Hospital in the end!: Hi all. You may... - Lung Conditions C...

Lung Conditions Community Forum

55,583 members • 66,290 posts

Hospital in the end!

Hi all. You may recall I posted a couple of weeks ago about feeling ill and not knowing who to turn to. In the end, I had no option but to call 999. My O2 kept dropping to 70% and I felt so ill. Off to the Royal Derby Hospital. I cannot fault the treatment and care I received there from start to finish. The A&E Doctors got me on drips and soon had me COVID TESTED (Negative) and on the respiratory ward. From then on the Consultant took full charge, ordered tests and scans, and treated me for the infection. But she still seemed to think there was something else and ordered a load more tests. Thank goodness she did, it was discovered I had a Pulmonary Embolism which is now receiving ongoing treatment. In addition, she sent for the Respiratory Oxygen Nurses and had me assessed for Ambulatory Oxygen which is being delivered to me today. The staff at the hospital, from the Consultant to the ward cleaner were absolutely brilliant and I can't thank them all enough. I am just so glad that I am now finally back home and able to start my recovery. Just wanted to let you all know the outcome and thank you for listening to my ramblings.

Written by

johnderby

To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .

Read more about...

Vascular conditions

18 Replies

•

sassy594 years ago

You’ve certainly been well cared for johnderby and that’s good to hear. Your consultant is brilliant! Wishing you a good recovery. Xxx

Biofreak4 years ago

So pleased you got the care you needed. I wish I could say that our hospital A&E responded in the same way. My husband went to A&E with breathing difficulties in July. He had an X-ray and a few days later a CT scan. He was not admitted to hospital but was told by phone that he has Lung fibrosis and needs more tests. Not had any appointments since. Went to A&E again with breathing difficulty and A& E Doc said he needed home oxygen but sent him home saying it would be arranged. A few days later he got a call from the oxygen provision people and was told he is on the list but there is a 6 to 8 week wait. The difference in hospital trusts is amazing. Will have to come and live near you!

4 years ago

So glad you are ok and on the road to recovery now JohnD and so glad you had good care while in hospital. Best wishes for a very good recovery.

SquirrelsHolt4 years ago

Good morning to you @johnderby but there's never,ever, a time on this forum to say sorry or apologise ok. Now that is your ticking off done. Just as a reminder to us "lungies" I've read the reply Biofreak posted and the difference between your 2 experiences is very upsetting as it goes back to almost a postcode lottery as to whether your local hospital can give you the same treatment as another 🏥 hospital, maybe 10 or 20 miles away. You are able to choose where you are taken to, to recieve treatment. Obviously you can't say you want to go by ambulance to a 🏥hospital 100 miles away. I'm certain the Royal Derby were as terrific as you describe and that's brilliant. You've had quite a lot going on and yet knowing your Resp Con says you need ixygen it does mean, if i were you, I'd be querying the long waiting time for the O2 you've been prescribed. Maybe worth a calk to Respiratory Department and ask to speak to Head Resp Nurse who can arrange it all. Do let us know how you get on and in NO WAY us my reply meant to frighten or cause you any upset. Ive been exactly where you are(all be it 7 or 8 years ago).Excellent news that you are back home and hopefully have somebody to help and look afteryou. Best wishes. 🐿🌈

Biofreak in reply to SquirrelsHolt4 years ago

Not sure if you are saying my husband should speak to resp consultant or John but if you mean my husband, he hasn't seen a consultant yet face to face and is still waiting for an appointment not only to see a consultant but also tests. Believe me when I tell you we have made many phone calls. Last phone call was to GP asking if they could urge oxygen delivery. A phone call from a respiratory clinic doctor is supposed to be received by my husband on 22/9. The respiratory clinic was not operating a month ago and my husband has been waiting for lung function tests and spirometry and several others for months.

SquirrelsHolt in reply to Biofreak4 years ago

Now that's not whats recommended by the Nat Inst for Clinical Excellence N.I.C.E. Have a look under NICE and see what protocol they are following. So.if your husband who is the one needing O2(?) then with the relevant facts to hand maybe its time to take them to task. Afterall it can be a real matter if life and death , ok I'm totally exaggerating but it could be if untreated for several weeks. Good luck and do keep us up to date with all developments. 🐿🌈

Biofreak in reply to SquirrelsHolt4 years ago

Thanks for the information Squirrels. Best regards.

SquirrelsHolt in reply to Biofreak4 years ago

I'm not saying it's a guarantee to get the oxygen any earlier if the Respiratory Clinic has been shut for a while but any hospital in your area can do the spirometry tests (even your own Doctor) and then take bloods to see what levels of O2 hubby has. Then a 6 min walk around the hospital, a bit of number crunching and then a HOOF Home Oxygen Order Form will be raised and it is as simple as th at. So why nake patients wait for a vital form of medication is beyond me . Good luck. 🐿🌈

Biofreak in reply to SquirrelsHolt4 years ago

It's beyond me too Squirrels. At my wit's end now. As for the GP, well the doctor he spoke to via phone appointment last Monday knows full well that he has been waiting for these tests and hasn't offered but will be on the phone asking on Monday believe me.

4 years ago

It’s so good that you were finally treated by an efficient doctor and received excellent care. I hope that your recovery at home is speedy now and that you will soon be feeling perky.