Christine Murphy

My moms story starts on Friday, Sept. 15th 2017, when she complained of right shoulder pain. Thinking she had pulled something while working (she cleaned houses), she took ibuprofen and used a heating pad. She woke up at 3am Saturday, Sept 16th, with the pain radiating down her arm to her hands. Went to the hospital where they first suspected septic arthritis, took fluid from shoulder, but later discharged her with a sling, steroids and pain meds saying it was arthritis.

Sunday, Sept. 17th, was not any better. planned on going to GP the next day. She rested but was still in severe pain. Monday, Sept 18th, she woke up unable to move body, she was in agonizing pain all over. Ambulance came and took her to another hospital where they did urine and blood work, hours later discharged her as drug seeking.

My mother’s story and life ended on Sept. 19th, 2017 at 7:20pm, 24 hours after being discharged from the last hospital. She had woken on Tuesday unable to move, tongue swollen, and skin had grey blue appearance. When she got to the hospital, blood pressure was so low they had to give her narcan. She was admitted into ICU at 10am, her organs started shutting down hours later and she never came out.

I want to spread awareness because the signs are not always right in front of you. ALL of my mothers vital signs were perfect on both days she was sent home from hospital. Having medical records now showed elevated white blood count on Saturday and even though they suspected septic arthritis they did not administer antibiotics. On Monday WBC was normal but her platelets were low, CRP was high and she had a left shift in her bands. Knowing she was at another hospital 2 days before and they suspected septic arthritis, I believe more tests should have been run. I know there is an opioid epidemic that the medical professionals have been drilled into their head to watch out for but that doesn’t mean you dismiss a patient.

Source: Erica (daughter)