Analysis: 'Sicko' numbers mostly accurate; more context needed

By A. Chris GajilanCNN
(CNN) -- Michael Moore's "Sicko," which opened nationwide Friday, is filled with horror stories of people who are deprived of medical service because they can't afford it or haven't been able to navigate the murky waters of managed care in the United States.
It compares American health care with the universal coverage systems in Canada, France, the United Kingdom and Cuba.
Moore covers a lot of ground. Our team investigated some of the claims put forth in his film. We found that his numbers were mostly right, but his arguments could use a little more context. As we dug deep to uncover the numbers, we found surprisingly few inaccuracies in the film. In fact, most pundits or health-care experts we spoke to spent more time on errors of omission rather than disputing the actual claims in the film.
Whether it's dollars spent, group coverage or Medicaid income cutoffs, health care goes hand in hand with numbers. Moore opens his film by giving these statistics, "Fifty million uninsured Americans ... 18,000 people die because they are uninsured."
For the most part, that's true. The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say 43.6 million, or about 15 percent of Americans, were uninsured in 2006. For the past five years, the overall count has fluctuated between 41 million and 44 million people. According to the Institute of Medicine, 18,000 people do die each year mainly because they are less likely to receive screening and preventive care for chronic diseases.
Moore says that the U.S. spends more of its gross domestic product on health care than any other country.
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Autopsy report ~ Edith Isabel Rodriguez suffered " Adhesion Related Disorder!"

Edith Isabel Rodriguez suffered " Adhesion Related Disorder!" A contributory if not THE end means disease of which she died!

Edith Isabel Rodriguez was a victim of "Adhesion Related Disorder," just as IHRT suspected and predicted.
This prediction was something that no medical "professional" was able to predict, suspect and most disturbing to IHRT, was not able to diagnose properly!

Edith presented to the ER a number of times over a short period of time, "was called a "frequent flyer" prescribed analgesics for pain, miss-diagnosed due to the lack of knowledge of ARD, and worse, lack of medical intervention, inhumane treatment and ultimately met her death lying on the floor in the waiting area of Martin Luther King Hospital in LA, with a janitor cleaning around her pain riddled body as loved ones and other patients watched in disbelief!

The sad truth is that hundreds, maybe thousands of persons afflicted with ARD are receiving this very same "lack of treatment" in ER's all over the USA....and if this med student web site is any indication of the caliber of "Dr.'s" who are going to fill these ER's, person afflicted with ARD face this same type of death without dignity or proper medical intervention, just as Edith did!

Read the Adhesion Quilt for stories very similar to Edith's as each person pleads for help from one of the most painful conditions imaginable. ARD patients can be "frequent flyers" to E.R.. It's actually a common phrase in an adhesion sufferer's story.

Not only was Edith's death a tragedy, it appears that her autopsy was just as "sloppy" and "crude" as her death at the hands of "medical professionals!" Her autopsy report is filled with errors and inconsistencies as the hands of those in the corner's office of LA who did the "investigation" & "autopsy!" Would this have happened if "Edith I. Rodriguez" was "Anna Nicole Smith?"

Edith Isabel Rodriguez seems to have been treated as a "Jane Doe" at the coroner's office.

.........Until you know what hit the fan.

BOTH these ladies seemed to have a history of drug taking, with "Anna Nicole Smith" appearing to be the worst of the two, both died young, and both were taking prescription medication at the time of their deaths..and that is where the similarities seem to end!
IHRT called it correctly, and NOT one medical person was able to do that, and we did it without the autopsy results! We will say that, "WE told you so!"

Edith Isabel Rodriguez "Adhesion Related Disorder"

Post-surgical intra-abdominal adhesions

Date of birth: 2/1/1964

Date of death: 5/9/2007

Place of death: Martin Lutheran King - LA

Pg. 1 Synopsis: History of "illicit narcotic" abuse" no mention of an "Iatrogenic" disorder!

Pg. 2 In dormant/witness statement: Diagnostic tests results - Negative for abnormal pathology

Autopsy exam:

Pg. 1 Anatomical summary: D - Lower abdominal and pelvic regions with adhesions.

Pg. 2 NO tracking from illicit drugs..(IHRT asks:"so just how bad was the "Illicit drug taking?")

Pg. 3 Evidence of "old surgery" scar at middle lower portion of the abdomen midline just under the umbilicus is vertically oriented and measures 7.5 inches. (Laporotomy)

Pg. 4 Prior Appendectomy - Extensive adhesions in the lower abdominal quadrant! (IHRT adds that THIS is a VERY painful condition!)

Edith's autopsy report states that she died after "collapsing in the ER" and "not being able to be resuscitated," no mention that Edith lay bleeding and withering in pain on the floor of the ER in full view of the ER staff!
Edith's autopsy reports gives her age as both 43 years of age, AND 53 years of age! Edith's autopsy report states that she did not have any bowel strangulation, but adhesions most certainly narrow the intestinal passages and constricts constipated stool!

One x-ray could have seen the mega colon and thus her life could have been saved.

Was she ignored because this E.R suspected she had adhesions and also needed emergency surgery.
Adhesions are usually a surgeons worst nightmare!
Adhesions are can be dangerous to lyse. Adhesiolysis can be very time consuming thus offers a medical facility no profits.
Most surgeons are pretty nervous about their medical malpractice rates.

IHRT suspects that many are turned away and discriminated against just for having prior surgeries or if the word adhesions is on any post op report.
IHRT says very possible!

Edith's autopsy report states her death was an "accidental!"

Edith Isabel Rodriguez is, sadly, a prime example of what persons afflicted with ARD face when seeking medical intervention for their pain and various symptoms!

Edith's death was NOT due to diabetes, hypertension, overweight, nor gender, race, being rich or poor, having a criminal record or not, drug addiction, being transient in nature, being a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a sister, an aunt, a person....Edith died because she had, "Adhesion Related Disorder" and this IS how persons afflicted with ARD are treated by medical "professionals" in Emergency Rooms all across the USA!

IHRT predicts that this treatment is not likely to get better after reading the comments by "medical students" in the following link! Non of the med students had a clue as to what might have caused Edith's symptoms, and why she presented so often to the ER, nor why all the diagnostic tests were "normal!" IHRT knew the answer to ALL of those answers, and they was right!
Many adhesion sufferers immediately thought, " Edith IS one of us I bet" and now we have obtained the horrible truth of the matter. The autopsy confirmed our worse fears,

Read "Edith's Autopsy " report for yourself!

Edith Isabel Rodriguez had severe abdominal adhesions.

Edith Isabel Rodriguez will save many lives we pray with her tragic posthumous story.

Adhesion sufferers should be forever armed at all times with our operative reports and Edith Rodriguez' autopsy report.

Firmly stand your ground.

You will be presenting to the likes of these medical professions in the future. Here is the link, "Student Doctor Network Forums"

LADoc00 writes:

"The lady was a drug addict and had warrants for her arrest. Why does anyone think this was unintentional?? Was she even a US citizen FFS? On the face of it, saving her would have been FAR more of a tragedy for America.LET THESE PEOPLE DIE. I cant stress this enough.I want to give MLK adminstrators a medal for this not my scorn.
__________________Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountain, like a wind in the meadow; The days have gone down in the West behind the hills into shadow."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Is he just kidding?? IHRT can't tell!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

These are the facts, plain and simple..and this was "Manslaughter," plain and simple!

Sicko Opens Today

Today is the Day for "Sicko"...a letter from Michael Moore

Movie Trailer

"Where can I see the film?"

TONIGHT at 9:00 PM ET:Check Out Mike on 'Larry King Live'

"Would you patent the sun?" -- Jonas Salk, developer of the polio vaccine

Outnumbered; Pharmaceutical giants might as well take a chill pill

What Do They Have to Lose?

The Rug Out from Under Their Feet

SICKO OPENS TODAY! EVERYWHERE!!

Composix Kugel Mesh Patches Recall and class action suit

[ESPAÑOL]
The US Food and Drug Administration along with Davol, Inc., a subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc., have instituted a recall of certain models of the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch. The patches are used for the repair of hernias caused by thinning or stretching of scar tissue that forms after hernia surgery.


How the patch is usedThe folded patch is placed inside the abdominal cavity through an incision and positioned behind the hernia. The patch is then unfolded and held open by a plastic "memory recoil ring" once it is in place. There have been reports that this ring has broken and created a number of health problems for the patients.The hernia repair device was recalled because of these reports. If the ring should break, the broken ends could poke through th mesh and create bowel perforations and/or a condition called "chronic enteric fistulae." The ring is designed to aid in deployment of the patch, but it can break when increased stress is placed on it during certain surgical placement techniques.According to the FDA Recall Notice "Patients who have been implanted with a Composix Kugel Mesh Patch during hernia surgery should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms that could be associated with ring breakage. These symptoms include:unexplained or persistent abdominal pain, fever, tenderness at the surgery site or other unusual symptoms."In a March-24-06 recall notice, Bard recommends that health care professionals "Immediately discontinue use of the specific product codes and lot numbers listed below. Additionally, please immediately distribute copies of this Important Patient Management Information to clinicians who may have implanted, or who may be managing, patients already implanted with one of these products under voluntary recall."The product codes for the Dec-05, Jan-06 and Mar-06 recalls are:
PC#0010206
Bard Composix Kugel
Extra Large Oval
8.7" x 10.7"
PC#0010207
Bard Composix Kugel
Extra Large Oval
10.8" x 13.7"
PC#0010208
Bard Composix Kugel
Extra Large Oval
7.7" x 9.7"
PC#0010209
Bard Composix Kugel
Oval
6.3" x 12.3"
PC#0010202
Bard Composix Kugel Large
Oval
5.4" x 7"
PC#0010204
Bard Composix Kugel
Large Circle
4.5"
Kugel Mesh Stories and ArticlesFDA Warned Kugel Mesh Patch Maker of Serious ViolationDavol Inc., maker of the Bard Composix Kugel Mesh Patch, was issued a warning letter in 2006 from the FDA, citing serious problems with quality assurance systems used during the manufacturing process of the patch. The FDA also found that Davol did not report the possible severity of complaints that it received. Another Kugel Mesh Lawsuit FiledAnother lawsuit has been filed against Davol Inc., regarding the company's Kugel Mesh Patch. The lawsuit was filed in May and alleges a man died because of a defective hernia repair patch. Dan's Story: Routine Surgery Gone WrongKugel Mesh? Get Your Surgical ReportComposix Kugel Mesh: Imagine if it Breaks Inside of YouKugel Mesh Compromised My HealthMedical Devices - April 2007 Litigation Update Part IITo the Makers of Kugel Mesh: Cover My Medical ExpensesKugel Mesh Infection: One Woman’s AccountKugel Mesh Cause of DeathKugel Mesh Recall Too Late for SomeKugel Mesh Patch Messed UpKugel Mesh Recall Updated to Class 1Kugel Mesh One Big MessKugel Mesh Recalls – A TimelineKugel Mesh Patches: More Units RecalledKugel Mesh Patches Lead to LawsuitKugel Mesh One Big MessKugel Mesh Patches Considered a Serious RecallKugel Mesh Patch: Recalled due to Serious InjuriesInjuries and Death Reported in Patients Implanted with Bard Kugel Mesh PatchKugel Mesh Patches Recalled

Adhesions ARD Medical Headlines ARDvark Blog

Emergency Departments Overcrowded, Understaffed, Witnesses Testify At House Committee Hearing

As Many As 1.2M Hospital Patients Infected With MRSA Annually, Study Finds

Nursing2007 Survey Report Reveals Improvements Needed In Infection Control

Organon's Once-A-Month Contraceptive Ring, NuvaRing® Completes European Authorization

Never Mind Dying Pain Free, They Should Be Living Pain Free

AMA Calls For Investigation Of Retail Health Clinics

Clinical Trial Confirms New Laxative Safe For Everyone, Including Elderly

Estrogen HRT Can Limit Plaque Accumulation In Arteries, Study Says

Release Of 'Sicko' Places Democratic Presidential Candidates In Difficult Position

Cedars-Sinai Endocrine Researchers Discuss Gene That May Be Linked To Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Research Into Why Common Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Harm Intestines

Requiring HPV Vaccination For School-Age Girls For Upcoming School Year 'Too Soon,' Researcher Says

Flatulence

Flatulence, or gas, is air formed in the intestines as food is being digested. Gas is passed through the rectum and can make a person feel bloated or experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Everyone has gas, and on average eliminate it about 14 times a day. Gas is made of odorless vapors, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen. The odor of gas comes from the bacteria in the large intestine that release gases like sulfur. Gas can make a person feel bloated or cause cramping in the abdominal area.

Gas can be caused by a number of things. Gas in the digestive tract comes from two places: swallowed air and the breakdown of certain undigested foods, not broken down naturally. Foods that are difficult to digest and often cause flatulence are carbohydrates, for example sugars, starches and fiber. Undigested food passes from the small intestine into the large intestine. In the large intestine, harmless bacteria break down the food producing certain gases, like hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and in some people methane. These gases exit the body through the rectum. Those people who produce methane do not necessarily produce more gas, or have different symptoms related to gas.
Food containing carbohydrates causes more gas, and foods with fat and protein cause less. The sugars that cause gas include raffinose, lactose and sorbitol. Raffinose, a complex sugar, is found in many vegetables including beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus and whole grains. Lactose, found in milk products, is the natural sugar found in milk. Lactose can also be found in some processed foods like bread, salad dressing and cereal. Research has shown that lactose intolerance is found more commonly among the African, Native American and Asian ethnicities. These people have lower levels of the enzyme, lactase, which develops in childhood.
Fructose is found in onions, artichokes, pears and wheat. It is also used to sweeten fruit and soft drinks. Sorbitol, is a natural sugar found in some fruits including apples, pears, prunes and peaches. Sorbitol is also an ingredient used as artificial sweetener in “sugar free” candy and diet foods.
Starches also cause gas. Starchy foods that can cause flatulence include corn, pasta, potatoes and wheat. These food items are not easily digested in the large intestine. Rice, however, does not cause gas. Lastly, fiber also can be a key cause of gas. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble fiber. Water can easily break down soluble fibers, found in oat bran, beans, peas and most fruits. Soluble fibers are not broken down until the large intestine. The delay in digestion can cause gas. On the other hand, insoluble fiber produces little gas as it does not change in the digestion process through the intestines. This type of fiber can be found in wheat bran and some vegetables.
However, foods that cause gas in one person may not affect the other. Take notes on what causes you to have gas and avoid those foods. The bacteria in a person’s stomach which can destroy the gases, like hydrogen, vary from person to person. The balance of bacteria is a contributing factor to the amount of gas a person experiences. Gas can also be caused by swallowing air while eating. Eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum and smoking are all ways to swallow more air. Certain foods and swallowing air are two common ways to have flatulence. However, some people experience gas because of other more serious concerns. Lactose intolerance, or the intolerance of dairy products, can cause one to have excessive gas. Persons with irritable bowl syndrome, or IBS, also suffer from excessive gas. IBS is a chronic stomach disorder, and can worsen with increased stress. IBS is a complex disorder of the intestinal tract that causes disruption in bowel habits often resulting in constipation and diarrhea. Another more serious cause of flatulence is malabsorption problems. This is caused by a body’s inability to absorb or digest certain nutrients properly. Malabsorption is usually accompanied by diarrhea.
Cures and Treatment of Flatulence
To avoid gas, keep these few remedies in mind. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly. Relax while eating. Avoid the foods that cause discomfort as mentioned earlier like beans and carbonated drinks. Also, try taking a walk after eating for 10 or 15 minutes to increase digestion. It also helps to drink a soothing tea like chamomile or peppermint after a meal to avoid gas. Changing your diet can be a key way to avoid gas as well.
Over-the-counter medicines work well to cure excessive gas and prevent gas as well. Antacids and digestive enzymes are the most common nonprescription, over-the-counter remedies. Antacids contain simethicone, which combines with gas bubbles in the stomach to remove the gas.
For those who have problems digesting lactose, the enzyme lactase, can help and is also available over-the-counter. Taking or chewing lactose tablets is recommended before meals to help digest those foods while eating. Lactose-free milk products are also available, and can be a good solution to avoid gas. Another recommended remedy is Beano, which contains an enzyme to help digest sugar found in vegetables and beans. Beano is taken before meals as well. If you are having more chronic problems, it could be attributed to a more serious problem, like IBS, and you should see a doctor. Prescription medicines are available to tackle the excessive gas sometimes caused by IBS. You should call your physician if you are having other symptoms in addition to flatulence, like heartburn, intense abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Remember, flatulence is very common, and it is not life-threatening. While it may be unpleasant and embarrassing, there are ways to reduce the symptoms and prevent gas. Altering your diet is the best way to avoid gas. It is also helpful to use over-the-counter medicines that aid in digestion and reducing the amount of air swallowed. Also, a person’s enzyme levels tend to decrease with age, so gas may be a more persistent problem as a person ages. But a close eye on diet choices can be successful in the prevention of flatulence.
http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/relieve-symptoms/flatulence.htm

Half Sando incubators not working, says doctor

Ariti Jankie South Bureau
Saturday, June 23rd 2007
There are 14 incubators at the San Fernando General Hospital to treat newborn babies with problems. But if more than seven babies needed incubators, the hospital would be in a fix-that's because only seven are working.
There was also a lack of water and a shortage of nurses and doctors to look after the babies.
This was the picture painted yesterday by consultant paediatrician at the hospital's neo-natal unit, Dr Kerryn Brahim.
He said that a 6,000-gallon tank placed on the rooftop also fails to supply water due to faulty plumbing. The water shortage placed newborn babies at risk of contamination.
Brahim said there was a big improvement in infrastructure at the hospital, but maintenance was poor.
"It takes too long to have equipment repaired," he said, adding that a lack of incubators forced the nursing staff to provide a heat shield or double layers of clothing to keep the babies warm.
"The nurses are overworked and they have been doing as much work as they can. If things go wrong they are not to be blamed," Brahim added.
He pulled no punches as he related the problems faced on the ward, in light of the injuries suffered by baby Joshua Williams this week.
Brahim said the tissue burns on little Joshua's left foot could have been prevented.
"With sufficient staff the burn could at least have been minimised," Brahim said, adding that grafting would have to be done to the baby's foot.
The baby's mother, Marcia Marcano, of Guayaguayare, told the Express her baby's foot was burnt and his skin peeled off where tubes were attached to his body. She said Joshua, who was born with a congenital deformity of the intestine, weighed 11.5 pound at birth on May 4 but now weighs 6.01 pounds.
Brahim said baby Joshua was slowly recovering "hour by hour". He said the baby started vomiting after birth and was operated on to take out an affected segment of his bowel. The baby later developed adhesions (abnormal union of bodily tissues) and was sent back to surgery where a colostomy was done to reduce obstruction with the bowel opening out to the skin.
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161166795