Ambulance took a long time to get to my house. The ambulance person kept questioning why I thought I was in anaphylactic shock. In that state I struggle to keep conscious. It makes me stress more. They apparently weren't used to seeing someone who doesn't have a rash or swollen lips mouth etc.
As I've got older my reactions have changed. I go straight to vomit & diarrhoea then on the floor. I struggle to think, speak, sit up or do anything. I know I have to stay flat on floor with legs raised. I should not be moved. I refused to walk downstairs, so they carried me in a chair. Sick 3 times in ambulance & on verge of passing out several times. Blood pressure went very low. They said it was 87/13 at one point.
Previously I have been admitted straight to resus rather than left on a bed in A&E. In that condition I cannot sit up, stand up or walk. I was still needing toilet & no one was there to help or give me a bed pan. Relatives of other patients were helping me & asking nurses to help me. I was left in a disabled toilet on my own & nearly passed out. I felt there were not enough staff or knowledge of my condition.
One doctor said it must have been dodgy food. It was not! I have had severe allergies to nuts & fish all my life. My last episode was before Xmas. I have had 3 severe anaphylactic shocks in last 9 months. I use 2 epipens every time. I used to be under a specialist as a child. Doesn't seem to be any around now. 10 month wait on NHS with Sheffield. Hoping I don't have another reaction before then. It really affects my mental health too now.
"Anaphylaxis and lack of staff awareness"
About: Chesterfield Royal Hospital / Accident and emergency Chesterfield Royal Hospital Accident and emergency Chesterfield S44 5BL East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust / Emergency ambulance East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust Emergency ambulance Nottingham NG8 6PY
Posted by Caff Mayo (as ),
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