUS (just in case it’s not mentioned by the provider) there are “72 hour alerts” for people who check back in to the same ER which are flagged for very specific charting and documenting on why the patient came back within that time frame. So it’ll all be there. She should complain all the way to the top.

                      [–]ScoreImaginary 43 points44 points  (5 children)

                      I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m an ER doctor and this story literally SCREAMS ovarian torsion. Please do report this.

                      [–]Zelfzuchtig 16 points17 points  (2 children)

                      I'm not in medicine but shouldn’t having the IUD and bad pain in that area potentially also have triggered concerns over a perforated uterus? And if so wouldn’t that also need imaging to rule out?

                      [–]lidlpainauchocolat 6 points7 points  (1 child)

                      Yes it should have. Also ectopic pregnancy, just because she has an IUD doesnt mean she has a 0% chance of getting pregnant. Additionally appendicitis. The fact that 3 back to back ER visits didnt result in imaging is so baffling it makes me question the story tbh.

                      [–]Zelfzuchtig 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                      The fact that 3 back to back ER visits didnt result in imaging is so baffling it makes me question the story tbh.

                      Some people are questioning the story in the comments due to a potential discrepancy in post history.

                      On the other hand there are also comments saying "this also happened to me/a person I know", comments from people who say they are medical professionals who are not expressing doubt and we semi-regularly get articles posted here about women who died or almost did because doctors brushed concerning symptoms off with people sharing similar stories in the comments - so yeah, the medical system can be messed up.

                      [–]DragonflyWing 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                      Right? I'm not even a doctor, just a person with ovaries, and it was screaming torsion for me, too. Can you imagine a man coming in with excruciating testicular pain and being sent home with ibuprofen? Wtf.

                      load more comments (1 reply)

                        [–]Mantzy81 35 points36 points  (0 children)

                        Doctors never take women's pain seriously

                        [–]HazelKathleen 107 points108 points  (3 children)

                        I could have written this post - I’m so sorry you had to go through this too.

                        It took me a week in hospital for them to do the surgery, by which time it was too late to save my ovary as it has necrotised (it was wrapped around itself four times at that point).

                        Look after yourself - the pain was indescribable and I spent a long time afraid of every twinge in case it was somehow starting up again.

                        I was told my fertility might be impacted as both ovaries had 20cm cysts on them that had to be removed, but I’m happy to say I’m due to have my first child next month. On the plus side, the midwives keep telling me birth should be a breeze in comparison!

                        [–]crabbydotca 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                        That comparison is hilarious to me those are two such wildly different experiences 😂 I’ve given birth both vaginally and via CS, it’s like comparing apples and ducks! The only commonality is the hospital and baby at the end too I suppose.

                        load more comments (1 reply)

                          [–]theprismaprincess 33 points34 points  (5 children)

                          Wait, boyfriend, or husband? In the last post you made, it was about your husband and 14 month old daughter.

                          Which is it?

                          [–]aprettylittlebird 26 points27 points  (1 child)

                          Yea some of the details in the story also don’t add up at all - there’s no change in fertility if the ovary is de-torsed, only if it’s removed. It’s not something you’d wait and see about. You also wouldn’t have a 6 inch incision from surgery to repair a torsed ovary, usually the surgery would be laparoscopic or you’d have a small incision (a few centimeters). Smells like AI to me which is stupid because there definitely are true awful stories of women not getting the medical care they need.

                          [–]=^..^=Cherrim 11 points12 points  (0 children)

                          Yeah it sucks to sit here and have to question it because I do believe shit like this happens everyday to so many women. We don't need to make up stories about it, that only takes away from the people for whom this is a legitimate nightmare.

                          [–]babutterfly 23 points24 points  (0 children)

                          And the other post wasn't consistent in itself either. This user is either making stuff up on their own or generating ai crap.

                          [–]Iron_pegasus88 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                          Was about to comment the same thing!

                          load more comments (1 reply)

                            [–]BellaDez 25 points26 points  (0 children)

                            I don’t know if anyone has said this already, but you may want to consider some professional support at some point, because you are in PTSD territory. What happened to you was traumatizing and absolutely unacceptable. Your rage is palpable and completely understandable.

                            [–]Limited_turkey 22 points23 points  (0 children)

                            Fun to see nothing has changed in the 40 years since this happened to me! /s I was told I was being dramatic and sent home with Tylenol. Went to OB a few days later, he said it was an ovarian cyst. After SIX WEEKS they decided to open me up for an exploratory surgery and found that my ovary had torsioned, it was now the size of a softball and was necrotic. They spent an hour trying to remove all of the scar tissue. Fun stuff. again /s

                            [–]CarCertain4495 18 points19 points  (0 children)

                            I did lose an ovary over my hospital not taking my initial ovarian cyst seriously. While I complained and only received different types of birth control return, the problem got worse. The cyst became complex and attached to my ovary and fallopian tube. I think every day about how my surgery and months of recovery/unemployment could have been avoided if my ultrasound tech had told me about the cyst when they saw it in an abdominal CT scan for a separate issue months prior to my actual diagnosis. The system is broken and slow.

                            [–]ladyalot 15 points16 points  (0 children)

                            How many women have died because of this? I'm so happy you screamed at him. I'm so happy you're still here. I hope he will never ever forget what he did. I hope it haunts him. I hope he never ignores another patient.

                            [–]readbackcorrect 9 points10 points  (1 child)

                            it will matter if you file a complaint. ask for risk management for that facility. if they don’t have that, as for their quality assurance department. Everyone in the US has one of those. Now you will never hear another thing about it and that’s what makes people think that nothing happens. But behind the scenes, things do happen, and if there are repeated instances that it can result in disciplinary measures or even firing for those physicians. That’s why it does matter if you complain, even though you will never know what happened.

                            [–]CatClover 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                            I filed a complaint or two on my OB doctor after she harassed me during my pregnancy about getting a c section. Repeated harassment every visit starting at halfway through my pregnancy. I finally switched doctors at my 38th week after she told me my baby would die if I didn't schedule a c section. Long story short, she is no longer at the hospital. She had to open her own practice. My baby was born healthy a week late (by emergency c section after the labor induction drug pitocin reacted badly with her).

                            [–]ChasingPotatoes17 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                            I’m glad you’re okay.

                            I would be so tempted to revisit the other doctors and loudly demand “Remember me? Your dismissive misdiagnosis nearly killed me!”

                            [–]mearalove 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                            Oh do I ever feel you.  Same thing, ET was fixated on it being kidney stones as I had a male family member who suffered from them.  Didn't care about the female family history of ovarian cysts and tumors, it was totally kidney stones.   When I kept going back to the ER, ok maybe it wasn't kidney stones but psychosomatic and I was a pain pill seeker (no, I was a 15 year old nerd teen who wouldn't recognize any recreational drugs if you showed them to me).   Took 5 days before they finally did an ultrasound, to find out gee I was suffering from ovarian torsion as the very large grapefruit size tumor that was growing on top of my ovary had secumbed to gravity and twisted.   So yep, emergency surgery to remove tumor, straighten everything out and remove the gangrene from lack of blood supply....

                            [–]TheGloomyTurnip 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                            This happened to me, too, except I DID lose the ovary.

                            In my case the pain itself was only maybe a 5 out of 10, but I suddenly spiked a fever and, like you, just felt like something was off. I was on vacation at a national park, so the ER was tiny. The doctor ordered an ultrasound, and the tech who did it straight up told me that he could see the blood flow was cut off and basically that I should prepare myself for the doctor to tell me it was a torsion and transfer me to a bigger hospital a few hours away for surgery.

                            Instead, the doctor came back and told me that since my pain "didn't seem that bad", he had decided it was just a bad scan and probably not a torsion. He told me to take ibuprofen and see my regular OBGYN when I got home. By the time I got to that appointment (about a week later), I had to be admitted immediately to the hospital to have the ovary removed. It was completely necrotic.

                            So basically, there's no way to be taken seriously. If your pain is bad, you're hysterical. If it's only pretty bad, the problem must not be serious.

                            [–]Significant_Leg_7211 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                            Sorry to hear this. I have had something similar in the UK (NHS) but with small bowel obstruction (similar thing to the ovary torsion but in the small bowel, it dies so I know the pain involved). Also emergency surgery, at 1am! and a lot of adhesions (internal scar tissue) and scarring...anyway I thought the initial dismissal / failure to scan might be money related but it seems not if it also happens in the ER / US as well.

                            Maybe could have been related to me being a youngish female and the type of obstructions being rare as well (closed loop, where a section in the middle dies)

                            Another friend had similar with an ectopic pregnancy. It's scary I worry about other things happening again, I don't think it is possible to get over it properly. But I guess we can at least tell them of the history.

                            [–]wildlybriefeagle 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                            Remember to make your report as factual as possible. Document that each provider did not do ANY imaging. US are super easy in the ED usually, so the fact that they didn't even do that makes my blood boil.

                            Report to their board, their hospital, their state. You may not get a response but constant reporting against someone is the only way a history of negligence can be proven.

                            [–]fire_thorn 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                            There was a time I went to the ER near my house for extremely heavy bleeding. The male doctor i saw told me he was sorry I didn't like my period, but I didn't get to come to the ER for it. I told my neighbor about it and she told me one of the hospitals here has a gyno ER. I went there and had an ultrasound and a biopsy, and was prescribed meds to slow the bleeding. I had endometrial hyperplasia and a polyp that was hemorrhaging.

                            [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            Gromit bloop fry bam hujg ghv ghb gdst jibb sxcg

                            [–]bubbs72 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                            how many women have died because doctors think we're just hysterical about normal body functions

                            Millions, this is very common

                            (((hugs)))

                            [–]Eenklapman 17 points18 points  (0 children)

                            I am so so so sorry this happened. I'm glad you're still with us OP. What country is this? Asking out of curiosity because I have an idea..

                            Being persistent works. That should be a lesson for everyone of us.

                            [–]They/Themimmapunchthesun 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                            Call your insurance and dispute the first two visits. They did not do anything for you, They do not need to be paid.

                            [–]lovelyxbabydoll 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            My sister almost died to a ruptured tubal pregnancy due to people actling like this. She had no color left... She almost bled to death internally and was only still alive due to some blockage slowing the leak by the time the 2nd emergency room actually helped her.

                            [–]WolfHeartAurora 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            there's not much we can do for ovarian cysts. it has to pass on its own

                            EXCUSE ME???? you were having ACTIVE SEVERE PAIN and told to go home with a potentially already ruptured cyst and wait to die of sepsis?? that's a lawsuit

                            [–]saracatsaysmeow 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            I could have wrote this post myself expect I did lose my ovary. Multiple ER visits, being asked if I was pregnant, dismissal, being told I had a cyst that would burst on its own. Finally I had ovarian torsion with a 13cm (non cancerous) growth that caused my ovary to twist from the weight. I was admitted for emergency surgery and lost the whole ovary. I fully believe I was dismissed for the pain because of what you’re saying “women” and “abdominal pain” and add to it the fact that I was 16 at the time they just didn’t believe me about how much pain I was in or that something felt seriously wrong. This was over 10 years ago and I’m STILL so mad I can barely function.

                            I’m not sure if any of your anger is placed in fertility reasons but if you are concerned about having kids eventually, I’ve only got my one ovary and I’m currently pregnant with my first right now with, so far, no complications. Did not struggle to get pregnant either. I’m so sorry this happened to you I feel your pain and would never wish this on my worst enemy.

                            [–]Jerseygirl2468 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                            I had ovarian torsion as well. I know the pain you speak of, and you were not being dramatic at ALL, it was brutal and unbearable and came out of nowhere. You advocated for yourself - it took literally screaming, but you did, and you had to. I hope this doesn't affect your fertility in the future.

                            I went thinking I had kidney stones (very similar pain location and symptoms). The male ER doctor ruled that out and said he would send me for an ultrasound because he suspected torsion. The younger, female gynecologist on call examined me and said that wasn't it, and was going to send me home. Ultrasound revealed 2 large cysts on my ovary. She still didn't think I had torsion and wanted to send me home. After much protesting she finally agreed to transfer me to a different hospital, where I indeed had to have an emergency full hysterectomy the following day. I didn't know how serious it had been (aside from the excruciating pain) until I read that it can very easily cause sepsis and death. If I'd listened to the dr who wanted to send me home, I could have died too.

                            [–]drowningindarkness- 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            I just watched a reel a few days ago of a teen with severe lower abdo pain which they deemed due to the pain levels to be suspected testicular torsion. He received the “green light” from beginning to end, rushed through the ER so he could get surgery as quickly as possible, the recognition of the intense pain and severe impact on his fertility if treatment was delayed at all…. and the female equivalent took 10 hours, 2 ER’s (or more?), 4 doctors - 3 of whom completely invalidated and patronised her, risking her life outright.

                            Yeah, definitely no misogyny in healthcare 🫤

                            [–]svelebrunostvonnegut 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            That is so crazy. I don’t understand why we’re so reluctant to do basic exams here. Is it an insurance thing maybe? In my twenties I lived overseas on Reunion Island (department of France). I had some cramps and my period was late. They assumed it was a cyst. But you know what they did right away? As in immediately? A quick ultrasound just to confirm to be sure. That should be step number one.

                            [–]Timely-Youth-9074 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            File those complaints-at the very least, they will see it.

                            [–]Jazz & LiquorNo-Appearance1145 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            I had a physical therapist tell me I had a fear of falling and wasn't in pain because I had anxiety on my form.

                            Guess who struggles to walk without pain 3 years later?

                            Unfortunately the medical charts are all connected here anyway so he would have seen that diagnosis anyway.

                            I fucking hate doctors who do this. Any sort of medical professional, actually.

                            [–]sketchybrain33 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            I work in ultrasound in a hospital. We do multiple pelvic exams every day for lower pelvic pain, rule out torsion. Sue them. This is horrifying.

                            [–]NarwhalEmergency9391 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                            A lot of women die because Dr's think the feelings we're feeling in our bodies aren't real.  The gaslighting is crazy! How can you tell me what I'm feeling isn't actually happening.. and if you think I'm hallucinating my pain or so anxious I can't move, shouldn't that be a referral for mental health help? 

                            [–]Eeeradicator 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            I lost my left ovary and fallopian tube this way. I have PCOS and have had more than my share of ruptured cysts, so I knew something was different and BAD. Was told twice at two urgent cares that it was just standard ovulation pain despite my insistence that I was experienced with ovarian pain and this wasn’t it. Finally I ended up in the ER because it kept getting worse. This was DAYS, mind you, between visits - and they STILL tried to tell me I had diverticulitis or a tummy ache…until they realized I had rebound tenderness. Then there was an ultrasound, where they saw the large cyst that had caused severe torsion. And THEN it was emergency surgery at 3 am. The ovary was necrotic because the torsion was so severe and I was at risk of peritonitis. “Fortunately,” I was already well into perimenopause and wasn’t planning to use that ovary for anything anyway…but yes. Fat woman complaining of abdominal pain? Obviously I just ate too many bonbons!

                            [–]sassycat13 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                            Women aren’t more sensitive to pain. We can feel it more acutely so we KNOW where it’s coming from and if it’s serious!!! I’ve had acid reflux since I was 11 and never went to the ER for it. Guess whose dad got it in his 60s and went to the ER for it? Women don’t have man flu. We do more with the pain of a heart attack than a man ever could. LISTEN TO WOMEN!!!!

                            load more comments (261 replies)