Maria G.
Yelp
I've been a BWH patient for over two decades. I kept the same doctor. I never had health problems and going to my annual routine seemed fine.
That said, I just hope to bring to light the systematic problems with this hospital and awareness of my recent frustrations from my experience.
I recently visited the hospital for my annual check-up. After this visit to the office, I began to feel tingling sensations and needles in my left hand. I found it strange because of my healthy lifestyles. Also, the results of my tests were all normal, including: diabetes, cholesterol, B12 and D vitamins. For example, being deficient in B12 and/or a diabetic, are factors that can trigger this type of symptoms in people. In short, I am a healthy woman who is extremely disciplined with my diets and exercises. I felt that the symptoms came from something that didn't go well during the office visit.
One of the obvious things I noticed after the visit was that I had developed a large bruise from the blood drawn test. After researching whether my symptoms were due to the blood taken, very little information was found on Google that pin points to any correlations. As time went by, my symptoms were not improving, I contacted my doctor for a follow-up visit. This visit was about 2 and half months later. The worst part is, I came home just to have the same symptoms developing in my right hand, which also include an acute pain, very sharp, (one-time) on the right side of my chest. At this point, I was able to accurately diagnose that the root cause of the problems was the pulse oximeter test, which this time was done on this hand's index finger. Obviously, the test was performed on the left hand's index finger, during the first visit.
So, I took the matter to my hand and researched it, and have found that tingling and needles sensations are side effects of the pulse oximeter test, resulting in finger injuries due to the pressure caused. In short, I wanted an MRI, which evidently would've showed an accurate diagnosis of the blood vessels and damaged nerves. The MRI request was not acknowledged as a necessity. In addition, I've been denied for a request to see Specialist. That said, my insurance plan doesn't require a doctor's referral. However, the systematic issues of the hospital seem to ask for referral of the PCP to schedule a consultation with specialists. It is also worth noting another issue here is that patients from minority groups historically face setbacks in obtaining referral to consult specialists. In my opinion, by preventing patients from having an accurate diagnosis when things go wrong in hospital procedures, they will continue to perform these tests that cause more damage than any outcome they are trying to achieve for treatments in people (especially in healthy people). Furthermore, I'm still confused about the need to check my blood oxygen level during these visits. I have no history of respiratory or heart disease and have never been affected by COVID.
In addition, there are other methods to use.
Useful suggestions: do your research, eat healthy, rest, get yourself to the gym, do yoga, know your body, never stop learning about your health. Furthermore, leverage platforms like Google and YouTube, Podcasts, books, eastern medicines. My healing/recovery process now is all thankful to these. Further, limit medical consultations/doctor's office visits at all costs unless necessary.
It is unfortunate to digest that health systems in the US are broken, have no innovation and equity. It is also sad mentioning this in 2022 that the systems are full of prejudices (conscious and unconscious) and built to oppress some groups. So that said, the important thing is to challenge the status quo in hospital practices and share your own experiences to help raise more awareness.
This is my honest experience and deepest dissatisfaction at BWH after being a patient of the hospital for over two decades. Everyone's experience will vary. But be cautious, take care of yourself and your loved ones. If you think something is not right after a procedure or an antibiotic, listen to your body. Doctors and the hospital will always deny these truths due to the lack of equity in their systems. But you shouldn't. Be wise.
Please don't overlook these online reviews.
Last but not least, I sincerely hope that hospital administrations are reading these reviews and taking them seriously.
My published photographs taken for the hematoma I developed from my annual blood test experience.
P.s. I find it interesting that the "Write Reviews" feature for BWH is not available on Google.