"I am simply humbled"

My story is NOT about Covid 19, but inevitably set against that background and demonstrates the need to be aware of and respond to other health issues. It is a very positive story.

In February I had chest pains and attended my GP who immediately referred me to the Clinical Assessment Unit (CAU) at Larbert where I received prompt care including diagnostics and was diagnosed with antibiotics together with an 'open door' to get back in touch with the CAU if I felt the need. The antibiotics seemed to work well and the pain was reduced. However, in March the symptoms returned and I had considerable pain. I got back in touch with the CAU. A planned follow-up X-Ray was arranged at Stirling Community Hospital. CAU followed up within 90 minutes of the X-Ray because there were concerns that the 'abnormality' had grown in size from the previous X-Ray. A CT Scan was arranged at Forth Valley Royal Hospital within 48 hours and arrangements made for a consultant review immediately after the CT Scan.

My husband and I were, of course, caught between being very pleased with the promptness of the clinical response, but also concerned about what the implications might be.

The good news was that the abnormality was not diagnosed as cancerous but as a result of my scoliosis pushing on one lung. This will continue to give me some bronchial issues but should be manageable. I can still enjoy exercise and gardening - with a further referral to Respiratory to help me manage this in an ongoing way.

My thanks to my GP, Dr Young,  Dr Beckett at the CAU, and all the team in the CAU and in Diagnostics both at Larbert and Stirling for both the quality of care and the consideration in how they treated me. I am simply humbled.