Went there 4 days after a major operation, supposed to be on bed rest but felt unwell enough to come. Initial BP extremely high (193/109). Arranged a wheelchair for myself as unable to walk due to the operation, was then moved to a chair but the constant upright position led to severe swelling and pain. Second and third BP readings were extremely low for my baseline (130/71) which makes no sense as the lowest it has been for years has been 148/93 and that was only taken a few days ago after operation. So something wasn’t making sense at this point. The nurse said the initial reading was anxiety over being in hospital (no, I am more inclined to believe the first high one due to knowing my body/baselines). I became distressed over the pain and needing to be reclined due to type of operation (bed rest instructions/common knowledge to a lay person never mind medical staff) so was found a trolley. After this distress one nurse attitude became more coarse ( patient fussing, should pull her socks up minimisation). I’ve seen this at other places so nothing new there. On discharge I enquired about the sudden unexplained drop in blood pressure after years of high BP and was told the BP was good, most people would be happy. I am very educated despite my distress today and I know for a fact that individuals baselines should absolutely be taken into account, platitudes have no place in a medical setting where some people will go along with what they are told. I will be sure to speak to my GP immediately about this change and what could have caused it. While there a lady next door was told her symptoms were part of life (feeling breathless, calf and chest pain). This was by a doctor. The doctor I saw did most of the necessary tests, but unfortunately was not around to advise on the BP crash as the third obs were taken right before discharge. So for future reference: stop putting people in chairs who are unable to sit, and don’t make throwaway comments that could lead to negative patient outcomes. Also retrain on BP/check BP machines as diastolic BP dropping by 40 in 3 hours is an emergency, or at least nothing good, and I’m not medical just intelligent/going on common sense
"Worrying statements made"
About: The Whittington Hospital The Whittington Hospital London N19 5NF
Posted via nhs.uk
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