Extremely Disappoimnted

4 replies
14 subscribers
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Hi everyone, newbe here,

I just thought I would ask if anyone else thought that the quality of NHS care they are receiving has deteriorated? I am not going to knock the NHS staff as they have been absolutely amazing since day 1 of my diagnosis. However, I found myself blue lighted into hospital last weekend with a serious side-effect from my immunotherapy (pericarditis). Lots of tests and a whole armful of blood taken, with the result that I was suitably medicated and ordered to rest. The Heart consultant specifically told me that regardless of what drugs they tipped into me that avoidance of stress and complete bed rest were essential to my recovery. Has anyone tried to get any rest at all in an NHS cancer ward, t was bedlam. I had the bloke next to me playing music on a device and another opposite watching videos on an iPad with the volume right up. Another person was shouting down a mobile phone to a relative and so it went on. I spoke to the nurse in charge and was basically told that I had to put up with it because hospital wards were no longer like they used to be. Whilst I empathise fully and have absolute compassion for my fellow cancer sufferers sure it doesn't need to be like this! I discharged my self and went home for the prescribed rest and lack of stress. Extremely disappointed!!

winkers60 over 3 years ago

Hi Archangel,I’m sorry to hear you have Pericarditis.I first got it in the early 1990’s.I found these things helpful.Avoid cigarette smoke or any strong smells like varnish,paint.If you feel your heart is going too fast sucking on an ice cube or rubbing behind the ears can help bring the rate down.I had to sleep sitting up for several weeks but it did help ease the pain a bit.Mine was classed as an auto immune problem after I had various tests for viruses which were all negative.I hope you get the rest you need and feel better soon.I agree with you regarding the NHS.Best wishes Jane

KTatHome over 3 years ago

My hospital issue ear plugs and eye masks to cope with noisier other patients. I think unfortunately staff have work to do without policing how quiet people will be, and with no visiting for most wards for some outside contact is as essential for them as quiet is for you. It’s a shame not all can be offered a single room like my aunt had in a Scottish hospital.

Take care KT

Archangel over 3 years ago

Hi Winkers60, thank you. Like you I had an earlier (1980s) attack of Pericarditis but that was viral and treatment with antibiotics was successful. This time it has been brought on by immunotherapy so they have now flooded me with steroids and that’s another horror story I won’t go into here. All the best. Mike

Archangel over 3 years ago in reply to KTatHome

Hi KT and thanks for the reply. I keep asking myself is it me or has society become completely selfish and immune to other peoples needs? I ask for no special treatment just a little consideration from my fellow human. It is not the nurses fault that he ward was like a zoo, it was the patients who were causing the problem. I will also say that I saw fear in the eyes of the senior nurse when I asked her if it could be a bit quieter. All the best. Mike