Dr. Adam P Ellis, MD

Dr. Ellis is an amazing doctor. We are very fortunate to be under his care.

Unpleasant attitude from this doctor. Very disappointed in his care.

I will start by saying that I have MS and it's been around for about 25 yrs. I received a MS treatment on Sept. 18th, 19th and 20th, it was a 3 day infusion. It was a treatment called Lemtrada and its an immune suppressive treatment and I also had Solu-Medrol during those 3 days, which is also an immune suppressing medication. That is just a little intro. for anyone that reads this. I started having some alarming breathing problems on Tues, I thought it was heartburn but when it didn't go away and I started having pain when moving or taking a deep breath we decided I should go to the hospital. I also had not slept for a couple of days due to the Solu-Medrol and probably was a bit on the irritable side. Entering the hospital everyone was very kind and accommodating. I let them know about my compromised immune system and that I was having pain when trying to take a deep breath. I also felt like someone was punching me in the ribs. I was taken back for what I think was an EKG and they… took my pulse/heartrate/temp, all the normal things. I had high everything. Had lots of bloodwork done and sent for a chest x-ray. A super kind ER doctor came in, I wish I'd of remembered his name. He was pretty sure I had pneumonia. Wanted to do a few more blood test to see what type it may be so they were blood cultures but wouldn't have the results for a couple of days but he wanted to treat me right away with an antibiotic, that, I believe is pretty standard until they figure out which type it is. Then this doctor go a hold of my neurologist, Dr. Rosenberg. I'm sure for some consulting and it was decided that I should not go home. So, I was informed that I'd be staying and they were going to admit me and get me a room upstairs. During this time I had my first panic attack. The pain was spreading the left side of my body and it felt like someone was squeezing my heart and I felt like someone was sitting on my chest. I really felt like I could not breath! Well, that's where the nightmare began. The ER doctor ordered some Ativan and then I felt a bit more relaxed. I was taken to a observation room because I was told that there were no rooms available. I asked if I needed to have my fiancé go home and pick up my prescriptions so I'd have them for the night and was told NO, they would be provided. Now, in the observation room! Completely disappointed that they would send me to some place that seemed very dirty in every way. I went to the bathroom and stepped in man urine at the base of the toilet. People were talking to themselves and it was just loud. Had to brush my teeth in a wash sink. Totally disgusting and it probably wouldn't of bothered me if I was not immune compromised. I just cant believe that's where someone made the decision to house me, I would of been better off at home and should of just left. So, by this time I just wanted to sleep and get rid of the pain so I could get some type of comfort. Didn't happen!!!!! All my regular meds did come, however, the nurse had to call several times for my Xanax and Dr. Ellis was just stalling. I usually take all my medications by 10pm and at that time it was going on 2am, unacceptable. I've been told by several doctors that you should not go 24 hours without benzo's in your system because you can have a seizure, I've been a long time user, not abuser. Who knows, maybe all the doctors are wrong but I seriously doubt it. So, now I have that to worry about. Shortly after 2am I received 2 of my 4. I was told I was not going to get my normal dose. Needless to say I didn't sleep and trust me I tried everything, washcloth over my eyes, earplugs, chamomile tea, soft music. So, had another panic attack and it was about the time Dr. Ellis came in, he offered me Tylenol. I heard him state; "cry me a river" pretty sure he was talking about me. I also heard him dictating his notes and they surely sounded like he was speaking of my case. He speaks like an auctioneer selling cars and maybe he thinks people don't understand him but I did. He was right at the nurses desk and I was in room 1 which is right across from him. Seem's like a bit of a privacy thing to me. You should dictate notes in a private place not in the middle of the nurses station. Who knows, I could be wrong but I will be looking this up. This is just a summary of what happened but I do have one more think that I will discuss here. Last night I finally go to get a room upstairs and it was clean and the nurse was amazing. She had all my prescribed meds ready for me and brought me water. She seemed a bit shocked that I had not had any antibiotics that day or anything ordered for the night. She asked me what my goal for the evening was and I told her I wanted to sleep and be free of some of the pain so I can rest comfortably. She took wonderful care of me and I felt like I was in a top notch hospital again. The next morning was another story. He came in and he may of been with 3 interns or something. He looked at the board and was not amused that they treated me for pain and it was not Tylenol. He did say I looked better and I said it was because I slept. He also asked my nurse how the antibiotics went the day before and she said that there were no orders for antibiotics. I reminded him that he told me he didn't want to treat me with antibiotics until he found out if it was viral or bacterial, my fiancé was in the room the day before and he also heard it. Dr. Ellis jumped up and went out of the room and I suspect he was checking my file. He came back and apologized and he had to do it in front of everyone. I just wish that some people, especially doctors would leave their egos at the door! When I was checked out today one of the notes was to see my primary care for follow up and one to see my psychiatrist. During my time there at the hospital I was completely stable and have been for over 4 years and

My father had him at Scripps Encinitas, for 5 days straight. Was attentive and compassionate. Taking time with him and listening to all of his concerns.