Ok, gotta make this quick, bedtime and all.
Sister has mental health problems and is an alcoholic. She started a binge on Fri and had 5L vodka and God knows what prescription drugs, tramadol, codeine etc. Anyway, she called on Tues having lost two days and mum had to call an ambulance for her as she was out of it, crying uncontrlably, thowing stuff around, shouting, saying she wanted it to end etc.
So she's taken to A&E, put on a drip and librium and is currently there in observation detoxing and has spoken with the mental health team etc. We actually think that this episode could be the catalyst to getting her the help she so desperately needs.
To say that some of the staff haven't been supportive of her or willing to lessen her discomfort is fair. She has been judged for coming in as she did, i.e. alcoholic who od'd, albeit accidentally. She's had to fight for lirbrium even though she's shaking, throwing up, headachey, trembly inside, anxiety through the roof...when the alcohol nurse saw her she was so cross that she'd been denied librium and made a point of putting it on her notes the amount she can have within any 24 hr period. For the record she's well within that limit, well within it - so she's not taking the piss.
So she's obviously addicted to codeine etc and has a terribly bad back, that's how the addiction started. They won't give her anything for it, fair enough, but two nights in the hospital bed is killing her back and they've just told her they can't get a heat pack or V pillow for her...this is a big hospital.
AIBU to call them (I am 3 hrs away, was there today after driving overnight to get to her but had to come home for kids, husband going away with work etc). Can I ask to speak to the ward sister and insist that they try, at the very least, to help her out?
Thanks, could really, really do with some advice. My sis in vulnerable and unable to express herself as she normally can at the moment. I wish I was able to be with her right now.
This is all so distressing.