Final Installment of Tyson Horton Story: Hearing from Tyson
Over the last few weeks, we have shared the personal story of 13-year-old Tyson Horton and his mom, Lori, and the medical errors and legal games that changed their lives forever. Most of this story has been told from the perspective of Tyson's mom, Lori. I have had several conversations with Lori and exchanged numerous e-mails. Lori is a very strong person who is devoted to her son. Moreover, Lori is open to re-connecting with the senior surgeon who was in charge of the error-ridden operation that killed Tyson's liver.
As we close out this series, we will now hear from Tyson. What are his thoughts about what happened? What are Tyson's messages for doctors and nurses as well as lawyers? Lori sent me the following e-mail with Tyson's reaction word-for-word:
From Tyson Horton:
Take responsibility for your screw-up
Do your best to fix the error
If you can’t fix it, have a more experienced doctor come in
Pay the bills
I don’t know what life is supposed to be like, because it happened when I was so young. I never knew what not having a scar was like. I’ve never known what life could be like without the transplant so it feels normal. Most of my friends don’t know what I’ve been through or that I even had surgery. I think that’s good because I want to be normal, but I’m not really.
I played basketball in the 7th grade but it was hard to keep up with my friends on the court because I got tired so fast. I’ve always wanted to go into the air force but I can’t because of the transplant. I have to have blood draws every 12 weeks because of the transplant and they can be a little bit of a hassle. And every year I have to go to Portland for a check-up with my Stanford transplant doctors. I miss out on stuff while I’m up there."
I want to thank Lori and Tyson for sharing their story with me and Sorry Works! readers. I really appreciate Lori reaching out to me. This is a very powerful story that shows what happens medical errors are compounded by legal games. This story demonstrates how families are hurt when hospitals allow post-event discussions and reconciliation to be highjacked by attorneys. Lori created a Facebook page to share Tyson's story, and she has also made her Caring Bridge notes available. Anyone -- especially medical and nursing students -- who would like to gain greater appreciation of medical errors should visit Lori's Facebook page and Caring Bridge notes.
Please, if your organization does not have an updated disclosure policy and working disclosure program, take the necessary steps to make this happen now. Sorry Works! can help.
Please forward this e-newsletter to colleagues and friends.
Sincerely,
- Doug
Doug Wojcieszak, MA, MS
Sorry Works, a 501c3 patient safety organization
618-559-8168 (direct dial)
doug@sorryworks.net
