I recently experienced pins and needles / paralysis in my arm followed by an inability to speak or stand properly.
999 saw the rapid arrival of the emergency ambulance who initially diagnosed I was probably having a stroke and would have to go to hospital. The ambulance paramedic made the decision to take me to Crosshouse rather than Ayr since they had the specialists for my condition.
The paramedic telephoned ahead and on my arrival at A&E I was immediately met by a consultant and 2 or 3 nursing staff one of which was the specialist nurse from the Stroke ward. Their diagnosis was that I had probably had a stroke. By this time my condition was starting to resolve itself. I believe I was given a soluble aspirin at this time and sent for a scan. Total time to arrive on ward 3 E the Acute Stroke Ward could only have been 1.5 to 2 hrs. In my mind an almost unbelievably short time. What a Team!
In the ward I was linked up to a vital signs monitor and given assurances that I was in good hands. The friendly care continued round the clock in a seamless way until my discharge on a few days later. I was seen by a Consultant I think when I first arrived and again on the next day, and then again by Dr Ghosh the day after. I was discharged after a thorough briefing about my condition and what I could expect going forward. The discharge process going through specialist checks on my neck arteries and my ability to cope at home were carried out with ,in my view, great professionalism.
At that point there was some delay in ascertaining when exactly I would be allowed to leave which was disconcerting. I was obviously eager to return home which may have caused the anxious feelings I had.
Since discharge I have had contact with my GP practice who wanted to assimilate my condition into the practice way of doing things and supporting me as I recover, which is reassuring.
Not that i want to experience a stroke again, the care I received was superb from ambulance to GP. I would be happy for both myself and my family to be in their hands in any circumstance.
I am currently feeling well with very few after effects. I am confident I will make a full recovery thanks to the care I received.
"My emergency admission"
About: Crosshouse Hospital / Accident & Emergency Crosshouse Hospital Accident & Emergency KA2 0BE Crosshouse Hospital / Stroke Care Crosshouse Hospital Stroke Care KA2 0BE General practices in Ayrshire & Arran General practices in Ayrshire & Arran Scottish Ambulance Service Scottish Ambulance Service EH12 9EB
Posted by JEJ (as ),
Responses
See more responses from Christine Somerville
Update posted by JEJ (the patient) 4 years ago
See more responses from Alan Martin