"Four day inpatient stay August 2015"

Admitted to medical assessment unit via a&e Tuesday night. Transferred to neurology ward Wednesday 9pm. Currently awaiting discharge. On arrival staff were unable to help me much because I could not help myself. My breathing was out of control and so this came first rather than my multiple sclerosis relapse. I had an urgent ECG, chest xray and cannulated for fluids and pain relief. Unfortunate the cannula and my arm did not get along and on my request it was removed. My arm was swollen but the pain gradually died down. My neurological pain was at a high level also. Since my admission I have rested and listened to the advice and am due to go home following advice of the physiotherapist on being careful to manage my fatigue.

I have relearned a few extremely important lessons for life. That food is fuel. That being cared for is a priviledge not a right. That "do no harm" applies to yourself as much as to others. The NHS is a large organisation but it is staffed by human beings. If you want others to be human towards you, you must first be human to them. There is no other way. There is no cure for my condition. It is not my fault. And nor is it anyone else's.

Reviews for hospitals are a new thing in the UK. But perhaps it is how things are going. I do not feel it appropriate to give broad brush ratings for my experience in hospital but if I do not someone else will.

I am grateful that I get to go home. Others are not so fortunate. People are not so easily pleased necessarily. That is up to them however.