"Visit to A&E"

I hadn't been feeling well for a few weeks, shortness of breath. I had phoned my GP but with current restrictions it is difficult to get a face to face appointment.  Initially I was given a phone consultation for 2 weeks time.  Time went on and I wasn't feeling any better.  I'm a fit person who runs 3 to 4 times a week and I was struggling to even walk very far without being out of breath.  A week had passed and I phoned the GP surgery again and asked if I could see someone, again I was told there were no appointments but someone would phone me back.  Diane (Nurse Care Practitioner) phoned me back and gave me an appointment that day.  I was seen by Dr Simpson, who was very thorough and gave me antibiotics, requested bloods to be taken and referred me for a chest x-ray.  I went for my chest x-ray on the Thursday, which I thought was going to be a straight forward process.  As soon as the x-ray was taken the radiographer said I had to go to A&E.  

Once in A&E, Dr Lee, the emergency consultant,  advised me that I had a right-sided pneumothorax, which was a bit of a shock.  He was very good at explaining everything and what needed to happen.  A chest drain was inserted and nurse Lisa held my hand through the procedure.  I had a bit of a wait in A&E after the procedure but was grateful I got at bed in Dr Gray's.  Once on Ward 5, the staff were great, nothing too much trouble.  I spent a few nights on the ward and as a member of staff (non-clinical) it gave me a different perspective on what happens on a busy ward.

Thanks to all the staff at Dr Grays, A&E, Dr Lee, Lisa and others, for keeping me calm and the staff on Ward 5, Alana, Steve, Fiona, Alice and Kelly (student) who had only been there for a few weeks, who was amazing with all the patients!

Thanks again to Dr Gray's Hospital for looking after me, much appreciated.