"Life saving treatment"

In December 2022 I collapsed at home in Aberdeenshire.  With no knowledge of a prior illness, my teenage daughter was alone with me in the house and she telephoned the emergency services where by an ambulance with three crew arrived within 8 minutes. 

They very quickly diagnosed that I was critically ill and my life was at threat, I was a category one emergency having suffered a Massive Saddle Pulmonary Embolism with right sided heart failure.  There is no doubt that the quick thinking members of that crew and my daughter saved my life that morning.

I was stabilized and taken to ARI Resus within 12 minutes where the A&E staff worked quickly to save my life.  I was coming in and out of consciousness and have patchy recollection of the morning and the way in which events unfolded though I recall being woken to be told that I needed a life saving Thrombolytic, the risks alone in having this were high and this was a last resort. 

I remember feeling very afraid and requesting a visit from the Hospital Chaplaincy Service.  I was very promptly visited by Mr Newlands who brought much comfort in those critical moments, his words filled me with peace and my fears were lifted, his presence was incredible and I reflect on that moment often.  I was accompanied to Intensive Care by the Resus doctors.  I was well cared for on Intensive Care, there was some fun times and giggles during what could have been the most bleakest moments of my life, the staff lifted me with their humour and they surpassed themselves with their level of knowledge and care.  From the Ambulance Crew, to Resus staff to Intensive Care staff. I felt very safe, I put my full trust in their knowledge and expertise and I can't describe the respect I have for those who diagnosed my condition and saved my life.  

Mr Newlands continued to visit me throughout my stay, he brought me a beautiful olive cross that I keep close to me to this day, his visits lifted me, he provided me a much needed spiritual connection that brought me hope and peace.  This peace enabled me to stay buoyant at a time where my family were distraught, this enabled me to be able to say things to comfort them and to share my confidence that I was in very good hands. 

Following a two week stay in ARI, I was released in to Primary Care.  The staff at my medical practice have been wonderful, in particular my GP, Dr Edwards has offered exceptional care and attention.  I am seen quickly furthermore, I cannot fault the hard working reception team who deal with making on the spot decisions, I have much respect for surgery staff in a time where staff in such positions frequently face much criticism.  

As a final note, I would like to thank Dr Carter, my Consultant Haematologist.  He has simply gone above and beyond in his offer of support.  While I am left with an unprovoked situation where I don't know what caused this catastrophic incident, I know that Dr Carter has done as much as he can to try and find out, regardless I will be on medication for life hence I take much confidence that this is the right decision that will hopefully allow me to lead as full and as normal a life as others of my age.  

I have always had full respect and full trust in the staff within NHS Grampian, so much so that I am pleased and most proud to be a member of NHS staff now that I am at a stage of my recovery where I can work again.