I have worked in healthcare for over 25 years, yet I was completely unprepared for the lack of safety and professional integrity at this clinic.
The physician failed to provide adequate screening (available on VA website) or a proper warning. By referring to the VA's clinical guidelines, the clinic would have seen that my medical background made this level of pain and rage a predictable risk. They knew, or should have known, yet I was told only that I would just be "sleepy."
The physician also used blatant medical misinformation--falsely claiming Valium "increases seizure risk"--to justify denying scheduled care. This was shared after I took the med, not allowing for informed consent, if it were true. It is actually used to prevent seizures. This appeared to be a tactic to cover for their own administrative failures.
I later experienced level 9/10 facial pain (trigeminal nerve) and a flood of uncontrollable rage, I was terrified-- magnified by the fact that there was no one to call. On the way home, I had to fight every urge not to smash the dashboard or window. This was completely out of character for me. I was left in agony, wondering if I had been permanently injured, with zero after-hours medical access.The doctor did not know that I did have someone to be in the house overnight: they only knew I had the required driver.
If I were not already accustomed to managing high levels of distress, I don't know how I would have made it through. This clinic's failure to screen, warn, or provide a medical lifeline is a direct risk to your life. Avoid. read more