Williston educator shares harrowing experience of wrong-foot surgery

In a poignant testimony that echoed through the halls of the North Dakota House Judiciary meeting on February 3, 2025, a mother and educator shared her harrowing experience of medical error that forever altered her life. As she recounted her story, the room fell silent, captivated by the weight of her words.

In February 2018, after undergoing surgery, she awoke in a recovery room with a deep sense that something was amiss. Her right foot was wrapped, but she insisted to the medical staff that it was the wrong foot. Despite her pleas, the staff dismissed her concerns, attributing her confusion to anesthesia. It was only when she urged them to check her left foot that the shocking truth emerged: surgery had been performed on the wrong foot.

This traumatic event marked the beginning of a long and painful journey. The woman, now living with complex regional pain syndrome—a condition known for its debilitating pain—described her daily struggle. She shared that the pain she endures is rated a staggering 46 out of 50 on the McGill pain scale, surpassing even the agony of kidney stones. Her life, once filled with active parenting and teaching, has been overshadowed by chronic pain and limitations.

Determined to hold the healthcare system accountable, she pursued legal action against CHI, the hospital responsible for her ordeal. Her aim was not only personal justice but also to protect her community from similar mistakes. Throughout the process, she uncovered systemic failures within the hospital, revealing that 16 errors contributed to her situation. Despite her efforts to advocate for change, CHI showed little interest in reforming their practices.

The impact of her ordeal extends beyond physical pain; it has reshaped her identity. The vibrant mother and dedicated teacher she once was has been replaced by someone who struggles to participate in family events and classroom activities. Her children now care for her, a role reversal that weighs heavily on her heart.

As she concluded her testimony, the room was left to ponder the broader implications of her experience. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for accountability and reform within the healthcare system, emphasizing that every patient deserves safety and respect. The meeting, marked by her emotional narrative, highlighted the urgent call for change in medical protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.