Gina Cal

Review of Community Medical Center-Toms ...

I only give a 2 because prior to my surgery, I wa...

I only give a 2 because prior to my surgery, I was impressed with procedures, pre-op test ease and professionalism. The day of my surgery was my worst experience in a NJ hospital. I have personal over my 51 years had surgery in JFK Edison NJ, RWJ New Brunswick NJ, & 2 babies in Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune NJ. I have seen & sat through many family members having operations at these hospitals...& others & this was the worst care I was ever given. I had bariatric surgery, they have an entire are for bariatric surgery on the 3rd floor, catering to the needs of larger persons. I myself was only 240...not by any means a size that can't sit in regular size beds & wheel chairs. My prep before surgery left something to be desired...Sara my nurse seemed concerned with the basics of a blood test & iv. I have big strong veins that you see & feel. BUT THAT IS NOTHING....when I was JUST REMOVED from the recovery, as we arrive at my room door. They informed me....the gurney wouldn't fit through the door & I was going to have to walk the 20 ft. to my bed!!!! HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE...IM ON A FLOOR WHERE THINGS ARE MADE TO ACCOMMODATE PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY OBESE....& I
WAS NOT EVEN ON AN OVER SIZED GURNEY!! No one put their hands under my arms to take the bulk of my weight....my core had 6 punctures in it 4 of the an inch to inch & a half....most of my stomach was just cut away & removed.....so lifting my body off one bed to another with really just my hand being held was a HORROR....THE PAIN WAS BIZARRE, I WAS MAKING ANIMAL NOISES....the bed they put me in was not lowered for me to get in...it was seated so far up my feet pushed against the bottom of the bed my entire stay. It was a dark green rubber mattress, cheap & so uncomfortable like something you would camp on. Nobody came & checked on me for 2 hours till I asked my fiance if it seemed really odd that no one had checked on me & I buzzed for more pain med. I was so stunned by all of this I even carefully and politely asked my nurse Ed if this was common place. I was the last patient at the end of the hall & felt that might have something to do with it. It wasn't until 2 other nurses came in the evening....Mary & I believe, Meredith...that I felt I was being "cared for & watched over. My Dr. Did everything right on his end & the female anesthesiologist who works with Dr. Park came to check on me....it was the after care that was terrifyingly lacking. I was so frightened for my fiance to leave after evening visiting hours....I requested something for anxiety from my doctor. Which he okayed. When my surgeon came the next afternoon.....I jumped at the chance to leave. I have 4 other friends who have had this surgery over 5 years....every one of them stayed longer than me in the hospital......I felt safer & more cared for at home with just my fiance & teenagers than on that 3rd floor bariatric recovery wing. What a painful and terrifying experience!