"Poor hospital experience"

I was admitted to ward 26 to have a bilateral jaw replacement with lefort 1. As my last experience I had been advised that this stay would be very different and I'd receive first class care, sadly that did not happen.

When I woke from recovery having no idea of the time I had asked for my husband. I was told he wasn't there. Due to my surgery communication was difficult. I asked if the nurse could call him; they replied that I could call him! I explained I couldn't talk very well, and they said well text him then. As I was only just out of recovery I didn't have the strength. 

Later that night the mask that had been fitted when I was under had slipped and was loose. This caused condensation on my skin and was very uncomfortable. I called for a nurse who said they couldn't do anything as I was  swollen and it should not be any tighter, then walked away. The mask was not even touching my face.Later I tried again and another nurse came over and ummed and arrrrred. I asked if they were familiar with these masks and they said no. So I did my best in pain to try and adjust it myself.

The following morning I was offered breakfast.  I explained that I couldn't eat due to my surgery. This should have been obvious by looking at me. I request an ensure and was told no sorry these need prescribed. I do get these prescribed at home.

Another nurse came over and apologised saying they could make me one up that didn't need to be  prescribed. The day after my surgery it had been agreed that my catheter, drains and morphine pump could be removed and I'd be prescribed medication to control my pain levels. I was keen to get mobile. Everything was removed by around 2:30pm and as time went by I had asked several nurses if my pain medication had been written up for me yet as I was in pain. Each time I asked the said nurse would disappear and I would be left to suffer. My pain levels reached a point that I was really beginning to not cope.

The night staff came on and brought me paracetamol and ibuprofen. I take this daily for long term health issues and this would definitely not elevate my pain after major surgery. I asked again about the pain medication as my morphine pump had been removed. I was advised that I was not written up for it. The nurse said they would pass this onto the night dr to look at. At this point I was in so much pain I was cold and shivery. The rest of the ward were uncomfortable with the heat.

I texted my husband in desperation and he phoned the ward. Finally at 12:30pm a nurse came to me with the pain relief. That night and following day was just awful. My surgeon had hoped I would get home on the Wednesday and so had I but due to my pain being left to get out of control I was playing catch up.

My surgeon came to visit me that morning and commented on how exhausted I looked and I must sleep. They wanted me to stay to control my pain levels. I was so upset. I was then visited by the pain team who were extremely attentive and seemed to genuinely care and apologised what I'd been through being left without pain relief. They put a plan together for me prescribing me pain relief 4 times a day and also available on an hourly basis when required.

Again I was offered meals. A steak pie! When I explained I wasn't able the staff member seemed to go in the huff about this took it back saying I kept ordering food then doesn't want it? As I over heard this I told them since being admitted I had not once filled in a menu plan and had no idea who was, but it wasn't me.

On the Thursday I attempted after my shower to sit in the chair by my bed. A nurse came to give me antibiotics through my IV and had decided I needed it changed as it was nippy and it didn't feel right. They got the equipment to pop in a new IV and a wave came over me and I felt I was going to faint. They kindly got me onto my bed and asked why do you feel this way. I couldn't say but they then popped the oxygen mask on to help me recover more quickly and asked if I was happy for her to continue to remove my IV and place a new one, which I was. They left me for around 20mins to rest then I was interrupted by another nurse who came over and said what's going on here. I siad I had felt faint. They then whipped off the oxygen mask and said well we are not doing this! I don't know why oxygen was given to you!

After the pain team had written up my changes on two occasions two different nurses at night had argued with me about my medication levels. I got to speak to the staff from the pain team the next day who got my notes and showed me that it clearly stated the dose. They  could not understand how the nurses had not got this right unless they had not even looked at my notes. I even had a nurse say do you mind me asking what have you had done?

The whole experience has left me terrified that I may have to be admitted in the future having no confidence in many staff members.