Not sure if this is the right place - denied effective pain relief after op

[Daisybell1]

Hi there

Sorry to bother you with this one but could I ask some advice?

I recently had an erpc after my 3rd MC. I had surgery about 3pm and when I came round was in a lot of pain. They gave me various painkillers but nothing worked. At about 5pm I requested oramorph (I'd had it after my first erpc and it worked like a dream) but the ward sister denied me it on the grounds that if I had it, I wouldn't be able to go home and they would be fined.

Of course, they couldn't get the pain under control so at 9pm the Dr insisted that I stay overnight anyway. I was fit to go home the next morning.

I am still perturbed by the Ward Sister's reaction for the painkiller. And I am extremely concerned if patients are being denied effective pain relief over the fear of the ward/hospital being fined.

Is this worth a complaint? A letter to my GP? MP? MP of the constituency which the hospital is in?

I really don't know the 'form' in this kind of thing - can anyone help?

I would speak to PALS. I had an unfortunate experience at hospital once & they were very helpful.

It's really not acceptable that you were denied pain relief so that it would make their job easier or their statistics better.

Hope you feel better soon.

I've been in same situation before, had vulval surgery and the ward doctor prescribed 30mg codeine tablets only. I wouldn't mind but directly post theatre I was given local jabs, so they must have known I'd have been in pain..

I got kept in one night and discharged the next day, barely able to walk and told to take paracetomal for relief!! I landed up on the phone yo out of hours that night, had a GP and nurse out next day, and then had to attend the surgery daily for check ups.

Before the op I was told I'd be in for at least 3 nights, on drains/drips and with strong painkillers. Was told to pack for four days. I was told as soon as I arrived that they wanted me home as soon as possible. Just like a cattle market, my mum said - in, procedure, out..

I can imagine they struggle for beds but they shouldn't shouldn't be denying patients proper pain relief or decent care!

I'd complain to the hospital and mention to your GP. I never complained but wish I had - every doctor I saw that week, post hospital, was horrified that I was at home in the state I was in with no pain relief!