22 DAYS in Hospital: Brengle Fund

On Friday November 2nd, our 68 yr old father & husband suffered a massive heart attack. He was rushed to a local hospital (hospital #1) and then transferred to another - Washington Hospital (hospital #2) and underwent triple bypass, open heart surgery on November 5th. There didn’t appear to be any complications at first. However, before being released, he experienced shortness of breath, severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and feverish chills. Despite his symptoms, the hospital released him on November 10th with instructions to “seek immediate medical attention” for symptoms he was already experiencing when released. During the early morning of November 11th, less than 12 hours after release by his surgeon, the family called 911 due to heart palpitations, inability to breathe due to partially collapsed lungs, hypertension induced panic attacks, abdominal pain, decreased urine production, body swelling, hallucinating, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & severe abdominal pain - He was rushed to Southern Maryland Hospital, (hospital #3). While in the ER, and after the family shared his medical history with cardiologists - including the events that occurred over the last 6 days (we also learned the two hospitals are ran by one organization & have a cross-system collaborative system), they began their protocol for ER testing. Apparently their “protocol” isn’t to assess patients for risks associated with invasive tests. Without evaluating or assessing the high-risk my father’s recent medical history & current symptoms that were all clearly presented. My research indicated there is protocol for alternative testing avoiding iodine contrast IF the patient (1) is over age 60, (2) has a history of cardiovascular disease, (3) history of cardiac arrest, (4) history of cardiac surgery, (5) history of hypertension, (6) or a recent intravenous iodine test (he had one within last 8 days). In spite of ALL THAT RISK, the ER erroneously administered a SECOND intravenous iodine contrast test. Negligently doing so caused our father’s kidneys to fail. However, no one informed us for FOUR DAYS leaving the family in a state of mass confusion as doctors avoided explanation & nurses ignored extreme signs of needing medical attention. For example: Due to experiencing nausea for 19 days straight, he did not eat a single ounce of food. For the first 13 DAYS in their authority & care, NOT ONE Nurse or Doctor NOTICED! The family brought it to the attention of hospital administrators and demanded to know why they haven’t addressed his loss of appetite. After the first 3 Rapid Response teams intervened to assist with his heart palpitations, inability to breathe due to partially collapsed lungs, hypertension induced panic attacks, abdominal pain, decreased urine production, body swelling, hallucinating, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & abdominal pain — the family demanded answers. After Day 5 at hospital #3 - after FOURTEEN DAYS UNDER MEDICAL CARE - his condition was WORSE - and he was rapidly deteriorating. It was ONLY AFTER the family DEMANDED ANSWERS from this hospital that we were given his official prognosis of Acute Renal Failure. After the family realized our father couldn’t be left alone in this hospital because we can’t trust in his care, we split shifts between the family causing even more lost wages. *** Three hospitals & twenty-two days later *** we finally got our father home. He is weak but he is 80% better than he was halfway through his care. Our father was the breadwinner and the family is now faced with thousands of dollars in lost wages, overdue bills, and are anticipating tragically expensive medical bills. He is also unable to drive for another 6 weeks and most-likely, unable to work for 12 - if released to work again at all. Please help this family - at the minimum - get through the holidays with electric & food - and not lose their home.

**see update pictures posted for more information ℹ️