In Nov 2002 (getting nearer to the 2-year limit), I had a colonoscopy and,
during the colonoscopy, there were polyps found in my colon. The
colonoscopist did a polypectomy and took out about 5 polyps. In doing so,
she perforated my colon which eventually resulted in a serious infection. I
was admitted into the emergency room. Subsequently, I had to undergo major
surgery - a resection of my colon and I had to have a colostomy bag for
three months. It took me about a month to recuperate.

After three months, I again underwent surgery for the reversal of the
colostomy and the joining again of my colon which took me another month or
so to recuperate.

I have sent all the documentation I obtained from the hospital to two
different lawyers and when they got back to me they said I don't have a
medical malpractice case. The basic reasons given to me were: perforation of
the colon is one of the risks of polypectomy during a colonoscopy and I
signed the statement saying that I was advised of it, the accepted standards
of care were met (ergo no negligence) and that there was no permanent
damage.

I'm now wondering whether I have any recourse to have myself compensated for
the pain and suffering I underwent. After all, I was in good health and I
just went for what was basically a routine diagnostic procedure. Eventually,
I ended up having undergone two major surgeries (1st time - repair of the
perforated colon, and 2nd time - reversal of colostomy and reanastomosis of
my colon), I had to take a vacation leave for two months or so - a month
after each surgery to recuperate, and pain and suffering - especially during
the post-operative periods as well as having my rectum go off-line for three
months and adjusting to having fecal matter come out through a hole beside
my belly button into a bag that would from time to time leak and cause me
embarassment.

Any suggestions on what I can do to get some compensation for the nightmare
I suffered through?