LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “Hospitalization: A Review” by Logan Riggs
Oct 10, 2025
Logan Riggs, an author and essayist, shares a gripping personal account of his hospitalization for a spontaneous pneumothorax. He narrates the surreal experience of rushing to the ER under the fear of a heart attack. Listeners will learn about the diagnostic journey, including a mis-scanned X-ray that delayed treatment. With humor and candor, he offers practical advice on patient advocacy and communication with medical staff, and reflects on the emotional impact on loved ones, emphasizing gratitude for caregivers.
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Chest Tube Procedure And Reactions
- Logan recounts the chest tube procedure under local anesthesia and multiple vasovagal reactions during it.
- He received nausea and pain meds and distracted himself with short videos until medications kicked in.
X‑Ray Mix‑Up Cost Time And Caused Repeat Surgery
- A radiology mix-up led technicians to x-ray the wrong patient twice, delaying recognition that his lung remained partially collapsed.
- That error required Logan to have a second, larger procedure.
Confirm Fasting Rules Before Surgery
- Ask the anesthesiologist about clear-liquid fasting; many guidelines allow two hours for water.
- Don't assume nurses or surgeons have final fasting authority; confirm before surgery.
