[Dysphagia] MBS-Sandi Lancaster

[ralphandsue at bellsouth.net (Ralph and Sue Abernethy)]

Hi Sandi; this is Sue.  I have practiced for 24 years now and have also been
on both sides--acute and otherwise.  I am now in the Home Health-PRN as I
homeschool my children.

Anyway, I just a few weeks ago rec'd a referral for a HH dysphagia pt.  When
I arrived at the home, he could not phonate.  The family indicated he could
not phonate at the hospital, but they were unable to get anyone to do
anything about it!  My first comment was, "Where's your voice?"  "What
happened?"  "The hospital said you could drink THIN liquids??"

So, needless to say following the pt's. quick trip to the family doc. and a
referral (against the doc's wishes), an ENT consult was made.  Of course, a
cord was paralyzed.  I was in shock that the hospital sent this man out for
dysphagia treatment with recommendations for thin liquids and a pureed diet!

At least I find it encouraging that I am not getting too rusty at things!
But I was quite upset at the hospital clinician and have pretty much lost
all confidence in this facility.  Yes, I will steer people to the other
hospital in the county.  This was a major error and could have cost this man
his life!  He now has a PEG and will have cord surgery in a couple of months
when he has put on some weight.

Oftentimes when I find myself in a touchy situation such as this, I will
provide suggestions to the family and follow with "I didn't say a word!"
They get the point and I get them where I want them seen!  After all, isn't
it the pt.'s interest, health and well-being that we are here for?

Thanks for giving me an opportunity for a voice and best wishes in your
situation!
Sue Abernethy, MA, CCC-SLP
Conover, NC