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.

As much as our surgeries cost, you would think they could spring for a new, clean needle each time!!

Ewwww.

I know I'm germophobic but YUCK.

This is the most disgusting thing I've heard in a while.

I am not an expert or a nurse, but i have worked in and around hospitals and docs offices for a long time and this strikes me as VERY ODD. For something to be sanitzied properly it would have to be autoclaved. SO unless you saw him put it in a little oven looking thing for several mintues. Im not sure what the reasoning would be behind this ? Others might . But once a needle goes into the body its open to bacteria . I wouldnt put it back into my body . Just my input

Mindy

Well,

I am a nurse and there is no way they would stick me with that needle again! Those are 1 time use needles and should be placed in a biohazard sharps container after they are used ONCE!!! Don't take it back with you next time and if I were you, I would question them even suggesting it! Ask them why they run their practice that way and tell them you have questioned other people and none of their docs do that. That's just GROSS! I agree, as much as you or your insurance company paid for that surgery, you deserve a clean needle every time they stick you. That's totally against sterile technique and they know that. I would consider reporting them to the state if they try to force you to do that. In fact, I would do it even if they don't force you to do it, because you know they are doing it to others if they are expecting you to do that. Those disposable needles are very inexpensive. So, in my opinion, your doc is being greedy and down right dangerous by doing that to his patients. :angry:angry:angry

oh dang thats nasty! I agree with Wootsie- report them! Just thinking about all the bacteria makes me hurl. Tell em you lost the needle next time you go back. Demand a new one and watch them very closely!!! This sounds so strange to me! Poor thing.... did you get any infections after surgery? And why do you need another fill so soon? Just curious. ~Raynie!

Demand a new one and watch them very closely!!! This sounds so strange to me! Poor thing.... did you get any infections after surgery? And why do you need another fill so soon? Just curious. ~Raynie!

I knew something was wrong wih that. I refuse to reuse the needle and I don't mind telling him. And I will follow up with a report. Who would I report this to?

The surgery went well. No infections or complications.

To answer your question, raynie, I decided to schedule another appt for a fill just in case this one didn't start providing any restriction (I have 1 cc in my 4cc band right now).

It's so hard to get into my surgeon that I thought it would be better to schedule the appt, and re-schedule if i don't need it; rather than really need it and then have to wait two more weeks to get in. Maybe that is not the best reasoning.

So far I am feeling no restriction eating normal nutritious food after 6 days so far.

I say throw it away and let them know when you return that using the same needle is unacceptable! Contact the health department immediately.

I would not make a big deal out of this, as you will be needing this doctor and his staff. All I would do is say "oops I forgot the needle" everytime you go-perhaps they will get the message.

Fran

In fact, I would do it even if they don't force you to do it, because you know they are doing it to others if they are expecting you to do that. Those disposable needles are very inexpensive. So, in my opinion, your doc is being greedy and down right dangerous by doing that to his patients. :angry:angry:angry

Wootise, Couldnt she also report them to Joint Commission ? I know the hospitals I worked out FEARED Joint Commission Inspections. :faint:

Seems he might get into more trouble with them as well. Also the state Health Dept?

Mindy

I would not make a big deal out of this, as you will be needing this doctor and his staff. All I would do is say "oops I forgot the needle" everytime you go-perhaps they will get the message.

Fran

OH I would make a big deal out of this. This is probably against the law.

If he's doing it once he's doing it with every pt im sure. This is how infections spread. Granted she can insure herself safety but not using it . But what about those pts that think Docs are God and take what they say for gospel ? They are out there too. These people are in danger in my opinion .

Mindy

Not make a big deal?? NOT MAKE a BIG DEAL???

HELL YES MAKE A BIG DEAL!

That is a totally unacceptable proceedure. I used to draw blood. Once you stick someone with a needled, the tip is blunted. It will not be a sharp. Once it is no longer sterile, it can be a breeding ground for germs. Seriously. It may not "look" like there is blood on it, but I can guarantee it does!

He needs to be told to STOP THAT NOW!!!!

What if he does damage to her port or to someone elses??

You dont need a $#ITTY dr!!!!!

I think I would report this to OSHA. That is clearly an OSHA violation. When my doctor is done giving me my fills, he promptly drops the needles into the big red, properly labled biohazardous waste bin.

Not make a big deal?? NOT MAKE a BIG DEAL???

HELL YES MAKE A BIG DEAL!

That is a totally unacceptable proceedure. I used to draw blood. Once you stick someone with a needled, the tip is blunted. It will not be a sharp. Once it is no longer sterile, it can be a breeding ground for germs. Seriously. It may not "look" like there is blood on it, but I can guarantee it does!

He needs to be told to STOP THAT NOW!!!!

What if he does damage to her port or to someone elses??

You dont need a $#ITTY dr!!!!!

:clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2::clap2: I totally agree. She can find another doc im sure . IF she explains this situation to another doc Im sure she can find one to take her on . Espically if she's banded in the US.

Mindy

I would get a new docotr in a heartbeat. If the Doctor is doing this what else might he be doing? I need to have complete trust in my doctor and for me that would violate the trust.

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