Tuesday 26 July 2011

Jean is not a happy bunny

While still in the process of deciding where to go with this blog (don’t tell me!), please allow me to indulge this time in airing my moans.

My GP referred me to a gynaecologist for urgent investigation. First, there were the usual kinds of admin problems. I received an appointment letter on the day, and after the time, that I should have been there. I phoned the receptionist who fitted me into a clinic a couple of days later under the care of someone else. I was seen by a registrar, and apparently some of my case notes were missing. She immediately sent me to the pre-op clinic. I arrived home to find a letter asking me to attend the appointment I had just attended, saying my previous appointment had been changed. I was put on hospital standby for an investigative operation and went in on Monday. Just before my admission, I received a letter from my GP saying she had heard from the gynaecologist that I had not attended for my appointment at his clinic. Once in hospital, nobody knew which consultant I was supposed to be under (and neither do I).

A few days earlier at my pre-op med, the nurse put the blood pressure monitor cuff on my arm and then she said ‘We’ll do the next test at the same time.’ The pre-hospital tests now include screening to ensure you’re not a carrier of MRSA. Anyway, she started pushing a swab on the end of long stick up my nose (at the same time as the BP cuff on my arm was tightening!). As it happened, the swab didn’t have to go far up my nostril but I didn’t know that at first. I just saw the long stick and thought ‘OMG!’ Needless to say she was then concerned that my BP was too high! (Fortunately, the second reading was fine).

To cut a long story short, the worst of it is that after bravely (or not) facing my fear of doctors, hospitals, general anaesthetics and medical procedures, I’ve got nowhere. I came round from the anaesthetic to be told that they hadn’t been able to go ahead with the procedure due to a complication. They’re attempts were bringing too great a risk of perforating my organs so they had to stop. Not their fault this time, I know, but I wonder if my body holds memories of past damaging treatments and has found a way of saying, ‘Leave me alone, you sods! Keep out!’

Yes, I know I shouldn’t moan when others are much worse off than me and I’ve no right to feel sorry for myself and blah, blah, blah. So now I will go and cheer myself up with a big piece of chocolate cake. Oh, I can’t, can I? It still hurts badly when I swallow, due to the tube they inserted.

9 comments:

Jo said...

Oh, Jean, I'm so sorry you had to go through all this. I understand your fear of hospitals, GPs and all that goes with them. I understand that mistrust, too, after what happened to my beloved Phill. I'm so glad you were able to vent your frustrations and fears on your blog. I do hope that everything is fine and that you don't have to endure any more treatment or any more horrid procedures. Please keep blogging! Sending love and hugs. x x x

Lesley Cookman said...

Rant way, Jean. I rant on mine, too. And congratulations on your book - welcome to the Accent fold! Lesley

Judith Haire said...

This sounds like a complete nightmare and I hope you soon get everything resolved. GOod luck Jean! Thinking of you

Jean said...

Jo - Thank you so much for your understanding and support.

Lesley - Hello there, and nice to have you visit my blog.

Judith - Thanks for stopping by with your kind comment.

Karen said...

What a horrible experience, Jean. I do hope you're feeling better and have managed a slice of cake since xx

Jean said...

Karen - Thanks. Yes, treated myself to a big piece of chocolate cake, which cheered me up. Been to the gyn clinic today and they're going to attempt the procedure again soon. Must stock up on cake!!

Miriam Drori said...

Hi Jean. I just gave you a friendly award. Visit my blog to claim it.

catdownunder said...

hello - purrowling in from Downunder via Miriam's blog...you sound as if you need virtual paw hug (hope you are not allergic to cats!)

Jean said...

Miriam - Ooh, thanks for the award!

Catdownunder - Virtual paw hug much appreciated. Thanks for stopping by. If I'd have known I'd have had a big virtual saucer of creamy milk ready.