Hello. This is my first post, my husband was diagnosed with AML in June 2021 and I’m struggling. He’s had chemo, a stem cell transplant (that didn’t work) and numerous hospital stays. He’s now back in hospital with a high temperature and probably another chest infection, I say probably as he’s been in hospital since Monday and nothing has really happened. I don’t like to moan about the NHS, I know how busy they are, but when my husband calls for help and nothing happens for over an hour and even then he had to verbally call to someone he saw outside of his room I worry he’s not getting the treatment he needs and the infection will become too great to be treated. This is putting a strain on our relationship and I just don’t know what to do or say to help. Driving home last night I felt that I needed to talk to someone but don’t want to burden friends and family with my worries, I’m on the waiting list for counselling with Maggies, and I suddenly remembered this group and thought I’d post here. Thank you for reading x
Thank you for your message 
x
Hi S10
Sorry to hear about your husband and the effect it is having on you. I know all to well some issues in the NHS since it our case even before my wife's diagnosis she ended up in intensive care - but that is a long story.
One thing we did find quite helpful is the patient advice and liason service at the hospital (PALS). They are often seen as the complaints people but actually they much prefer to be seen as the trouble shooters and can help to get things moving.
I get your feeling of not knowing what to say to do to help too. My wife was a great one for saying "don't worry about me" when she was in hospital - like that was ever going to happen! One thing I did have to learn though was about looking after me - I am no use to anyone if I get too flat and so I am glad to hear you are talking to Maggies - just walking in to our local centre creates a sense of calm in me that I find hard to explain.
<<hugs>>
Steve
