Why are people soooo inconsiderate, the owners of the house next door are doing the place up to sell, a simple knock on the door and saying that there would be a lot of noise for a while so giving us the chance to make other arrangements like visiting our daughters for the day.
But no, one o'clock in the afternoon on a Sunday hammering and using an electric fucking chisel on the wall adjoining ours, homes under the hammer have a lot to answer for.
Sunday 20 August 2017
Sunday 13 August 2017
Heart Problems and a Bypass
Called ambulance 6 in the morning as could not get rid of chest pain, came about 6.45 on 19th may 2015.
Admitted to A&E Poole, stabilised after 2 and a half hours then to A&E ward (Ansty) and connected to heart and blood pressure monitor, transferred to ward a5 and fitted with mobile heart monitor, transferred to Bmth on 21st may, angiography on Friday 22nd and told i would be going back to Poole to wait for transfer to Southampton for heart by pass, despite numerous enquiries about when i was going back to go to Poole and requests for information on medication i have not been informed of anything, in fact it was admitted that as it was a bank holiday weekend no information would be available till Tuesday 26th may.
Monday 25th may. Feeling very depressed and tearful today, it's just not knowing what's going to happen, and stuck in the ward with absolutely nothing to do as the in hospital entertainment system is a complete rip off, only problem is that there is no public Wi-Fi and the mobile phone reception is worse than crap.
Mum Dad and sister came in yesterday 24th and we sat down by the WRVS and had a coffee and tea, really nice to see my sister must keep in contact more.
Good job Claire bought my net book in and some memory sticks as i can watch loads of films i had previously downloaded, anyone stuck in a bed with just hospital radio to listen to must be suicidal.
Best advice is if you are going to be ill do not do it on a bank holiday weekend, the whole system grinds to a halt except for the hard working auxiliary staff and bank nurses, must admit i look forward to meal times as the food has been great so far and the auxiliary's keep the tea coming if they are not too busy.
Blokes in the other beds range from 70 odd to 40, one guy was down here from Essex on holiday and ended up with chest pains and has to have the Angio thingy tomorrow, i have had mine and have reassured him it's pretty painless it's what they find is the worry, didn't say that to him though.
Bmth hospital are very obsessed with bowl movements, you get asked if you have had one at least twice a day.
Monday 25th may (bank holiday). Claire Simon Angela and Lilly came to see me today, we went to the on site restaurant and Lilly got wary when 3 or 4 ducks came out the pond towards her, a drake came out and chased some ducks.
Tuesday 26th may. Saw the consultant today, said i would be going back to Poole then on to Southampton when they have a slot, going to be about two weeks in there recovering (hopefully), feeling very low at the moment they have given me warfarin injections and an extra pill that makes me a bit dizzy, got chicken salad for lunch today and am going to have the bombay potatoes Claire bought in yesterday with it then a bit of a kip as i get woken at 6.30 every morning for diabetic test and heart rate monitoring and blood pressure, then breakfast bed change and doctors round.
They came round with the meds this dinner time and the guy in the bed next to me had done his usual dissapearing trick, he has blood clots in his leg due to drug abuse, he lost the other leg below the knee with the same problem, he is never there for his scheduled anti biotic treatment by drip.
Wednesday 27th may. Transferred to Poole today got to the ward (c4) at 3.35, unpacked things and as of now 4.00 have not seen anyone, found out today Angela may have skin cancer on her ear, the doctor took a sample this morning, anyway it's good to be nearer home, not looking forward to going to Southampton as it could be a 2 or 3 week stay. not sure but the staff look a bit miserable here only time will tell, doctor came about 6ish, asked me why i was back at Poole and just general questions, said someone would be round the next day to see me and discuss about the operation, i did think it strange that she asked me what was wrong with me.
Just bumped into a guy that i was in the ward with when i was first admitted, he's going home tomorrow, talked to a guy who has had the same op as me a few years ago he says the vein will have to come out of my arm as we are both diabetic and they don't like taking them from your leg due to circulation problems, my feet have bad circulation anyway.
Helped a young trainee out today by letting her watch the nurse take a groin and nasal swab to check for mrsa.
Got a no smile no sense of humour miserable looking Chinese in charge, thank god she has gone home, good tea had tuna salad mushroom soup to start and cheese and biscuits.
Poole hospital looks terribly run down compared to Bmth but at least i can go for a wander if i tell the staff first like Bmth, on the fourth floor in single room with a crap view of a courtyard, brilliant for vaping though head near window and out it goes.
Not really worried about the op more worried about Angela.
Thursday 28th may. First full day at Poole all checks started about 5 in the morning, i think they do this so you will catch up on your sleep during the day so be less of a problem, wish they would make their mind up about what pills i take, strange all the wards I've been on so far has had a patient shouting and swearing until early evening and then again they start early morning, then you get the ward nutter who wants to be everyone's friend and tries to talk to you even when you have headphones on.
Claire and Lilly came in this afternoon, went down to the ladybird restaurant, got lil a book from the hospital charity shop on the way back, having the echo gram thingy today at 4, saw the surgeon and he confirmed the old heart was quite knackered, going to get me to Southampton as soon as possible he said due to my health there should be no complications and i will get discharged from there, Ken came in with lil and Claire.
Liz Mike Angela came in the evening with the girls.
Friday 29th may. echo thingy was on my throat arteries and all is OK, got to have another couple of tests then should be good for operation, if i decide to go home as i am now out of danger i will go to the bottom of the list, so i have to block a bed in hospital waiting for a slot at Southampton, one woman has been here 3 weeks waiting, what a bloody ridiculous situation.
Mum Dad and Linda came in this evening, poor mum is more worried about me than herself.
Did my lung capacity test and the guy said he was amazed that i had smoked for 46 years and only given up for a year an a half that my test was what they expected from someone my age.
Saturday 30th may. Had a lay in this morning didn't get up till 8.45, expecting to get my heart echo gram thing tomorrow, think i'm on a different tablet, feel so tired and dizzy in mornings. Si Lil Becca & Jake came in just after dinner, went down to the restaurant, Lil is off to the fair at baiter now, think Angela is coming down with liz & mike later, apparently the phone is not working and virgin are coming Tuesday to look at it.
Sunday 31st may, up at 8.30 as they left me to last because as we know i'm not very good in the morning, don't know who is coming today, talked to the nurse who was on duty last night, she printed off all the information on my bypass, wish i hadn't read it now sometimes ignorance is bliss. Can't believe how many hand sanitizing stations are broken or empty at the entrances to the hospital, mind you only about 1 in 3 people attempt to use them as i sat watching, hope they use the ones on the wards, can't understand why staff are allowed to wear their hospital uniforms home, surely there is more chance of picking up an infection outside and bringing it in to hospital even if they wear a clean set in to work, this happens at Poole and Bmth hospitals. 12.07 just had a shower as i was bored, going to have a vape out the window now.
Monday 1st June, not a very early start today 7.30 heart check and breakfast at 8.15, no doctor or consultant today so watched free telly till 12 had lunch about 12.50, roast beef yorkshire cabbage and peas leek and potato soup to start and peach yoghurt for pud, must admit dinner was nice. went for a mooch and when i came back there was a phone call from the social services 01202633902 asking as i was the carer was wife OK and who was looking after her, they were happy that Claire and liz were feeding her and making sure she had all her tablets. Just seen the consultants stand in and she said the consultant would be in to see me tomorrow, went to the shop and bought some nail clippers and scissors to do me nails, helps with the boredom.
Tuesday 2nd June, woken up at 10 past 6 for blood pressure machine couldn't understand half of what she was muttering on about (night staff) had to sit up for her to get it to work plus drink some water (my own as no one made sure the water jugs were full), 10 past 7 had to have two goes at getting blood out of my finger for sugar test, pretty sure she was an agency nurse or someone they dragged in from the street to make up the numbers, what pissed me off was that i do not think she knew that much English as i could only pick up one or two words, while she was fiddling about with me she was constantly muttering in a language unknown to me. just had my heart echo gram done and the heart valves checked, there looks to be no problems with the valves as the lady said while they have you open they would have done the valves to save problems later in life, nice supper tonight, egg sarni (wholemeal bread) side salad, backed potato, chicken soup and trifle to finish, Claire phoned earlier and the phone has been sorted, getting me head round the impending operation now as it's getting nearer, Hunger Games catching fire and popcorn tonight, dad phoned and talked to mum and Linda.
Wednesday 3rd June, saw one of the consultants people this morning, informed me that they had not seen the scan as the machine had broken, up one day and down the next, nice nurses last night who actually spoke English and seemed to know what they were doing, had the nurse from coronary care in and she explained in more detail about the operation and what to expect afterwards, went and had hair and beard cut as recommended in the book the nurse gave me, Mike bought Angela in tonight.
Thursday 4th June, 7 o'clock start this morning, slept really well considering, glad I'm not in the 4 bed ward opposite it seems to be full of 70 plus years olds, Mike got it right, it's like going onto the set of last of the summer wine, we have a polish cleaner on the ward and all the old boys seem to get very perky and try to be funny when she is about, the consultants helper said i had to see the hospital dentist to check my teeth before the op, she came back this afternoon and said that they had been in contact with my dentist and all seemed OK so i may not need to see him/her, i am definitely on the list for the op, nearly forgot the polish cleaner bought me in a brand new fan lovely as it looks like it may be a scorcher the next week or so, Si Lil Claire and Angela came in last night for a visit.
Friday 5th June, usual start, blood pressure and diabetic check, cup of tea, blood sugar test, breakfast and more tea, the nurse from the heart ward was on last night and we had another chat, very nice person as are all the staff on this ward, Liz came in today about 1 ish and stayed till 10 to 3 when she had to get her bus, had a drink from the wrvs and went outside as it was lovely and sunny, had a blood test and talked to a doctor who said she would have a look at the results ? they hate telling you things, no visitors tonight as i will phone Angela at liz's, i wish the girls would get along a bit better, brilliant lines from the film last night (asylum) just before the guy gets impaled "all i wanted tonight was a blow job".
Saturday 9th June, woken at 5.55 for blood pressure this morning, ended up with cream and ham with my muesli bread and honey, nurse says she is going to put me on self medication and give me a guide as what to take and when as tablet times have been moved, had the last of my pickle with the beef curry i had for dinner, (www.spiceneasy.co.uk) 31 grebe close,milford-on-sea,hampshire,so4 10xa, will look this up when i get internet again, feeling very low and emotional this afternoon i nearly burst into tears for no reason, very nice coloured nurse came in and seemed genuinely interested in how i was feeling, i will say all the staff so far have been very kind,
Sunday 7th June, 7 start today, Mike bought Angela Liz and the girls in last evening, going to have the roast chicken today with roast spuds and cabbage, still playing the waiting game but doc says when the word comes you have the op very quickly, no visitors today as nothing really new to report plus visitors get really bored.
Monday 8th June, 7 start again so not too bad, had a dream that i was working on the bus's 20 odd years ago, the chap in the ward opposite is off to Southampton for his op that leaves just me so hopefully not too long to wait, now in bed 23 with lovely view, got a right one in here he knows every pill and when he takes it he even tells the nurses, he has a list of problems a mile long.
Tuesday 9th June, hope I'm not stuck in this ward too long the new guy wears his tablets and illness as a badge of honour and seems to be in and out of hospital all the time, not even been a day and he is grating on me, at least the guy opposite keeps him amused as they were both in the army many many years ago, bloke in next bed is a right idiot moans and complains about everything also seems to be a bit simple, they are not allowed to say small prick any more when injecting or taking blood they say small scratch, sent to Southampton got there about 7 ish, was introduced to Anna who would be my nurse she was very nice, then saw a doctor who asked lots of questions and did a lot to reassure me, Anna went home and the night shift started, they are all black and jabber away in their own language constantly laughing, reminded her that i had to take my evening tablets at 10.30 and she said she could not give them to me as the doctor had not approved it, as one of them was my antidepressant i insisted so she said i could have them but it was on my own head, haven't seen anyone on the ward for over an hour now (it is 23.20), i am not impressed with this so called very good nothing too much trouble hospital, i fucking hate the place.
10th June, slept pretty good considering the staff being very loud and noisy, still no clear information about the place like meal times etc, all i get is my name is whatever what's your date of birth (it's on my wrist bands for gods sake), just had a brilliant bit of information apparently some time today i will be going for an x ray, so anytime in the next 9 hours then, according to the book given me in Poole i would be kept informed and reassured well that certainly is not happening all I've been shown is where the toilet is, been for a couple of x rays at 9.30 so that's sorted, apparently according to Lilly my rabbit mascot is called bum bum, the diabetic nurse has been round to see me 10.45, phoned Claire at 20 to 12 she is going to phone to try and find out something, feeling really shity oh and got my stockings for after the op, just seen the nurse and all being well will have the op tomorrow afternoon.
Updating 29th July 2017
11th June 2015 The doctor came round this morning to explain the operation and see if I had any questions, he also pointed out that nothing was 100% certain and there could be complications,I signed all the forms and also signed to say that if the worst came to the worst I would have DNR (do not resuscitate) on my records as there could be a chance of irreparable brain damage and the last thing I wanted was to end up as a cabbage basically, I was then moved to a ward ready for the operation the following afternoon.
I made the most of that evening by going to the on site shop and buying Pringles Coke and a gourmet chicken sandwich and watching a film on the net book after scrubbing down with anti fungal shower gel and having a shave as they needed to get to the artery in the neck.
12th June, The day of the operation, no breakfast obviously, went and had another shower and then phoned Claire and my sister to let them know the operation was scheduled for 1 PM, they were coming to stay in the accommodation for relatives of those having this type of opp.
Can't really remember what time they came round with a gown and pre med's but I know the Morphine and Valium cocktail was bloody good, they got to the ward about an hour before I drifted off into happy oblivion.
13th June, Can't remember a thing as I was in intensive care.
14th June, In a ward and one hell of a pain where they had cut the bone in chest to get too my heart, nothing can prepare you for not being able to use your arms as if you do the pain is unbearable, had a drain heart monitor/pacemaker and something else going in to my stomach, still very confused and sleepy, best thing was the catheter so no getting out of bed for a wee, I know I had some food that day but had no appetite.
15th June, Six of us on the ward and a seventh bed at the end with someone who was not long for this world, thinking back I am sure he had an extreme form of altzimers plus other complications, the nurse got me out of bed today and I sat in the chair plus plenty of oxygen with medication in to keep airways clear (I think) and still not much of an appetite even though the food is excellent.
I got out of the chair in the afternoon and had a walk/shuffle up and down the ward, you have a rolled up towel that you hold tight to your chest and use your legs to stand up I am lucky that I'm only 61 and pretty fit but it must be difficult if you are elderly and not as fit.
Got my appetite back and managed most of my evening meal, slept in the chair for a while as getting in and out of bed is so awkward even with the help of the ability to raise and lower your top half, I'm sleeping surprisingly well considering all the tubes going into me.
16th June, If all is well they say I can go home tomorrow after an assessment from the rehab nurse, they have you walking round the two wards on this floor, walking up and down stairs and showing that you can get up off the toilet without help, had the drains and other bits out of my stomach this afternoon, bit uncomfortable but hey could be going home tomorrow.
Claire Simon and Lilly came to see me this afternoon which was nice as it's a bit of a drag from Poole, got a bit annoyed with one of the night nurses this evening as when I told her I could be going home tomorrow she said there would be no chance of that as it was only the fourth day after the operation.
17th June, Yep going home today as long as they can find a chest support in my size (large), I will miss the food here as it was far better than Poole or Bournemouth hospitals, my sister came about 1 ish to get me home and after they found a support thingy we left about 3 ish, got home round about 4.
Tried to sleep in the bed at home that night but a total disaster as it was really difficult to get up in the morning so it's armchair and recliner sleeping for a while.
Got plenty of exercise for the next 5 days (walk round the block and up and down the stairs) then back in Poole hospital covered in monitors as I had arterial fibrillation, they upped my beta blocker dose and put me on warfarin because as the cardiologist said "Southampton hospital are brilliant at the plumbing side but leave the fine tuning to Poole".
Any way in Poole for three days then home, touch wood no further problems over the last 2 years just the rest of my life having blood tests being teetotal and eating more healthy so as to not waste the time and expertise of the surgeons who saved me.
Admitted to A&E Poole, stabilised after 2 and a half hours then to A&E ward (Ansty) and connected to heart and blood pressure monitor, transferred to ward a5 and fitted with mobile heart monitor, transferred to Bmth on 21st may, angiography on Friday 22nd and told i would be going back to Poole to wait for transfer to Southampton for heart by pass, despite numerous enquiries about when i was going back to go to Poole and requests for information on medication i have not been informed of anything, in fact it was admitted that as it was a bank holiday weekend no information would be available till Tuesday 26th may.
Monday 25th may. Feeling very depressed and tearful today, it's just not knowing what's going to happen, and stuck in the ward with absolutely nothing to do as the in hospital entertainment system is a complete rip off, only problem is that there is no public Wi-Fi and the mobile phone reception is worse than crap.
Mum Dad and sister came in yesterday 24th and we sat down by the WRVS and had a coffee and tea, really nice to see my sister must keep in contact more.
Good job Claire bought my net book in and some memory sticks as i can watch loads of films i had previously downloaded, anyone stuck in a bed with just hospital radio to listen to must be suicidal.
Best advice is if you are going to be ill do not do it on a bank holiday weekend, the whole system grinds to a halt except for the hard working auxiliary staff and bank nurses, must admit i look forward to meal times as the food has been great so far and the auxiliary's keep the tea coming if they are not too busy.
Blokes in the other beds range from 70 odd to 40, one guy was down here from Essex on holiday and ended up with chest pains and has to have the Angio thingy tomorrow, i have had mine and have reassured him it's pretty painless it's what they find is the worry, didn't say that to him though.
Bmth hospital are very obsessed with bowl movements, you get asked if you have had one at least twice a day.
Monday 25th may (bank holiday). Claire Simon Angela and Lilly came to see me today, we went to the on site restaurant and Lilly got wary when 3 or 4 ducks came out the pond towards her, a drake came out and chased some ducks.
Tuesday 26th may. Saw the consultant today, said i would be going back to Poole then on to Southampton when they have a slot, going to be about two weeks in there recovering (hopefully), feeling very low at the moment they have given me warfarin injections and an extra pill that makes me a bit dizzy, got chicken salad for lunch today and am going to have the bombay potatoes Claire bought in yesterday with it then a bit of a kip as i get woken at 6.30 every morning for diabetic test and heart rate monitoring and blood pressure, then breakfast bed change and doctors round.
They came round with the meds this dinner time and the guy in the bed next to me had done his usual dissapearing trick, he has blood clots in his leg due to drug abuse, he lost the other leg below the knee with the same problem, he is never there for his scheduled anti biotic treatment by drip.
Wednesday 27th may. Transferred to Poole today got to the ward (c4) at 3.35, unpacked things and as of now 4.00 have not seen anyone, found out today Angela may have skin cancer on her ear, the doctor took a sample this morning, anyway it's good to be nearer home, not looking forward to going to Southampton as it could be a 2 or 3 week stay. not sure but the staff look a bit miserable here only time will tell, doctor came about 6ish, asked me why i was back at Poole and just general questions, said someone would be round the next day to see me and discuss about the operation, i did think it strange that she asked me what was wrong with me.
Just bumped into a guy that i was in the ward with when i was first admitted, he's going home tomorrow, talked to a guy who has had the same op as me a few years ago he says the vein will have to come out of my arm as we are both diabetic and they don't like taking them from your leg due to circulation problems, my feet have bad circulation anyway.
Helped a young trainee out today by letting her watch the nurse take a groin and nasal swab to check for mrsa.
Got a no smile no sense of humour miserable looking Chinese in charge, thank god she has gone home, good tea had tuna salad mushroom soup to start and cheese and biscuits.
Poole hospital looks terribly run down compared to Bmth but at least i can go for a wander if i tell the staff first like Bmth, on the fourth floor in single room with a crap view of a courtyard, brilliant for vaping though head near window and out it goes.
Not really worried about the op more worried about Angela.
Thursday 28th may. First full day at Poole all checks started about 5 in the morning, i think they do this so you will catch up on your sleep during the day so be less of a problem, wish they would make their mind up about what pills i take, strange all the wards I've been on so far has had a patient shouting and swearing until early evening and then again they start early morning, then you get the ward nutter who wants to be everyone's friend and tries to talk to you even when you have headphones on.
Claire and Lilly came in this afternoon, went down to the ladybird restaurant, got lil a book from the hospital charity shop on the way back, having the echo gram thingy today at 4, saw the surgeon and he confirmed the old heart was quite knackered, going to get me to Southampton as soon as possible he said due to my health there should be no complications and i will get discharged from there, Ken came in with lil and Claire.
Liz Mike Angela came in the evening with the girls.
Friday 29th may. echo thingy was on my throat arteries and all is OK, got to have another couple of tests then should be good for operation, if i decide to go home as i am now out of danger i will go to the bottom of the list, so i have to block a bed in hospital waiting for a slot at Southampton, one woman has been here 3 weeks waiting, what a bloody ridiculous situation.
Mum Dad and Linda came in this evening, poor mum is more worried about me than herself.
Did my lung capacity test and the guy said he was amazed that i had smoked for 46 years and only given up for a year an a half that my test was what they expected from someone my age.
Saturday 30th may. Had a lay in this morning didn't get up till 8.45, expecting to get my heart echo gram thing tomorrow, think i'm on a different tablet, feel so tired and dizzy in mornings. Si Lil Becca & Jake came in just after dinner, went down to the restaurant, Lil is off to the fair at baiter now, think Angela is coming down with liz & mike later, apparently the phone is not working and virgin are coming Tuesday to look at it.
Sunday 31st may, up at 8.30 as they left me to last because as we know i'm not very good in the morning, don't know who is coming today, talked to the nurse who was on duty last night, she printed off all the information on my bypass, wish i hadn't read it now sometimes ignorance is bliss. Can't believe how many hand sanitizing stations are broken or empty at the entrances to the hospital, mind you only about 1 in 3 people attempt to use them as i sat watching, hope they use the ones on the wards, can't understand why staff are allowed to wear their hospital uniforms home, surely there is more chance of picking up an infection outside and bringing it in to hospital even if they wear a clean set in to work, this happens at Poole and Bmth hospitals. 12.07 just had a shower as i was bored, going to have a vape out the window now.
Monday 1st June, not a very early start today 7.30 heart check and breakfast at 8.15, no doctor or consultant today so watched free telly till 12 had lunch about 12.50, roast beef yorkshire cabbage and peas leek and potato soup to start and peach yoghurt for pud, must admit dinner was nice. went for a mooch and when i came back there was a phone call from the social services 01202633902 asking as i was the carer was wife OK and who was looking after her, they were happy that Claire and liz were feeding her and making sure she had all her tablets. Just seen the consultants stand in and she said the consultant would be in to see me tomorrow, went to the shop and bought some nail clippers and scissors to do me nails, helps with the boredom.
Tuesday 2nd June, woken up at 10 past 6 for blood pressure machine couldn't understand half of what she was muttering on about (night staff) had to sit up for her to get it to work plus drink some water (my own as no one made sure the water jugs were full), 10 past 7 had to have two goes at getting blood out of my finger for sugar test, pretty sure she was an agency nurse or someone they dragged in from the street to make up the numbers, what pissed me off was that i do not think she knew that much English as i could only pick up one or two words, while she was fiddling about with me she was constantly muttering in a language unknown to me. just had my heart echo gram done and the heart valves checked, there looks to be no problems with the valves as the lady said while they have you open they would have done the valves to save problems later in life, nice supper tonight, egg sarni (wholemeal bread) side salad, backed potato, chicken soup and trifle to finish, Claire phoned earlier and the phone has been sorted, getting me head round the impending operation now as it's getting nearer, Hunger Games catching fire and popcorn tonight, dad phoned and talked to mum and Linda.
Wednesday 3rd June, saw one of the consultants people this morning, informed me that they had not seen the scan as the machine had broken, up one day and down the next, nice nurses last night who actually spoke English and seemed to know what they were doing, had the nurse from coronary care in and she explained in more detail about the operation and what to expect afterwards, went and had hair and beard cut as recommended in the book the nurse gave me, Mike bought Angela in tonight.
Thursday 4th June, 7 o'clock start this morning, slept really well considering, glad I'm not in the 4 bed ward opposite it seems to be full of 70 plus years olds, Mike got it right, it's like going onto the set of last of the summer wine, we have a polish cleaner on the ward and all the old boys seem to get very perky and try to be funny when she is about, the consultants helper said i had to see the hospital dentist to check my teeth before the op, she came back this afternoon and said that they had been in contact with my dentist and all seemed OK so i may not need to see him/her, i am definitely on the list for the op, nearly forgot the polish cleaner bought me in a brand new fan lovely as it looks like it may be a scorcher the next week or so, Si Lil Claire and Angela came in last night for a visit.
Friday 5th June, usual start, blood pressure and diabetic check, cup of tea, blood sugar test, breakfast and more tea, the nurse from the heart ward was on last night and we had another chat, very nice person as are all the staff on this ward, Liz came in today about 1 ish and stayed till 10 to 3 when she had to get her bus, had a drink from the wrvs and went outside as it was lovely and sunny, had a blood test and talked to a doctor who said she would have a look at the results ? they hate telling you things, no visitors tonight as i will phone Angela at liz's, i wish the girls would get along a bit better, brilliant lines from the film last night (asylum) just before the guy gets impaled "all i wanted tonight was a blow job".
Saturday 9th June, woken at 5.55 for blood pressure this morning, ended up with cream and ham with my muesli bread and honey, nurse says she is going to put me on self medication and give me a guide as what to take and when as tablet times have been moved, had the last of my pickle with the beef curry i had for dinner, (www.spiceneasy.co.uk) 31 grebe close,milford-on-sea,hampshire,so4 10xa, will look this up when i get internet again, feeling very low and emotional this afternoon i nearly burst into tears for no reason, very nice coloured nurse came in and seemed genuinely interested in how i was feeling, i will say all the staff so far have been very kind,
Sunday 7th June, 7 start today, Mike bought Angela Liz and the girls in last evening, going to have the roast chicken today with roast spuds and cabbage, still playing the waiting game but doc says when the word comes you have the op very quickly, no visitors today as nothing really new to report plus visitors get really bored.
Monday 8th June, 7 start again so not too bad, had a dream that i was working on the bus's 20 odd years ago, the chap in the ward opposite is off to Southampton for his op that leaves just me so hopefully not too long to wait, now in bed 23 with lovely view, got a right one in here he knows every pill and when he takes it he even tells the nurses, he has a list of problems a mile long.
Tuesday 9th June, hope I'm not stuck in this ward too long the new guy wears his tablets and illness as a badge of honour and seems to be in and out of hospital all the time, not even been a day and he is grating on me, at least the guy opposite keeps him amused as they were both in the army many many years ago, bloke in next bed is a right idiot moans and complains about everything also seems to be a bit simple, they are not allowed to say small prick any more when injecting or taking blood they say small scratch, sent to Southampton got there about 7 ish, was introduced to Anna who would be my nurse she was very nice, then saw a doctor who asked lots of questions and did a lot to reassure me, Anna went home and the night shift started, they are all black and jabber away in their own language constantly laughing, reminded her that i had to take my evening tablets at 10.30 and she said she could not give them to me as the doctor had not approved it, as one of them was my antidepressant i insisted so she said i could have them but it was on my own head, haven't seen anyone on the ward for over an hour now (it is 23.20), i am not impressed with this so called very good nothing too much trouble hospital, i fucking hate the place.
10th June, slept pretty good considering the staff being very loud and noisy, still no clear information about the place like meal times etc, all i get is my name is whatever what's your date of birth (it's on my wrist bands for gods sake), just had a brilliant bit of information apparently some time today i will be going for an x ray, so anytime in the next 9 hours then, according to the book given me in Poole i would be kept informed and reassured well that certainly is not happening all I've been shown is where the toilet is, been for a couple of x rays at 9.30 so that's sorted, apparently according to Lilly my rabbit mascot is called bum bum, the diabetic nurse has been round to see me 10.45, phoned Claire at 20 to 12 she is going to phone to try and find out something, feeling really shity oh and got my stockings for after the op, just seen the nurse and all being well will have the op tomorrow afternoon.
Updating 29th July 2017
11th June 2015 The doctor came round this morning to explain the operation and see if I had any questions, he also pointed out that nothing was 100% certain and there could be complications,I signed all the forms and also signed to say that if the worst came to the worst I would have DNR (do not resuscitate) on my records as there could be a chance of irreparable brain damage and the last thing I wanted was to end up as a cabbage basically, I was then moved to a ward ready for the operation the following afternoon.
I made the most of that evening by going to the on site shop and buying Pringles Coke and a gourmet chicken sandwich and watching a film on the net book after scrubbing down with anti fungal shower gel and having a shave as they needed to get to the artery in the neck.
12th June, The day of the operation, no breakfast obviously, went and had another shower and then phoned Claire and my sister to let them know the operation was scheduled for 1 PM, they were coming to stay in the accommodation for relatives of those having this type of opp.
Can't really remember what time they came round with a gown and pre med's but I know the Morphine and Valium cocktail was bloody good, they got to the ward about an hour before I drifted off into happy oblivion.
13th June, Can't remember a thing as I was in intensive care.
14th June, In a ward and one hell of a pain where they had cut the bone in chest to get too my heart, nothing can prepare you for not being able to use your arms as if you do the pain is unbearable, had a drain heart monitor/pacemaker and something else going in to my stomach, still very confused and sleepy, best thing was the catheter so no getting out of bed for a wee, I know I had some food that day but had no appetite.
15th June, Six of us on the ward and a seventh bed at the end with someone who was not long for this world, thinking back I am sure he had an extreme form of altzimers plus other complications, the nurse got me out of bed today and I sat in the chair plus plenty of oxygen with medication in to keep airways clear (I think) and still not much of an appetite even though the food is excellent.
I got out of the chair in the afternoon and had a walk/shuffle up and down the ward, you have a rolled up towel that you hold tight to your chest and use your legs to stand up I am lucky that I'm only 61 and pretty fit but it must be difficult if you are elderly and not as fit.
Got my appetite back and managed most of my evening meal, slept in the chair for a while as getting in and out of bed is so awkward even with the help of the ability to raise and lower your top half, I'm sleeping surprisingly well considering all the tubes going into me.
16th June, If all is well they say I can go home tomorrow after an assessment from the rehab nurse, they have you walking round the two wards on this floor, walking up and down stairs and showing that you can get up off the toilet without help, had the drains and other bits out of my stomach this afternoon, bit uncomfortable but hey could be going home tomorrow.
Claire Simon and Lilly came to see me this afternoon which was nice as it's a bit of a drag from Poole, got a bit annoyed with one of the night nurses this evening as when I told her I could be going home tomorrow she said there would be no chance of that as it was only the fourth day after the operation.
17th June, Yep going home today as long as they can find a chest support in my size (large), I will miss the food here as it was far better than Poole or Bournemouth hospitals, my sister came about 1 ish to get me home and after they found a support thingy we left about 3 ish, got home round about 4.
Tried to sleep in the bed at home that night but a total disaster as it was really difficult to get up in the morning so it's armchair and recliner sleeping for a while.
Got plenty of exercise for the next 5 days (walk round the block and up and down the stairs) then back in Poole hospital covered in monitors as I had arterial fibrillation, they upped my beta blocker dose and put me on warfarin because as the cardiologist said "Southampton hospital are brilliant at the plumbing side but leave the fine tuning to Poole".
Any way in Poole for three days then home, touch wood no further problems over the last 2 years just the rest of my life having blood tests being teetotal and eating more healthy so as to not waste the time and expertise of the surgeons who saved me.
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