8 replies to this topic

[NawlinsGirl]

I CANT IMAGINE SOMEONE TAKING THE RISK OF DESTROYING THE CHANCE OF A NORMAL LIFE FOR A NASTY HABIT.......WOW .. PEOPLE AMAZE ME.......WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS ?



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912182/

[aussie-margaret]

Sounds like the surgical team wasted their time on this pt.

Last week, where I work, we had a 47 year old pt admitted with emphysema / CAL
quite advanced. Came in short of breath.

where did this fool go at 2am - out for a smoke.
Why bother to present and waste my time and the time of others, and cost the poor
Australian taxpayer.

[3boyzmom]

That's gratitude for you, I guess. Why doesn't she just laugh in the surgeons' faces?

[mattsmom]

It does get very frustrating trying to help people who continue to self destruct. All we can do is tell them the risks of what they do; and try to help them as much as we possibly can. I was given this advice when I was a very young nurse and it stands true even more so 29 yrs later, when people are even more entitled and demanding to 'have it their way' .

[mattsmom]

That said, I know a thoracic surgeon who refuses to do lung reductions unless 1) the patient fits a list of instructions including a long hx of NO o smoking and 2) becomes a DNR (because further mechanical ventilation after lung reduction would be too detrimental to the patient) so...some docs DO set limits.

[AndreaP]

unbelieveable, or actually quite believable considering some of the idiots that are out there. and how dumb was she to go through all of this just to smoke. We had a patient a couple of weeks ago who had to have a trach put in due to his severe copd and osa. and what was this champ doing but smoking through the trach, which of course brought him back to us with exacerbatoin and pneumonia. duuuuuuhhhhh

[emma]

I CANT IMAGINE SOMEONE TAKING THE RISK OF DESTROYING THE CHANCE OF A NORMAL LIFE FOR A NASTY HABIT.......WOW .. PEOPLE AMAZE ME.......WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS ?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10912182/

All I can say is UNREAL!!!!!!

[NursetillaTheHun]

As a transplant surgical nurse, this is not a new issue. The majority of transplant recipients are grateful and respectfully treasure the gift at a second chance. It is a stressful and arduous journey after recieving a transplant. It goes beyond just dealing with the pain, med side effects, and ever present fear of rejection. I think some are surprised at public's reaction after. It is like they become public property and are judged harshly.

That said, personally I am sad and disheartened at any patient/person would risk themselves unneccessarily by smoking. I have been known to yell "Double Lung Transplant" at friends (ok and a few strangers) who smoke. My fear tactic has done nothing to create change though. I am not sure of the proper response. As a professional, my personal outrage and horror has never been helpful when dealing with a patient struggling with similar issues.

[aussie-margaret]

I worked a night duty last night.

One of my pts - a old emphysema / COAD pt who looks the typical heavy smoker a few decades down the track - skinny, hunched over, revolting skin, and generally pathetic appearance.

He was smoking in his room - with oxygen on too.

It annoys me immensely that I get stuck with these people who are wating my time and wasting the Australian tax payer dollar. Why bother presenting in the first place.

I think this pt was for discharge today, so hopefully the ward can get rid of this idiot.
But then he will go home, require oxygen, home services, will return many times, continue on a pension - again at taxpayers expense