Ablation

[Cheruboo]

Firstly I do apologise for my lack of input into the forum, I do study all the messages and so enjoy them, lots really helpful. Thought I would share my ablation  - atrial tachycardia,  experience with you. It all took place last Wednesday I was first on the list, which was good, all ran smoothly, had a general, as with the previous ablation four years ago had proved successful, only in the last year had I slipped and slid down the the bumpy road of virtually permanent AF.  For such a long corridor of wards, it was noticeable when I ventured out and took a closer look at the small ward I was in and another at the end of the corridor, that they were the only two functioning.the rest of the corridor had empty spaces. I asked a nurse why were there so many beds available? “ No staff was the reply.”  Why..? Management?Three days later at home, I felt a twinge in the throat, and a little dry cough, indeed it was the dreaded Covid, I not only had to deal with the do and don.t list for the ablation procedure, I had to tackle the really rough virus which was not being very lenient.  I do have multiple  health issues, as am I certain there are many  of you  who also  have to cope with.  Mine have a top of the list,  - apart from the cardiac side.    Pituitary Apoplexy a couple of years ago. That is when a Pituitary Tumour bleeds in the head and virtually decides it wants to destroy your cortisol and most of your other hormones. There is the very magic hydrocortisone which does the trick, but the balance is very delicate, if you do not abide by the Pituitary Sick Day Guidance, when feeling poorly and get an ambulance, you can be in serious trouble. So I am having to quadruple my hydrocortisone intake whilst the Covid situation continues. something my present Gp could not advise.but thank goodness for the excellent Specialist Endocrine Nurse who, as my voice had disappeared, guided my dear husband on the telephone,  through the forthcoming drug change. I do believe  multihealth issues,are one of the most difficult problems we have to contend with. Unfortunately most GPS cannot deal with such variations, it goes back to that old question should you see the same doctor all the time ? Of course you should, but say they leave? After mine recently did after fifteen years of,  I do believe, keeping me going.  now, the confidence of being able to have a satisfactory conclusion resulting from  chat with the gp, has gone, so many changes in staffing, the strange thing is, the turnaround seems to include doctors who arrive, settle in, and when we have established compatibility,  we are told they have gone on maternity leave.  why?  management?My future health plan looks as though I shall mix NHS with private consultations as we will be private funding,no insurance!  only problem is the moment you step aside from Private you get the long waiting lists, although they do seem a little shorter. Also we do have some splendid specialist nurses who are very professional and are able to advise and make decisions. I do feel though that through recent months the GP situation is pretty poor and as  most of the NHS management needs a Thorough overhall.On a lighter note - a couple of years ago my dearest daughter passed away after a life living with various disabilities, having a condition called Hydrocephalus. She had more than her share of ups and downs, but none we could not contain.  I only mention this, as I wonder if anyone saw Lucy, who had reminded me so much of her? She is  the most charming blind, autistic girl who with her mother beside her for reassurance, sat with her hands delicately touching the piano keys , playing the piano for millions of the  world’s audience viewing  the Coronation Concert last Sunday evening, so inspiring  . I watched The Piano series which Lucy was part of. She reminded me that there is always hope, and that if we look deeply we are all gifted  and are able to offer significance to others’ lives in some respect.Over and Out. Thank you everyone for your posts they really do mean a lot!

[jeanjeannie50]

Oh my goodness, you don't do things by half do you!! How are you feeling now?

I can totally understand what you are saying about going privately for any medical problems. The trouble is most of us cant afford that now we're retired. I had free insurance with my job for many years and went private then for several procedures, very different to what we get from the NHS now. The NHS in my area are using private hospitals for things like hip replacements, a friend had two of hers done there. Unfortunately once on anticoagulants you cannot use that private hospital at all.

Yes, I saw Lucy play the piano and it was truly outstanding.

So sorry to hear that you lost you dear daughter.

Wishing you well.

Jean

[Cheruboo in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Yes, I absolutely agree about the private funding now we are retired, there is only so far you can stretch yourself. It becomes yet another problem. Like you we used to have insurance through michael’s job, but I am afraid our health history would not be accepted now. I had to have a consultation with a neurologist in London for my Pituitary problem and he very kindly suggested that the amount of tests etc that will be necessary for him to carry out would be extremely expensive and has requested the nhs continues through him in London. This has been ok’d and I see him again in July. Anyway onwards and upwards. Thank you for your kind words regarding my daughter, I feel so grateful that we were able to share her life, she taught so many people she met nothing less than purity, she had not a bad thought within her, and I really think that Lucy and people like her too have the same beauty. Thank you

[Truffles2 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

I work in private healthcare and I would say 70% of our patients are NHS they are helping get the NHS waiting list down

[Ppiman]

That was inspiring to read as, between those fine lines, breathed a very caring human spirit. I was sorry to learn of the loss of your daughter and I do hope you cope well with this. We have had our own share of tragedy and came to know first-hand that such loss is not something anyone can understand or easily help. Time is a very slow healer, indeed.

The NHS can be in a parlous state. The shortage of staff is only partly down to poor management as you say, but much more down to a lack of funding and training places caused by government intervention, along with the staffing effects caused by both Brexit and covid. Our marvellous daughter-in-law is a nurse and sees these as the main issues. It is a bad time for the NHS and I can on ly hope some way to improve it is found soon or I fear worse is to come,

Steve

[Cheruboo in reply to Ppiman]

thank you, you are absolutely right, with all you say. It does seem so very frustrating that so many of us, recognise exactly what is happening, and can do little but watch it slowly unfolding, and hope upon hope that eventually all will even out.Perhaps, because we have been subject to so many ups and downs in all sorts ways, experiencing the twists and turns of life, politics and sculldugery? over the years We are somewhat sceptical just waiting, however, your lovely daughter-in-law - a shining light within your family, amongst others, I am sure, who although we cannot see how many they are, hopefully there they are, just edging their way to the front , to make a stand for the right path to take. I am so sorry you too have had sadness! One of my dearest friends, who is no longer with us, had one of the most tumultuous lives you could imagine, everything that could erupt would and eventually should would stand out in the middle of her garden and shout, looking up to the heavens, with arms open wide “I suppose you think that is funny” take care Ppiman.

[Ppiman in reply to Cheruboo]

Thank you - so kind.

Steve

[Qualipop]

My word what a difficult life you've had. I used to work with children who had hydrocephalus and other problems so I know how difficult that was but people cope; they have no choice. We are stronger than we realise. Yes I saw Lucy and at the Coronation concert too; an amazing girl. Her parents must be so proud and she has an incredible school that recognised her incredible ability. Everyone is special in some way. Lucy reminded me of a beautiful little girl I taught, totally non verbal autistic until one day out of the blue, when the headteacher told her off gently for getting in the way, she looked up, gave the head's name and said "&^%^ get lost". Her first words in 12 years. I still get goosebumps when I remember. I hope your abalation w orked and you soon recover from the lurgy.

[Cheruboo in reply to Qualipop]

I love your story of the non verbal young lady, we too knew a similar girl, the vocabulary was to say the least extreme, she was so demure, and said very little, on the surface, She did have a strange habit though, If there was a disco at one of the centres sometimes there would be invitations to stay the weekend, one night when all was quiet, the demure one slid off her bed, crawled along to the laundry room, switched on all the machines, stole two pounds of strawberries which had been left in there for safe keeping. Crawled safely back to bed tucked in. The only thing that was unusual she was sleep crawling and knew nothing of her adventure,and adamantly denied it in her colourful language the only evidence was the amount of strawberry juice on her night clothes! 🧑‍🦼thank you for asking about the ablation.Not sure yet, problem is the virus has been horrendous, and it possibly rocked the boat somewhat, I have to return to hospital for a checkup, in a couple of weeks, but I believe my consultant is contemplating a PM, I hope I do not come out with any extras this time? Many thanks Qualipop