"Chest infection and suspected blood clot in lungs"

My GP sent me to A&E for an urgent chest X-ray and bloods, as my breathing had got so bad and it has been going on for so long now.

It was very busy. The care I received in zone C from the first doctor I saw was brilliant - he was kind, friendly and caring and very good at his job.

I was passed onto his college in the early hours of the morning, who was the complete opposite - abrupt, no compassion and didn't explain anything to me. Told me my d dimer bloods came back elevated and I was going to be treated for a blood clot in my lungs.

The doctor delivered this news in the middle of a corridor beside reception - I stood in disbelief, crying and they honestly looked at me like I'd 2 heads. I had a million questions and was so anxious over the news, I started asking the doctor questions and explaining I was feeling extremely worried about it and they told me not to worry and come back tomorrow for a CT scan as they just walked away from me.

I asked for pain relief as I was experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort in my back and side, especially from sitting and waiting for 8 hours and I had to wait over an hour on the pain relief .. And then I wasn't given any pain relief to go home with.

I came back the following morning, and was in zone B for cannula where a male and female nurse were so lovely and attentive. I wasn't rushed out the door and felt well looked after. 

Then I was sent for my CT scan where the care was superb. A lovely radiographer looked after me and was fantastic. I can't remember her name as the day was a bit of a blur for me. But she was amazing redoing the line in my arm so gently and carrying out the scan. 

Then back down to zone B, where Dr Joanne looked after me, she went through my CT scan results in thorough detail so I understood everything. Cleared me of any lung clots but to our surprise found a broken rib which was the culprit of all my pain. She prescribed all the meds necessary and requested a follow up dexa scan to check my bone density levels which has gave me some reassurance for moving forward.

Dr Joanne was so caring and empathetic - honestly brilliant at her job and a true asset to the hospital and NHS. We need more doctors like her. Big thank you to all the staff over those 2 days as I see how much pressure you are under.