Nick Rushforth

Review of Maine Medical Center

To try and do Maine Medical Center and all it's Do...

To try and do Maine Medical Center and all it's Doctors, Nurses and staff justice I have to try and tell my story in its entirety. I appologize ahead of time for the length of my review.
On May 16th, 2017 I was at fault in a head on collison that took the life of a young man after I fell asleep at the wheel driving home from work; we collided at 45 MPH. I sustained many injuries, a couple of them life threatening. Initially, I was taken by ambulance to the Maine Med ED (Level 1 Trauma Center) where Dr. Carter and a team of trauma surgeons saved my life. This was surgery number one which was successfully performed flawlessly in spite of countless complications. Following this first surgery which included stopping internal bleeding, removing a piece of small intestine, a piece of colon and a significant amount of pulverized soft tissue and muscle throughout my abdomen the team of doctors were not only successful in continually updating and answering questions for devastated loved ones but from what I'm told they made themselves readily available and genuinely cared enough to go above and beyond all expectations to comfort in those crucial first hours as I recovered in intensive care. After I was able to be seen following the first surgery the entire staff of the Critical Care Unit did everything in their power to accomodate many immediate family as they visited two by two leading up to my second and third surgeries.
My Third Day at Maine Med is where my memories start albeit hazy at best. I woke up before my next surguries to family and nurses. Although confused, groggy and in excruciating pain I had an overwhelming feeling of safety and at every step I was assured I was in the best hands possible and that they would be doing everything in their power to make me as comfortable as possible. My Second Surgery was a massive Hernia Reconstruction performed by Dr. Hallagan. The Muscle and Soft tissue was completely destroyed upon impact on both my left side and center of my lower abdomen. Dr. Hallagan opted to focus on my left side (more severely damaged) where he anchored a Mesh from my Ribs to my hip. Being a Level One Trauma center and having some of the best doctors in the Northest they understood my situation unbelievably well, even in uncertain waters the amount of preparation, discussion and planning was truly staggering which showed when they were able piggyback my third surgery directly off my second to limit my time under anesthesia in my fragile condition. My Third Surgery was done by Dr. Raymond White, by most standards one of the best orthopaedic surgeons in the business. Dr. White Successfully repaired a severe and rare fracture to my right foot called a Lisfranc Fracture using 5 Titanium Screws.
After the First three surguries I was moved out of the Critical Care Unit and up to the 4th floor. My first couple days out of surgery was extremely rough but I cannot even begin to explain the level of care I received. I had nurses and CNA's caring to me around the clock while my team of Doctors remained incredibly visible, involved and present in my daily care plan. I wanted and needed for absolutely nothing and I was treated with the utmost respect and gentle care. Before every test, blood draw or medication dosing they explained what was happening, why, and what the hope was. I was never once belittled or passed over when asking a question I undoubtedly asked ten previous times. I was always given more than sufficient time with my team and never felt rushed.
During my second week on the 4th floor I went from healing and recovering extremely well to relapsing almost over night. The Culprit was infectious fluid collecting under my abdominal incisions which gave way to surgery number four. Here, they reopened the incisions scrubbed bacteria away and inserted a drain.
In total I had four surgeries and spent 44 days at MMC. I owe them my life. MMC, along with all it's affiliates were beyond life changing in my experience. I am forever grateful for every single soul who touched my life.