Very Scary News. I was a patient of theirs! Long Post.

**dolphin** · 03-03-2008, 02:13 PM

LAS VEGAS -- A former patient sued a surgical center believed to have spread hepatitis C by reusing syringes and vials of medication, saying Thursday he fears for his health.

The suit came a day after the Southern Nevada Health District announced that unsafe practices at the clinic may have led to six reported cases of hepatitis C, a potentially fatal blood-borne virus.

Another 40,000 people who received anesthesia at the Endoscopy Center of Southern Nevada between March 2004 and January 2008 are being urged to be tested for hepatitis, strains C and B, and HIV.

I am just sick, outraged, and of course relieved that my Colon blockage was so bad that on the day I was to have my colonoscopy done their, (May 7, 2007), I could not have the procedure done and was sent home after they realized my bowels were not clear. I'm fairly certain I wasn't injected with anything there at their clinic but most of February through August of last year was pretty much a blurr for me since I was so very sick. I ended up having an emergency colonoscopy at our local hospital on the 9th and then emergency surgery at a Las Vegas Hospital on May the 12th.

I had atleast 3 visits to that clinic including the day they sent me home. THANK GOD I couldn't have the procedure or I could have ended up on that list of some 40,000 who have to now be tested for HIV, HEP C & B! There is also a report on another website that they reused everything including scopes, clavicles, even mouth guards without running them through the autoclave!!! They were closed down this week and reports are that all of the doctors will lose their license's but now those idiots are asking for their license back to operate business as usual!

I feel so bad for those already infected and like one guy said, he and his wife will be playing a waiting game to see if they are infected with HIV since it can lie dormant for years. It's so aweful! These doctors were just greedy and trying to save money on supplies!!!

**bee9984** · 03-03-2008, 02:25 PM

I don't even know what to say to that! Thank God that you are safe. Those poor people having to worry and deal with that.

That would certainly be a shocker to say the least!

(((Hugs)))

**dolphin** · 03-03-2008, 02:32 PM

http://www.lvrj.com/news/16174527.html

Here is a good link to the story from the Las Vegas Review Journal.

**M55FF** · 03-03-2008, 03:17 PM

the problem with when something like this happens is its very hard to prove exactly where that disease came from and the hospitals have lots of lawyers to say the person got it elsewhere.
Our healthcare system isn't so great, even for those who are well insured

**pinetree** · 03-03-2008, 04:33 PM

OMG, thank goodness you had to go home!

I can't beleive things like this happen in this day in age. DIL has surgery thursday, it really makes a person wonder what could be next.

**kcsmom76** · 03-03-2008, 04:35 PM

OMG!! How does something like that go on for so long and no one report it. Teh people who worked there had to know what was going on. What about the check-ups the state is supposed to do on places like that.

That is just unbelievable. A LOT of somebodies dropped the ball majorly on this one.

You know I believe in "What goes around, comes around."

**dolphin** · 03-03-2008, 05:05 PM

DIL has surgery thursday,

Please try to make sure someone is with her all of the time. I know it's hard but it's important. Make sure that person or persons watches everything that the nurses and cleaning staff do and don't be afraid to call them on it if you feel something is not right.

I will pray that she has a smooth surgery and a quick recovery with no complications.

I got a horrid staph infection at the hospital when I had my colon surgery. I can't be sure if it was from the surgery room, supplies, or the doctor, or the aftercare nurses but I got it from something in that hospital! BTW, the hospital was only 4 months old, not like it had years to feed.

I think this case will be a pretty good 'slam dunk' case. The Centers for Disease Control are in on it as well as many other agencys and the State Medical Board. I believe they have the proof they need in this case.

**pinetree** · 03-03-2008, 05:32 PM

dolphin, Thank you so very much for the warning, we are making plans right now to have someone with her at all times.

OMG, I really am freaked out about this. Its really hard to think about stuff like this happening. Thank you for the prayers.

We will pray that your case is what you said, 'slam dunk', It's really scarey that it was only 4 months old what would it be like if it was 4 years??

Good Luck, please keep us informed .

**Daisygirl** · 03-03-2008, 06:52 PM

How terrifying! I am so glad you were being looked out for that day and did not have surgery there!

I too got a hospital-borne staph infection when I gave birth to my oldest daughter. (My stsitches from the birth got infected - OUCH!) At least what I had was treatable. These poor people were so terribly victimized.

**kaykwilts** · 03-03-2008, 07:58 PM

Oh that is just plain horrible. Those poor people who may or may not be infected with hiv. I think I'd sue their butts off.

**HandyMom** · 03-03-2008, 07:58 PM

I would suggest that anyone having to go to the hospital for anything more than outpatient tests journal the entire stay in detail. If you can't, then have someone there who can. It can't hurt and may possibly save a whole lot of trouble down the road if anything ever comes up unpaid or messed up.

**Cricket1** · 03-03-2008, 08:10 PM

That is disgusting! I'm glad you're okay. I would get a copy of your medical records from there if at all possible. I know it was only a few visits, but I'd still want them.