I was abused by the VA

[Guest Emily Ray]

May 13th I was starting to feel unsafe and so I went to my local hospital. But, they were full and none of the other hospitals in town had room for me, so I was transfered to the VA. It was a reluctant decision on my part considering my past experience with them. My VA has a blanket policy of requiring all patients to wear only VA pajamas on the unit. I have spent the last year trying to get them to see that this is illegal under title 38 17.33 Patient Rights. No one would listen to me.

So, when they asked me to get dressed in the PJ's I said no. They could inspect them for contraband and dangerous cords but that I wanted to have them back afterwards as is my right. They refused. The Doctor and charge nurse called the police who placed me in metal handcuffs. Then two shifts of nurses came into my room and two of them started to take my clothing off. When it came time to pull my pants off they wanted me to lift my bottom, but because my hands were cuffed I couldn't do that. The cop grabbed my shoulders pinning them to the bed and putting all my weight on my cuffed wrist causing great pain and leaving a bruise on my shoulder. After pulling my jeans off the cut my top off.

I was not a threat to myself, others, or property at the time I was placed in restraints which is illegal under federal law and Minnesota law. I have a history of trauma. I was once strangled by a man in Mexico and was held captive for several days. Restraining me caused me to relive all of that on top of the trauma that was taking place at the moment.

I really only want responses from veterans on this thread. Not that others can't be angered by it. But many people don't get why I made this sacrifice. Veterans will because they have sacrificed a part of themselves for the rule of law. Wearing PJ's all day for a week is degrading and not in the best intrests of most patients. If what happened to me gets them to change their policy then it is a win for us as veterans. I at least have the attnention of Hospital leadership. I also have made a report to the Inspector General.

Huggs

Emily

[Guest (Lightsider)]

That is just wrong. It upsets me that you endured that. Are you ok?

[Guest Emily Ray]

I am trying to be OK, but I know that I am not. I feel betrayed by so many people. Between this and being discharged from the Emily Program and an Eating Disorder that is destroying my life I am lost and unfocused.

Thank you for asking :-)

Emily

[~Nova~]

Wouldn't it have just been easier to put on the PJ's and make a complaint later instead of urinating off all the staff and possibly upsetting all the others that were there for care? I'm all for fighting the good fight, but this comes across as you were asking for help, but wanted to fight instead.

I wish you all the best.

[JJ]

I am sorry this is happening again Emily and hope you find some resolution

Johnny

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Emily

You know here on Laura's Playground we all love you and want the best for you.

Please be careful and NOT give them a reason to lock you up and throw away the key.

Lizzy

[Guest Emily Ray]

Nova, I have been complaining for a year about the policy being illegal. Yes, it might have been easier, but righting a wrong or fighting abuse is never easy! Now, they will have to explain their actions in front of a Judge and Jury. They have been abusing patient rights at this facility since at least 2005 and it needs to stop! The Law was written for a reason, to protect patient dignaty. The other patients hate wearing PJ's as much as I do and were supportive in my fight for them as well as my own rights.

It was a short stay this time, just 5 days. I am afraid that next time when I need help, that I won't get it because of how I was abused this last time.

Huggs

Emily

[Guest angels wings]

Stay strong . I'm sorry this has happen to u (((((hugs)))))