"My Experience Following A Surprise Admission To Hospital"

Back in Mid July, after blood tests done at the local GP practice flagged up extremely high levels of the inflammatory marker, creatine kinase, of unknown cause.

I was admitted to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy. This came as a shock, and led to an extremely worrying time, where I spent several days receiving a great number of diagnostic tests to try and explain my symptoms and blood test results. I was swiftly diagnosed with dermatomyositis and commenced treatment whilst still in ward 22 of the Victoria Hospital. On discharge from ward 22, I was placed under the care of Rheumatology Consultant Dr McLaren as an outpatient. I would like to say a big thank you to Dr McLaren for his fantastic care to date. When attending appointments he has a wonderful manner and is incredibly attentive. He never rushes through an appointment, and always gives me the chance to ask all the questions on my mind during the appointment. He is very clear when explaining my treatment plan and keeps his word when following up on test results by explaining these to me via telephone call as pledged. 

Since my diagnosis, both Janet from occupational therapy and Gillian from physiotherapy at the Rheumatology Department of the Victoria Hospital have visited the house, to conduct assessments and offer treatments to help in my recovery. Given the fact I live with my elderly mother to whom I care for, the fact these therapists were able to visit the house, saved me having to leave the house for a couple of hours to attend an appointment in Kirkcaldy, which was very much preferred and appreciated. 

Overall, despite my shock admission to hospital in July and the fear and uncertainty that goes with being diagnosed with an autoimmune, inflammatory condition, I have had a positive experience with the healthcare I have received since. 

To the staff that have helped diagnose, stabilise & treat my illness to get me well again, in particular- 

Dr McLaren- Rheumatology Consultant- Victoria Hospital- Kirkcaldy;

Gillian- Physiotherapy- Rheumatology Department- Victoria Hospital- Kirkcaldy;

Janet- Occupational Therapy- Rheumatology Department- Victoria Hospital- Kirkcaldy;

The Doctors & Nurses of Ward 22- Victoria Hospital- Kirkcaldy;

and all others involved in my care, I want to say big thank you for all your help.

It has been very much appreciated and you do a fantastic job.