(1 Star) - Traumatizing Experience at Westland Community Center ER and Garden City Hospital…read more
As someone living with multiple chronic illnesses--including rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, migraine disorder, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures--I unfortunately have to visit the emergency room from time to time when my symptoms become unmanageable. I don't enjoy being there, and I certainly don't choose this life.
After feeling extremely unwell for several days, my mom called the Westland Community Center Emergency Department ahead of time because I had previous negative experiences there. She was reassured that there was a compassionate physician who was experienced with patients who have complex medical conditions.
Initially, things seemed promising. I was taken back quickly, had blood work done, and my labs came back normal. However, everything changed when the pelvic exam began.
I have a history of sexual assault, and I am also a virgin. Without warning or any trauma-informed communication, the speculum was inserted in a way that was incredibly painful. I began crying immediately and repeatedly told the doctor and staff that I was in too much pain to continue. I begged them to stop and asked if they could give me something for the pain before trying again. Instead, I felt dismissed and was repeatedly told to stop moving and push my hips toward the edge of the bed. The exam continued despite my distress. I even noticed some bleeding afterward. It was one of the most traumatic medical experiences I've ever had.
Although the tests came back negative, I was discharged still feeling extremely ill and lightheaded. While waiting outside for my mom to pull up, I sat on a curb because I genuinely felt like I was going to pass out. During that time, I felt that I was treated without compassion by security personnel and members of an EMS crew who told me I needed to move or police would be called. As someone who was visibly ill, I found that interaction deeply upsetting.
Shortly afterward, I collapsed in a Burger King drive-thru. Thankfully, several kind bystanders helped me and called 911. The responding Westland EMS crew that transported me to Garden City Hospital treated me with kindness, professionalism, and respect, and I sincerely appreciate their compassion.
Unfortunately, my experience at Garden City Hospital was disappointing. I felt that once staff reviewed my previous emergency department visit, assumptions were made about me rather than taking a fresh look at my condition. As someone with documented chronic pain disorders, I often feel like I'm viewed with suspicion instead of compassion. I felt as though I had to constantly advocate for myself before my pain was taken seriously.
The physicians recommended admission for pain control, but I declined because of previous hospital admissions where, in my personal experience, my pain was not managed effectively. I also recently started a new job and was trying to avoid another hospitalization unless absolutely necessary.
This experience left me feeling traumatized, unheard, and discouraged. Chronic pain patients deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and individualized care--not assumptions based on how often they seek emergency treatment. While I absolutely believe people struggling with addiction deserve compassionate medical care, I also believe patients living with severe chronic illnesses deserve the same level of empathy and respect.
I will be filing formal complaints regarding my care because I believe my concerns should be reviewed. My hope is that no other patient--especially someone with a trauma history or complex chronic illnesses--has to go through an experience like this.
