Independence and dignity

[LindaLittleBear]

On leaving the hospital I was assigned a care package. With a mended heart and renewed hope I was thrilled to be offered this assistance.OMG how wrong was I. The last weeks have been a nightmare. My independence and dignity have been sorely tested and I have now refused all help from Social Services saying I would rather struggle than be in their system.

I'm now in the process of making a formal complaint.

I'd like to know, hear if any one has faced similar issues?

[Ageingfast]

Dear LLB

What a shame you got the short straw with carers.

Please go carefully and slowly. You need to recover properly and ideally need some help at home. But recovery came steadily for me and I could do a few gentle tasks after a couple of weeks. Few and gentle are the key words !

I really would not try to confront the care providers. When you are fully recovered then maybe, but until then you need to conserve your energy to help yourself with recovery.

I am so pleased to have been snatched from deaths door by fantabulous cardiac care. I hope you can get that same thrill in a while.

Best wishes

Sooty

[LindaLittleBear in reply to Ageingfast]

Thank you for your reply. I have a good friend who is going to help me with changing the bed and other bits. I've already started a complaint with the local authority and the care givers, with little response. That's ok as I know I have time to legally address the issues.

It's very sobering to know I have indeed been snatched from deaths door. My surgeon told me I had 12 months left without the op.

Linda Littlebear 💕

[BeKind28-]

Hello

This is so sad to read your post that your care given has left you feeling your dignity and independence has been damaged as it means so much to us and should not be the case as this is not what it is there to do and I am so sorry this has happened

I would put a complaint in people need to know when things like this happen I know it will not help you as such but hopefully it might stop someone else going through the same

They have not taken that lovely mended heart away from you though which you will continue to recover but I worry how you will cope so please as well as complaining look into any support you can get if you feel you still need it maybe talk with your Doctor or the Hospital that put this in place they need to know to

Take it steady and let us know how you get on x

[LindaLittleBear]

Hi, Thank you. I've started a formal complaints with the local authority and the care agency as well as reporting the issue to my social worker.A Dear Friend is going to help me so I'm not too worried she'll assist with the heavy stuff and I'll plod along with what I can do.

Even if things take time I'll be happy because I'm no longer stressing about the carers and their poor service.

Linda Littlebear 💕

[Ageingfast]

so pleased that you have a friend who will help you out. That bit of help should make your recovery swing along.

I took about 13 weeks but I am older and I had two bouts of gout to slow down recovery.

Maybe you will be much improved by Christmas. It’s a rotten time of year for your convalescence. I was lucky to have the op at the beginning of May so it was all summertime.

I still clearly recall a sunny August day when I felt like new.

Apart from needing about eight million tablets, I feel fine and coming up for 4 years post op.

I like to think about the super surgeon and stunningly good nursing staff, especially the dedicated nurses in ICU and HDU. And the ambulance drivers who brought me home and the GP nurse who got the stitches out.

Best wishes

Sooty