"Incredible care in a pregnancy loss"

In April I got the copper coil inserted at Sandyford clinic where I experienced a horrendous amount of pain on insertion and for over a week after.  I went to IRH A&E to get checked as the pain, bleeding and nausea was worsening. I was given 2 antibiotics for a uterus infection and sent home with advice. By the Tuesday the vomiting and pain had gotten worse and I attended RAH A&E with my mum as I couldn’t keep down the antibiotics. I was given IV fluids & IV antisickness and managed to keep down water and a few biscuits. I was sent home and the pain and vomiting continued until it got much worse on the Friday.

I realised my sickness was much worse in the mornings and I carried out a pregnancy test which was positive. I phoned NHS 24 as my GP surgery and Sandyford were closed. NHS 24 were extremely helpful and asked me to be at RAH within the hour. On arrival, after I had been triaged, there were an endless number of incredible nurses, a&e doctors and gynaecologists by my side who didn’t leave me as I was on my own. I was taken to ward 32 Gynaecology very quickly for scans where I was met an incredible Doctor. He carried out my scans so particularly being very honest and informative about my scans and the fact that there wasn’t a heartbeat and we had most likely lost the baby due to insertion of the coil which had gone through the pregnancy sack.

This was absolutely devastating news to find out on my own as I wasn’t allowed anyone in due to covid restrictions but the Dr, his registrar and Nurse from ward 32 made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I was advised to go home, be with my family and come back on Tuesday to check my hormone levels.

Returning on Tuesday to see another Consultant, my HCG levels had continued to rise meaning that my body was still preparing for a baby which was no longer viable. The same Doctor was not to see me that day as he had a clinic on. Despite this, he made an appearance to support me and my partner through my scan. With my partner allowed in this time for all aspects of the appointment, we were advised that I would need to go to theatre for surgery within the following few days which was a shock.  With the endless support from everyone in the scan room, we felt very at ease despite the difficult circumstances. I returned from the scan room to ward 32 for further advice, a covid swab and I returned home to isolate for theatre.

In ward 32 I was admitted by the most welcoming staff nurses & students - the Staff Nurse who was new to the ward and made me feel very at ease and student nurses -  who have been very attentive & supportive. I was brought down to theatre by HCSW who was extremely caring and kind and supported me on the journey to theatre as emotions were high. I was taken into the anaesthetic room where the Anaesthetist & Staff Nurse were absolutely incredible and made it very easy & reassured me.

In theatre recovery I was woken by the Staff Nurse who kept on top of my pain very well & kept me comfortable before transferring me back to the ward. For the next 24 hours I remained on oxygen & morphine and endless amount of support from all staff nurses. The Senior Charge Nurses were both very hands on in the department and ensured I was fully aware of everything that was happening and all plans for the near and further future. Additionally despite difficult times with covid, SCN arranged for my partner to be allowed in due to exceptional circumstances and this made a massive difference in both our mental and physical well-being. The Charge Nurse  discharged me and gave a well needed ear for support & comforted me that my emotions were all normal and expected. One of the SCN's arranged for me to have a ‘SIMBA’ box which is a memory box given to parents who have lost a baby & I believe that this will be a very important aspect of both myself and partners recovery.

Myself, my partner and my family are eternally grateful for all the support from everyone and in particular the Doctor who has made every decision in the best interest for myself, to the other Doctor who carried out my surgery safely and effectively and to the other Doctor who despite not being a Doctor currently on ward 32, has been an incredible friend, medical professional & provided me and my family with such patience, incredible support and ensured I was in the best hands at all times. Each and every individual I have been seen by in the last week have all delivered outstanding care and will forever be remembered by both myself and my family. We cannot thank you enough.