Burnt having X-ray taken

[AussieMalcolm]

Hi, I had several X-rays taken of my lower spine and r hip the tech had problems and several times over exposed the X-rays u known to me at the time upon heading home just 5 miles away I developed a massive blister which burst before I got home. I've seen several Drs since and it's estimated I was hit by over 1000 times the normal dose.

I've been advised to get medical checks done of my colon, kidneys, bladder, prostate yearly now as they all got hit by this very high dose.

Do you think that this extremely high dose could increase my risk of cancer or other issues in the area hit by this high radiation dose

[jemma116]

Glad to hear that you do have specialist attorneys to help you.

Sorry about the fact that you were exposed to too much radiation.  You may not now the real damage for a number of years.  Your attorneys will take that into account when drawing up a claim.  As you will already have been told by your attorneys that the claim does not have to be issued straight away.

Hope you do get on OK and not get any adverse affects in the future.

Best wishes.

[AussieMalcolm]

The power level to do the damage was worked out by radiation specialist as blister appeared in less than 1 hr and total wound damage through every layer of skin was less than 8 hrs.
The clinic had just converted from old film style to digital xrays and the tech was having issues with it.
I already know I have intestinal damage from it but not sure about other organs in the area the burn was 4 1/2" x 3" but red area of radiated skin was much larger and no lead aprons used to shield any part of me not being xrayed.

All this has been noted by my attorney now and they are a medical burns attorney specialists.

[jemma116]

The reason I mentioned not to let the medical profession know that there may be a possibility of a compensation claim, is because I have heard too often (and have experienced it myself) that once authorities know there is a possibility of a claim, they all close ranks and cover things up making it very difficult for the injured party to get all the information.

I agree that the hospital management should be made aware of the incident so that it is logged and that appropriate measures are taken so that this does not happen again.  It may a machine problem or the radiologist may need to be retrained.

So it is important to get advice on the best way to do this without hampering any prospects of a successful claim.

[caregiver222]

I  might ad the advice "not to say anything to the medical profession" is absolutely positively incorrect and inappropriate. X-ray equipment is calibrated and inspected. Sometimes these calibrations shift, notably with used x-ray equipment, although this is ann unlikely scenario. The machine must be immediately placed under seal and re-inspected if there is any possibility of a malfunction. All hospitals have a radiation safety officer responsible for this function.

[caregiver222]

Having taken more x-rays in my lifetime than I care to think about, the situation you describe is virtually impossible with modern equipment. The protocol when I was taking them was to use lead numbers on the film plate and on an x-ray log (written in a bound book) the settings employed before taking the shot. I am not stating what you describe did not happen, however there appears to be many missing pieces. I am not sure where you got the idea you were exposed at "1000 times the norm".

[silverfox67]

     I agree completely with Jemma - get a lawyer asap!
Radiation poisoning or injury is very, very serious.  The complications can be life-threatening.  I am surprised they didn't put you in the hospital for observation!!
     Please see a lawyer and another doctor for help!  Leukemia, gastroenteritis, dehydration, and many other symptoms can occur.  Hemorrhage can also occur.
    I am so sorry this happened!  It is extremely serious!

[jemma116]

Personally, I would seek free legal advice on this, because you were exposed to 1000 times the normal dose of radiation this is gross negligence.

Don't say anything to the medical profession, but get legal advice first.  You may need to get your doctors reports, and also later on inform the hospital management of what has happened so that this type of error does not happen again.

Keep a diary and notes of everything that has happened (dates, times, name of the radiologist and doctors you have seen) and if you can get medical notes that will help you should you need to pursue a compensation claim.  There is a time limit on this so you will need to find out what that is in your country.  Make sure that you document what immediate symptoms you had - your blister.  Any other medical problems that you may or may not get due to the exposure of the radiation is difficult to predict at this stage and that why you have been advised to get yearly checks.

Best wishes.