A surprise diagnosis makes for an awkward ER visit.
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{ 11 comments }
This scenario is not all that uncommon. It is understandable somewhat if the person is obese and retarded. However, the denial is quite baffling among those of average size and seemingly average intelligence.
We had a 12 year old deliver in our urgent care department; she came in with “back pain” and the triage nurse didn’t think of pregnancy in the differential. I dont think our PA was credentialed to deliver babies.
Anonymous 12:12:
Christ, what a tacky, bigoted comment. Of course I don’t expect your pathetic self to understand that. But someone needs to speak up so the silence isn’t mistaken for condoning.
Bigoted how? Tacky maybe. But certainly true. It is baffling that for 9 months a person misses periods, abdomen grows by a large pumpkin, and still the patient and family are remain in denial — or at least somehow mentally blocked from acknowledging the obvious.
In fairness, there is some validity to his statement. He may have been lacking in tact, but it makes sense that both obese women and mentally handicapped women are less likely than others to suspect pregnancy. When you’re already a hundred or two hundred pounds overweight, a twenty pound weight gain or swollen belly aren’t nearly as noticeable as on a thin woman. And unfortunately, the mentally handicapped aren’t always cognizant of the sex-pregnancy connection and may well not even realize when sex has occurred (they are more likely to be taken advantaged of or raped, and might not always “get” what has happened, especially if they are profoundly retarted).
Oh, OK then. (Removing foot from mouth.)
My initial impression was that the poster was equating obesity with low IQ. But the subsequent explanations made sense. Thanks.
Gosh you are lucky! Getting to diagnose the miracle of life, rather than the tragedy of death! What a pleasant break from the knife and gun club or another chest pain. I can imagine how it must have felt to deliver the news. Sort of like winning the lottery to get that kind of news when you go to the ED expecting the worst as a Mom.
“Sort of like winning the lottery to get that kind of news when you go to the ED expecting the worst as a Mom.”
We’re talking about teenagers finding out they are pregnantr, or in my case above, a 12 year old who was raped by her brother. I’m not sure I’d call that a “miracle of life”
Well, why didn’t you tell us “the rest of the story” sooner! Sounds like you pulled a bigger boner than we originally suspected.
I am anon 12:12
Indeed, I meant obese OR retarded. In no way did I mean to imply the two were connected.
Sorry
They aren’t?
Watch out the fatty police at big fat blog will hunt you down.
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