"Traumatic experience"

This is not a criticism of any of the nurses, clinical support workers, domestics or any other NHS staff I encountered during my time in hospital. The majority treated me really well and I can see how difficult it is to work in the NHS currently. I have a great relationship with my consultant and have 100% faith in her. This is an account of how I feel and how this has impacted my life.

I recently experienced 4 “gallbladder attacks” in just over 1 month.

My GP sent me to Monklands hospital with suspected pancreatitis. I had an ultrasound confirming that I needed a cholecystectomy. I was advised I had gallstones in my gallbladder and my infection markers were slightly raised including bilirubin. I was sent home with no pain relief and was advised I would be put on a waiting list to have my gallbladder removed.

I suffered for the next 9 days. I was constantly vomiting, I experienced excruciating pain and was unable to eat. I attended out of hours and was again advised I had suspected pancreatitis. I was admitted to wishaw general ward 13. There I was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice. I began to deteriorate again whilst in hospital and experienced significant pain.

I then underwent a laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy a few days later. I believe this was emergency surgery. I returned from surgery to critical care ward 18 and was advised there were complications. A large stone remained in my bile duct and I had two drains attached to my body. I had hourly observations and a morphine pump for pain. I was in a ward with three men. This was a horrible experience and I didn’t expect to wake up attached to a catheter, monitors and machines.

Just over a week later an ERCP was carried out. This procedure also had complications and I developed post ERCP pancreatitis. A stent was fitted however the stone could not be removed. I became very unwell and was transferred to ward 18 critical care again. I deteriorated due to the pancreatitis and was unable to eat or drink. I was becoming weaker and lost a lot of weight. Two emergencies occurred whilst in ward 18, resulting in a team of doctors, nurses and hysterical relatives. I found this very traumatic and both were taken to intensive care. 

A further CT scan confirmed pancreatic inflammation. I was also told I had a blood clot between my liver and pancreas.

I then underwent two endoscopes under anaesthetic. The first was to implant a feeding tube however the first tube was too small and it had to be removed and replaced with a thicker tube the same week.  I couldn’t tolerate this and experienced extreme pain in my throat and ear resulting in it being removed.

I spent a few weeks in ward 17 in various rooms and unfortunately due to patient numbers I spent most of my time in a treatment room. I was classed as an extra patient. This room had spare equipment in it, such as a hoist and treatment trolley. It had no toilet, bathroom or tv. My mobility deteriorated whilst in hospital and I was very weak due to muscle wastage. I found it difficult to get to a toilet or walk any distance. I had to request a commode to go to the toilet. This meant I ate, drank, washed, slept and went to the toilet in the same room. This significantly affected my mental health and I felt my dignity was compromised.

I was discharged and advised to attend SACU a few weeks later. However I was admitted to Wishaw again due to concerns re my liver functions. I received another diagnostic CT scan. I was very weak and dehydrated.

During this time I asked daily why my liver functions were off however I still don’t know. I also asked about the plan to remove the stone in my bile duct. I was told this would happen in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but no one could can advise when this will happen.

I was discharged on again and told to attend SACU the following week. I contacted SACU on that morning who advised they weren’t expecting me. I haven’t heard anything since and I feel in limbo. I still have a bile drain and I’m required to change the colostomy bag, I really really struggle with this. I requested a referral to district nurses but was advised that I was young and capable of attending the treatment room. I currently am not capable of going anywhere alone. 

I have been off work since July, I have lost three stone and I continue to feel nauseous every day. I am miserable and really struggling mentally . I can’t carry out basic tasks and need daily support.

I need a level of normality in my life and don’t feel I can get better until the stone, stent and bile drain are removed. I was healthy prior to this however I am now dependent on the people in my life to look after me.  This has been a traumatic experience for me and it’s not over yet.