Recently I experienced really worrying symptoms; my right side went numb and I could not get my words out. This happened a few times after during the night. It was only at 5.30 that my partner managed to encourage me to call for help, I called 111 ( admittedly it's only in hindsight i see the seriousness of the symtoms).
They called an ambulance with no delay the call handler was very patient with me, despite my symptoms coming and having to pass the phone to my partner. Very thankful.
My care then changed... the ambulance crew walked in ( I didnt get there names). The first thing I was told was that I was not having a stroke your and that my face would be dropping, if I was. I did not mention a stroke nor did I claim to have one, I understand that's possibly what they where thinking but I would have thought If you was going to offer reassurance it would be in a kind manner, not the first thing said without introducing themselves or asking my name. The attitude of the paramedic was , in opinion, and my partners unprofessional and condescending.
Whilst I was being looked over me my symptoms reappeared. I told the paramedic ( obviously anxious) who rolled their eyes and told me to slow my breathing. They said I was NOT having a stroke, plus the symptoms wouldn't be coming and going. The paramedic said "Your just stressed" ( how that judgement was made I'll never know.) When the paramedic finished the examination I was told I would be taken to hospital but they wouldn't do much. By the time I got to the ambulance I was in tears, I tried to hold it back. The paramedic asked what the matter was and I explained I've had a lot go wrong with my health over the past few weeks and I was very unhappy at the way I was treated. The paramedic explained it was more about reassurance. I told the paramedic that theres a way to do it and they rolled her eyes.
On arrival to ayr hospital the paramedic told the nurse in front of me that I was just anxious but they better check me anyway forgetting to mention the temperature that had been picked but earlier.
I was saw by the same nurse who helped my on to the trolley and hooked me up to the monitor and reassured I had done the right thing and a doctor would be with me shortly, very compassionate.
I was then seen by a doctor who checked me out head to toe and confirmed there was worrying symptoms. Long story short, within the hour I had been transferred to the stroke ward at crosshouse.
Anything I say about the stroke ward at crosshouse would never be enough, they where run off their feet but could not do enough for you, the pinical of compassion. I was seen by a stroke consultant within 30 minutes of arrival and had an urgent MRI scan. ( I have a complex family history and a diagnosed clotting disorder) something the ambulance crew never asked.
I would like for my many thanks and praised to be passed to ward 3E.
I would also like to put an official complaint in regard the ambulance crew, if I could be advised on how to do this.
Thank you.
"Worring symptoms"
About: Crosshouse Hospital / Stroke Care Crosshouse Hospital Stroke Care KA2 0BE Scottish Ambulance Service / Emergency Ambulance Scottish Ambulance Service Emergency Ambulance EH12 9EB University Hospital Ayr / Accident & Emergency University Hospital Ayr Accident & Emergency KA6 6DX
Posted by Manda45 (as ),
Responses
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Update posted by Manda45 (a service user) 4 years ago
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