IN HOSPITAL AGAIN FOR THE 4TH TIME - ... - Lung Conditions C...

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IN HOSPITAL AGAIN FOR THE 4TH TIME - LOW OXYGEN LEVELS

Hi all

Hope you're all enjoying the summer weather while I'm stuck in this 'prison'

I came in last Saturday morning when my oxygen levels went dangerously low to 55 AGAIN while at home but this time for the first time ever I fainted first

I've resigned myself to realising that these episodes will always happen & my 'freedom' will be cruelly taken away by the hands of the NHS. I just hope the fainting is only a one off

When I changed wards I brought in my meds & the blister pack that was empty (coz I'd taken them) & my pill box with the same tablets described on it & the grubby nurses TOOK IT OFF ME & PREVENTED ME FROM TAKING THEM & LOCKED THEM Up-In favour of their own boxes of the same tablets that I take. I proved beyond doubt that the tabs in the pill box were the same as described on the blister pack & actually the head of the ward DEMANDED I GIVE THEM UP & ACCUSED OF BRINGING history DRUGS INTO THE WARD

Then I was even ACCUSED of taking photos of official documents - a folder containing my history I asked permission to see it & it was granted when they put it on my bed but on NO ACCOUNT did I take photos & I showed the accusing nurse that beond doubt there was no record of any photos of the document. Only history of my growing up stages family & me horseriding

I started on 3 litres Oxygen then gradually had it taken down until it was 0.5 & the saturations monitored & they were in the 90s (base line being 82-92)

Yesterday for the first time I had my oxygen Sats taken now I'm off it & they were 96

I'm awaiting the results of my CT scan. At first I was told Ii needed to have a scan on my heart bur then a doctor said to me as I had one in April I could have it at a later date as an outpatient

I'm as bored as hell & just wanna go home

The HPs (Healthcare professionals) are hopeless & can't even answer BASIC medical questions & so they get out of answering they say I don't know

All they're fit for is giving out breakfast & drinks & cleaning

On one occasion an HP, as I call them had to be shown in front of me how to take BP Oxy Sats & other info those mobile machines take when she d done it before

A lot of things are riding on my release from this open prison

I had to resort to smuggle tactics so that my tabs were given to me at the times I specifed

I had to battle them for my epilepsy tabs to be at 7.30am every morning cos that's my routine. Me & mum backed the ward manager & it's nurses into a corner untill they backed down

They're standing firm though about giving me my tabs for BP at 9am

When I saw they weren't forthcoming at 7.30I used my smuggled ones in an attempt to carry on my routine I had no choice

I told them TIME & AGAIN I need my lung meds at 12.00 as that's my routine they IGNORED MY REQUEST, & "CARRIED ON THEIR OWN SWEET WAY AS IF I'D NEVERASKED

SO once again I resorted to smuggle tactics to ensure I takevyhem at the correct time

They're supposed to watch while the tabs were taken which FINALLY TURNED UP at 1.45but I'd eaten by then so I told them I need digestion time before taking them. I managed to use a window of opportunity while they both turned their back & put them in my bag to look like I'd taken them then showed them the empty pill box

I will teach them to take my tabs off me & where I can I will continue until I am released & spy on their movements

I've just had some good news on the results of my lung scan & there's no clot on them it was just an infection

I can have my heart scan as an outpatient so GOING HOME TODAY!!! YAYYY

THANK GOD

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Sara_2611

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19 Replies

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Caspiana2 years ago

Hello Sara.

I remember you from your previous post also when you were in prison , I mean hospital. I am sorry to sound harsh but so many people actually need appointments and hospitalisation and although you don't appreciate it, if you fainted with hypercapnia, in all honesty they have probably saved your life. When I am in hospital they also give me their pills simply because mine are already in pill boxes and they cannot take each pill out to analyse it to make sure it is correct. I don't mind at all as long as I get my medication. I understand being ill can bring out the worst in us. Being in hospital is stressful , but I do try to understand they have dozens of others besides me to look after and monitor. So I try to be patient. It's not always easy , I do know but it's not easy for anyone including the staff.

Anyway I am glad they saved you from going into full respiratory failure, from which for certain you would not be well enough to type up your rather animated post.

Best wishes and congratulations on going home.

Sara_2611 in reply to Caspiana2 years ago

Thanks what do u mean hype up my rather animated posts (with all due respect can I please enquire Are u trying to be sarcastic

garshe in reply to Sara_26112 years ago

Caspiana will never be sarcastic. She is a very wise and positive lady and will only give good advice. She has been through it all and is a mind of information. A Truly lovely lady. Great news you are going home today xx Sheila 💕💕💕

Bevvy2 years ago

I genuinely feel your frustration but ALL hospitals insist on your medication being locked away and the nurses being in charge of handing them out. I remember being bemused by this the first time I was admitted but can understand the logic of this. Each ward has a number of patients and some will need to be given meds and for nurses to observe they taken. It would be more time consuming to remembering or to check notes for who can be independent and who needs support.I don’t understand why you believe your freedom will be taken away by NHS. Sounds more like it is thankful that NHS exists and you were treating promptly and appropriately. Certainly in many countries this wouldn’t have happened including USA unless you have appropriate medical insurance.

Am pleased you are able to be discharged today and hope you can continue your recovery at home.

Sara_2611 in reply to Bevvy2 years ago

This sounds like a gang up on me & defend the NHS

I have a routine regarding my epilepsu/BP meds ive been in since I was young so they should recognizer the importance of staying in that routine _the effects it could possibly have if there is changes

Bevvy in reply to Sara_26112 years ago

I’m sorry you feel like that. You put together a long post and I was trying to look at it from a different perspective. As stated in last response, all in-patients have medications dispensed to them and I have suggested reasons for this. Of course you should be given them at required time but maybe to ensure this happened you needed to go about this a different way?? I don’t know I wasn’t there.

If I want to support/defend NHS then I am entitled to. Just as much as you are entitled to complain about it. Yes there are many issues and am not saying serious mistakes don’t happen. I personally know of people who have sadly died through mistakes, but far more people are treated successfully. Having joined Facebook 18 months ago, I am now aware that some people in America can’t necessarily afford the drugs and treatment that I take for granted.

Damon1864Volunteer2 years ago

I would be glad to get out of there if I were you. But I'm pleased you are going home you will feel better once you get back into your routine. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx

Briantheman2 years ago

Be thankful you have free healthcare. You have been cared for. You are well enough to go home. To describe hospital as a prison is pathetic and completely misplaced. Make the lifestyle changes to help yourself, to improve yourself and make yourself a better life. Respect the healthcare staff that are helping you. They have kept you going! Don't be so ungrateful. Good luck for your future - it's in YOUR hands

Alberta562 years ago

Poor old you. It seems to be a 'knock Sara' day. I see what the others are saying, but it seems to me that there was a lack of communication on your ward. If someone had taken the time to explain why they needed to dispense your pills and listen to your need to have certain meds at the right time, things might have been different. I felt imprisoned when I was taken in after a heart attack. No-one was unkind, but they wouldn't let me leave the ward, wouldn't let me do a bit of gentle Tai Chi and the food was dull (polite word.) Two of us were sure one agency nurse had given us the wrong tablets. We were both getting stir crazy before we escaped. Anyway I'm glad you're home and hope it will be a very long time before you need to visit a hospital again.

Sara_2611 in reply to Alberta562 years ago

GIVEN THE WRONG TABLETS?? THAT COULD BE LIFE THREATENING?? why didn't they know

ladyn2 years ago

You poor thing. I understand what you mean the treatment from some nurses, I’ve been down that road. Glad your feeling better

Tykelady2 years ago

I hate to say this but I think you are being unfair to the NHS staff. We have all been lucky enough to have our conditions diagnosed and help offered even if not always accepted gratefully. When ill it is easy to have a negative spin on what's happening especially if it's beyond your control but I hope as you start to feel better you can put your hospital experience behind you.

Sara_2611 in reply to Tykelady2 years ago

Granted they did a first class job during the pandemic I ll never take that away from them ever

I don't feel I'm being unfair. When trying to make a GP appointment it's impossible then as soon as they need to have you in EG for a review they're quick on the uptake

Sometime I phoned up to make an appointment & once again they said they hadn't any BUT when I told them I had a letter off my doctor at the hospital they soon did as they were told & gave me one

This morning I read in the online M. E. N newspaper that Royal Oldham General hospital told a patient who was struggling to BREATHE TO LUE ON THE FLOOR THAT'S A DISGRACE ON THE PART OF THE NHS

I don't feel I'm being unfair

Bingo882 years ago

Good morning Sara_2611. I do understand your frustration in some ways regarding your routine of taking your tablets at certain times. But the hospitals as I am sure your aware are very short staffed. And have other patients to look after as well. So can't really do designated time slots. And if your taking your own meds without there knowledge and they come along and give you the same tablets it could be very dangerous. I hope you are home now. And perhaps try doing some exercises in your own home to keep your lungs open and working as well as possible and that will prevent you from more hospital stays for longer hopefully. To call them a prison I find insulting because they are only doing a job. As told by the doctors and are underpaid and under Appreciated. Hope you have a nice weekend and take care. Brian

Sara_2611 in reply to Bingo882 years ago

I wasnt taking both Brian. My own was locked away

Millyboo7102 years ago

I expect the “grubby nurses” and useless staff will be glad to see the back of you. I am appalled by your ignorant comments.

Mooka2 years ago

I’m glad you are able to go home today. I have always been encouraged to bring my meds in from home. Often after a sensible conversation I’ve been given the key to the locker so that I can take them at my preferred times. Did you not see a pharmacist while you were there. Perhaps next time you can suggest this. The nurses are overworked and sometimes it’s a relief when a patient can look after themselves. I hope you continue with your recovery.

Shrimpy-13-22-252 years ago

Hi Sara, I hope you’re feeling better and are at home. Can I suggest that next time you go into hospital you have a copy of your repeat prescription with you and any medication that is still boxed. I think that they have to take medications off patients incase a patient overdoses etc and they are responsible. It’s annoying when you are unable to take medication at times you are used to, I usually ask the staff to ask a doctor if it’s acceptable that I am given a tablet earlier, then take it as normal, which is mostly acceptable. As my local trust won’t supply some medication I require that is on repeat, I do have to take mine in with me but had a hell of a time getting the remainder of my tablets back off them last time I was in. It’s very difficult when you’re poorly and are totally dependent on other people, it saps your inner strength and knocks your self esteem. You take care and be as well as you can be.

moderator_AandLUKAdministratorVolunteer2 years ago

This forum is rightly available for members to voice their frustrations, in order to obtain important support and advice from other members. However, there are a number of defamatory comments on this thread which are in breach of Section 7 of HU's T&Cs. Consequently, I have decide to turn off the ability for any further replies.

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