"My recent hospital stay"

After approx 2 weeks of progressively worsening back pain, the likes of which I have never experienced before, I found myself unable to stand up - the pain was excruciating. I called my GP surgery. A few hours later, a trainee paramedic arrived who could not prescribe but said they'd pass my symptoms on to the GP. My husband collected a prescription at about teatime. During this time, I felt increasingly anxious and, retrospectively,  I perhaps should have called an ambulance, but it's not something I'd usually do unless I thought the situation was life -threatening. The pills prescribed didn't help and the pain worsened to an unbearable level. My husband phoned NHS 24 but the line was constantly busy - he phoned an ambulance. The two female paramedics who attended were fantastic- got me into the ambulance and administered morphine. 

On arriving at ARI A&E I was assessed by a particular member of staff. I understand they and the rest of the team have a tough job to do, but they didn't seem to grasp my situation and had it not been for the insistence of my son and husband, I doubt whether I would have been admitted. 

I spent the night in ward 104 where I was well cared for and given meds to control the awful pain. The next day, I was again given liquid morphine and diazepam which certainly helped. The physio deemed me fit to go home, but of course, looking back, the strong pain relief had allowed me to pass the assessment. 

On returning home, I had a restless, painful night despite taking the meds prescribed, but the next day was determined to do my exercises as advised. Again, I experienced severe pain and passed out. My husband called for an ambulance.

On arrival I was again assessed by the same member of staff who made me feel I wasn't doing enough to help myself! I really felt they didn't appreciate the amount of pain I was suffering and again  had it not been for the insistance  of my family members, I'm sure I would have been sent home with the box of cocodamol pills they produced. None of us were impressed with this almost oppressive approach. I felt strong pressure to agreeing to go home. 

I was admitted to ward 105 after physio assessment - Susan was thorough, and tough but she could see that by this time I could hardly walk. 

I cannot express deeply enough my gratitude to all the staff who attended me in ward 105 - they are true superheroes. A weight was truly lifted when I entered the ward. They were exceptionally thorough in their assessment and treatment of my pain and because I again blacked out in hospital were able to investigate why this was happening.

I am now home, having been discharged after a 4 day stay, in the hope I never have to return! But I will always be grateful to those who took the time, effort and patience to get to the bottom of my condition. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.