Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

RE-USE of the FILL NEEDLE



Recommended Posts

Seems strange that a doctor would hand you a biohazard sharp to take with you. I have worked in a tattoo studio and the health dept even have bandage requirements for us to follow. I think that the local health dept would want to know about this, also the hospital that he works in. Why did they give you a fill needle after surgery? Seems odd that the doctor doesn't have new sterile needles in the office. My doctor uses a new, sterile, single use needle each time he accesses my port. I would be affraid of a port infection if he did it any other way. I would also contact Inamed (maker of the band) and let them know about this practice. www.lapband.com . Good luck to you, ~Mandy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Than CANNOT be legal. That needle should go straight into a sharps container, even if it has your own bodily fluids on it, who says they are not a danger to somebody else who may happen upon the needle? And that needle would be so contaminated by the time you brought it back. Of course they're going to sterilise it but at least when its unopened you KNOW its clean.

At the very least, if they were going to do this, the needle should be sterilised before you take it, to protect others.

But its in no way shape or form acceptable, I'd be out of there, and I'd be reporting it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This should be reported to the Kansas State Physicians Licensing Board and OSHA immediately. I don't think JACHO has anything to do with private physicians offices, but that question could be answered by the Licensing Board. Reusing needles is against the law in every state! Not only does it invite infection, it does dull the needle when it's used, so the more often it's used, the more dull it becomes...more pain! OUCH! I think JACHO might possibly become involved in this since the needle is given to the patient by the hospital before they are discharged now that I think about that. I guess it would depend on if the hospital knew they were being reused. Which brings something else to mind. If the original needle is provided by the hospital, then the jerk doesn't even have to pay for them; the hospital does!!! If I were you, I would start with the licensing board and ask them who else to report it to. In fact, you could call every organization that's been listed here. At least one of them will do something about it and possibly all will. This doc could and should loose his medical license over this! You definitely need to find another doc to take care of you from now on. Explain what this doc is doing and the new doc may help you with all of the reporting. He will know for sure who to go to. Good luck!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Also consider the fact that some people might attempt to do an adjustment on themselves if they are being provided the needle......~Mandy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Not only would I toss the needle, I would directly question his ethics. I would be appalled and I would also inform Inamed as well.

Edited:

I'm so appalled by this, I had to come back and ask, are you pulling our leg on this? This is truly one of the most bizarre things I've ever read on LBT.:omg: :omg: :omg:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would not toss it personally , I would keep it to prove the idiot gave it to her. Plus she needs to dispose of it properly in a sharps container.

Hell i would take it to a new doc to prove to him he did it maybe then he'll take her as a new patient if anyone gives her problems

Mindy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Definitely NOT a good idea...

Dr. C

Cincinnati, Ohio

www.TheBandDoctor.com 877.442.BAND

DISCLAIMER: I am not your surgeon, any comments made by me are not meant to be taken as medical advice, just general guidelines. Contact your surgeon about your specific problem!

I got my first fill last week. Once I was finished getting filled, the doctor put the fill needle back in its packaging, and gave it to me to bring back next time.

This was odd to me. Please let me know if any of you have heard of this before. The packaging says it's a single-use needle. I didn't notice if the doctor sanitized the needle before he gave it back to me.

I had brought the needle with me that first time because they gave it to me (unopened then, of course) when I was discharged from surgery. I thought that, in itself, was strange enough.

I go for another fill next week. Let me know what you all think. Thank you very much.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am from San Jose Costa Rica, even the fills down here are very cheap $40. My DR. uses a special needle that has another needle inside, so when he punctures the port it wont make as much damage as a normal syringe also the needle is round edged all around. He uses a special syringe made especially for the fills, and HE STILL THROWS THE SYRINGE WITH THE NEEDLE AWAY.

By doing this he prevents a port infection. BEWARE:embarassed::embarassed:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Eww. Just eww.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Edited:

I'm so appalled by this, I had to come back and ask, are you pulling our leg on this? This is truly one of the most bizarre things I've ever read on LBT.:omg: :omg: :omg:

Me, too. But I believe it.

My doctor prescribed IV Boniva because I can't take the pills. That's IV, as in it has to be given intravenously. I picked it up at the drugstore and the pharmacist said, "If I were you, I would take this to a doctor's office and have them administer it."

YOU THINK??? Gee, I figured if this went well, I might try performing a Tummy Tuck on myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

the doctor put the fill needle back in its packaging, and gave it to me to bring back next time.

This is insane!! I can't even believe it. :faint: :omg:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

drcollier,

Now that I think about it, I agree that you should save the needle; it's evidence. You may need to provide proof to whoever you report this to and if you don't have the needle, he will probably deny the accusation and get by with it. In a case like this, you need all the evidence you can get your hands on. They may even talk to the hospital personnel to determine if they send all of his patients home with a needle. In other words, don't destroy the only evidence you have!!!!!!!!!!!!! Besides, it does need to be disposed of properly; in a biohazard sharps container!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

drcollier,

Now that I think about it, I agree that you should save the needle; it's evidence. You may need to provide proof to whoever you report this to and if you don't have the needle, he will probably deny the accusation and get by with it. In a case like this, you need all the evidence you can get your hands on. They may even talk to the hospital personnel to determine if they send all of his patients home with a needle. In other words, don't destroy the only evidence you have!!!!!!!!!!!!! Besides, it does need to be disposed of properly; in a biohazard sharps container!

HE HE can you tell I use to work for a medical malpractice attorney ! :biggrin1:

Mindy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

    • Sandra Austin Tx

      I’m 6 days post op as of today. I had the gastric bypass 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×