Personal Narrative: 30-Minute Surgery

On April 24, 2016, I wrecked on my bike on Highway 90. I broke my arm/wrist and was taken by ambulance to Canyon Vista Medical Center. I was admitted and seen by Dr. Roy Randall.

In my mind, I didn’t think it was that bad and really don’t know what I was in for. When I fell, the ulna punctured the skin. (See attached photo from ER) I had a compound fracture on both the ulna and the radius. (However, I did not know this until I went to see the Specialist Dr. Butler, in Tucson.)

Dr Randall came into the room & explained that I would have to have surgery due to the compound fracture on the radius and he would put a couple of stitches where the ulna punctured the skin.

On my way to surgery, I had a chance to speak with the anesthesiologist,

What should have been a 30-minute surgery took longer and was more complicated. They wrapped my arm in a splint and sent me home. Recovery was hard and difficult. I cannot explain how I suffered from the pain and from the pain pills. Expressing it on paper does it no

He was not happy with the results and put me in a cast and told me to start moving my fingers so that I would have use of them. See x-rays – date 5/23/16)

On June 6, 2016, I had another appointment in Tucson to have the cast removed. Dr. Butler put me in occupational therapy. I am now working towards restoring movement and strength to left arm/wrist. ( Se x-rays – dated 6/6/2016)

On July 22, 2016, Dr. Butler told me that I need to have another surgery to remove the plate Dr. Randall put in because when he put the screws in one of the screws is pushing a bone up on my wrist. He showed me on the x-ray. (See x-ray – dated 7/22/2016)

In closing, looking back on my experience. I wish Dr. Randall would have suggested that I would be transported to Tucson. I wish I would have been treated by the hand specialist from the beginning. Dr. Randall’s poor decision cost me two surgeries and possible another to remove the plate he put in and numerous hours of therapy. Also, it has cost me money. If I don’t work I don’t get paid. The surgery and one night stay at your hospital cost