Haven't been on here for a while, bowed out when things were getting nasty, hope everything is calm and happy now?
Just logged on to - once again - praise the NHS, or at least the Castle Ward of Royal Berks Hospital in Reading. Rocked up at A & E last Saturday at 5.30 am with COPD (or is it?) breathing very bad. Straight in and onto nebs before they decided to admit me. A few years ago I'd go in every few months in the winter, have some nebs and a jab then go home after a few hours. Those days are gone and I get admitted now! However I have had a brilliant winter and was a bit of a shock when this flared up at what is usually my best time of year. The heat doesn't usually affect me. Anyway I was in for 3 nights, came home yesterday with a sackful of drugs. Have a chest infection, and having been told at my local surgery that my 'asthma' was now COPD, that was what I accepted. At Royal Berks I saw a Chest Specialist who assured me it is actually just (JUST!!) chronic asthma, a great diagnosis I thought! Think the heat and the chest infection struck me down. Again, I can't praise Royal Berks highly enough, the care was wonderful, the food great, staff efficient and friendly, cleaners always on the go. They kept me in until my chest was clear, I could blow 160 on the peak flow (I know it's crap, but as good as it gets for me). This in huge contrast to when I was in East Surrey in Redhill with severe pneumonia a couple of years ago. Told I'd be in 4 or 5 nights min, so was a bit shocked to be told on the second morning I could go home - not only that but a porter arrived with a wheel chair to take me to the discharge room before I was even up and about. I threw my things together and asked him "Do you always chuck sick patients out like this" and was told "We need the bed". Ludicrous! What is the point of sending sick people home - if they don't recover they'll just be back in again! I am happy to live closer to Reading than Redhill. Good choice Angela!
Written by
Sylvsmum
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hiya Sylvsmum and welcome back. It's best if I don't comment on the past. The future, however, looks brighter. Things are certainly calmer and the techies are working like crazy to get the new site running properly. As you say, there is a huge difference in hospitals. My own Sandwell hospital I can't fault. Anyway, welcome back. It's nice to se you again.
Hi nice to have you back on the site sorry that you have not been well, so far so good on here at the moment I've not read any nastiy post so hoping its going to stay like that I think they removed the nasty one lol Bliss x
I know the Royal Berks well, living just outside Reading when I was young. PLeased that they gave you good care and attention. We now live near Addenbrookes which is huge and efficient. Went to the chest clinic, yesterday.. BUT, the A/C wasn't much cop. So pickey.
PLeased to see you, back, sylsvsmum. Yes, it is more peaceful now. Long may it continue. Keep well. love annieseed.
Hiya glad to see you back. The site seems a lot better now - a lot more friendly. Hopefully others will come back as well.
Well I for one am delighted to read your post and that you have had a far more positive interaction with The Royal Berks - there's too much disparity amongst hospitals for comfort, definitely about time the poor ones upped their game. xx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
xx 
Been on here a while now
Sinusitis issues here
Anyone Here with Asthma Overlap? 
When COPD Symptoms seemed to have Changed,
Daughter’s lung biopsy
