I had been referred to OPAT via my podiatrist due to a bone infection from an open wound on my toe. I had been told what was involved but not in huge detail. I'm very scared of needles and had this fear from a young age. from the second I entered I had been made to feel welcome and at ease. David and the team worked with me brilliantly and went through everything that was going to happen. they took things at my speed and were a great comfort to me.
after getting the 1st cannula in my arm and protecting it for 4 days i slowly got used to walking around with this thing in my arm 24/7 including covering it for showers and ensuring i didn't bang it on anything, by the next cannula i soon discovered that the sore part was not the needle but the tape that held the cannula in place haha, (note to self- shave arms for taping of cannula :).
I must admit I actually liked going to spend my hour or so at OPAT as I had so much going on in my own life with family and work that this was almost like my downtime as I couldn't go anywhere, I really enjoyed a wee chat and a coffee with a biscuit or 2!
I would like to say a massive thanks to David and the OPAT team that the Victoria Hospital Kirkcaldy for all the help and support though the whole process, you all worked wonders on me and my fear of needles too!
Thanks so much!
OK so now for the downside, parking is a huge pain in the Victoria Hospital even as a Blue badge holder, you have to allow loads of time for driving around in circles for 30 mins or more. But that is in no way OPATS fault, it's the bad design of parking at the hospital.
"I felt welcomed and at ease"
About: Victoria Hospital / Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Victoria Hospital Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Kirkcaldy KY2 5AH
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