It's by far the worst hospital experience I ever had -- found out later that many report being kept there as long as possible to see max. no of experts for max $$.
A couple of weeks ago, I was taken there from a nearby resort because I was feeling weak, heat-strokeish, dehydrated, effects from prolonged sleep deprivation at the time, and a little panicky because I thought my friend had left with all my stuff, including prescribed meds and money. I may have even fainted at one point -- but to my knowledge did not have a seizure; just said I was taking medication for seizure prevention. However, my boyfriend was on his way to pick me up. The resort people got me medical attention and called the EMTs, during the ride I was aware of everything and answered the EMT's questions. Somehow, the hospital got the idea that I was being admitted (about 9:30 p.m.) because of "suicidal ideation " -- something I've never experienced in my life -- and particularly not then after spending an idyllic day at the resort and seeing so many personal opportunities.
Despite begging for a substitute for my then-overdue prescribed medication, feeling my vitals spiking (because the longer they kept me there without treatment, the more distressed I was becoming. I also asked repeatedly for a mild sedative and motrin or something to relieve severe back pain. They wouldn't even provide so much as toothpaste to relieve my then-dry mouth. Other then taking some routine tests, I wasn't treated for anything.
Instead I was literally held hostage for 6 1/2 hrs; I know my rights and told them they either had to admit me as an inpatient or allow me to sign myself out to my boyfriend against recommendation; they refused and physically restrained me. It was a surreal, traumatic experience, and I want answers.
I was kept in a cell -- a tiny room with nothing but dirty walls and a bed. It took turning into a lunatic to finally get released to my boyfriend approximately 3 a.m. No one should ever have to go through that. It's illegal.
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