Mike's Story - prayers needed

[Mike's Friend...]

My dear friend Mike passed away just a week ago. He has had nothing but trouble since his surgery in December 2005, beginning with the Dr. Husted leaving gauze in his abdominal cavity at the time of his initial procedure. They had to go back in twice post-op (under anesthesia 2 more times the day of surgery) to finally figure out they left surgical supplies inside my dear friend's body. Mike was a trooper, still believe in the doctor and did what he was told. I should mention that his insurance didn't pay for the surgery, so his 82 year old mother took a mortgage out on her home to pay for the sugery for him. He ended up (no big surprise) about a month later with a very severe infection that resulted in another non-covered hospitalization. He had necrotic tissue and a non-healing wound. He actually died on the table for a few minutes before they were able revive him. Again..small town, good humored, trusting, loving Mike - believes the doctor, that everything will work out. At this point, I want to add that those of us that are his friends all suggested he pursue a med-malpractice suit to at minimum get reimbursed for the surgery and resultant problems. Dear Mike didn't listen to our advice. He struggled on and off, tried to contact Dr. Hustead, to no avail. Oh, he lost weight all right...enough that when we was admitted prior to his death the physician said it was the worst case of malnutrition he had ever witnessed. I post this memory of my dear friend. Please don't believe the promises of caring and follow-up...all Dr. Hustead is worried about is making money. He doesn't care, listen or respond once he has the cash. Mike gave so much to the world...he was a Vietman Vet, a caring dad, a good son and most of all, a dear dear friend.

[norinew]

I'm sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.

[Former Member]

I am so terribly sorry to read this story and extend my sincere condolences for the loss of your friend. Such a sad story.

I am also terribly sorry to read that these experiences happened with Dr. Husted; a man that I had never heard a single negative thing about until today. It is an understatement for me to say that I am in shock and disappointed beyond conception to hear of his reactions and lack thereof.

[starry1st]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I, too, had Dr. Husted and have received nothing but excellent care from him, so it's difficult for me to comprehend that Dr. Husted left your friend without guidance to avoid malnutrition. In fact, I've found the opposite to be true, in that Dr. Husted wants to be contacted anytime you are having issues or problems and will advise accordingly. My 6 month labs were read by him as soon as I got them to him and he called me right away to let me know they all looked OK for now, and to remind me to get them done again at 1 year post op.

He has even responded to me via email and by phone concerning minor issues I've had.

Again, I'm sorry for your loss but I know from my own experience (I am a revision from a RNY in 94 and didn't do much follow up nor had a support group, so now have osteoperosis because of MY negligence, not my former surgeon's) that we, the patient, must be vigilant on making sure we know what to do to keep and maintain good health.

[Melanie M.]

Grief should never be denied, and this is a terrible time for those who are left behind. We all go into our WLS journey with such hope and such bravery, overcoming real fears of complications and death. When a loved one doesn't live to see their dream fulfilled, it hurts them and everyone around them. I also know it is possible to validate someone even when there are unknowns. I feel your pain, I would not wish that on anyone. Our surgeons are human, and mistakes can happen. However, all of the facts will never be known to us as bystanders, partly because medical providers are legally prohibited from divulging details. Dr. Husted's reputation is built on a preponderance of the good as well as the bad, and any doctor must steel himself to face the aftermath that comes with grief and pain of loss. It is a shame, and a tragedy for all involved.

[Kimberly123]

I too am sorry for the loss of your friend.

kimberly

[elizabethn]

I am so sorry for your loss .

[junebug]

It saddens me when any of my DS friends pass on. For they are brave souls.
May God comfort you and Mikes family! And may Mike rest in peace!
junebug

[Jenn]

I can't even imagine your pain. I know it seems like words too easily said ... but I am so sorry for your loss.

[Former Member]

I've been thinking about my reply from yesterday and hope that it didn't sound as if I were discounting, disbelieving, or discarding the original post. As Melanie said, surgeons are human as well, nobody is infallable. I hope that my words did not imply that I did not believe you, it was just a shock to hear of the reactions of such a well-known surgeon.