DH has to go to hospital tomorrow

[purplerain44]

Hi, my DH has just had results of a blood test, severe anemia, we don’t know why yet. But he has to go to a busy London hospital today for a blood test and then tomorrow for a transfusion. I’m so scared of him going out - he has asthma and history of chest vulnerability - but the GP has said he has to go. He’s not allowed to drive and the GP suggested a cab but that’s crazy to me so I’m going to take him with my 2 kids (not going in) but it feels like a huge risk for him. Please can anyone give me any practical or emotional advice - I’m really super anxious - as if I wasn’t before this! Thanks

Hi purplerain, this happened to someone in my family and it was blood loss from a polyp high up in the digestive tract - ie blood was absorbed on way through so they didn’t realise they were bleeding - in fact a stool blood test was negative. All sorted and fine now. I know it’s frightening but may well have a simple and fixable solution.

From the virus point of view, I would absolutely fashion a mask for him out of something and possibly wear glasses for this hospital visit to try to reduce risk of exposure to large droplets if anyone should cough. When back at house remove coat and shoes outside front door. Clothes just inside door then Wash hands immediately and shower.

Hi, my DH was diagnosed with anemia a few months and I immediately began to panic, as I stupidly Googled reasons for anemia in men.

After a million tests including an endoscopy (down his throat and up his bum), they just decided that he is crap at absorbing iron so he now takes a pretty hefty supplement. I have to say, he is like a new person - more energy, better mood, it's been a real game changer for him.

Hoping your DH can stay safe and get some answers soon.

I was sat in A&E critical care most of the day yesterday with my soon to be 90yr old mother. (Not related to CV and she’s fine now).
This was in a busy hospital just outside of London.
It made me feel some what reassured. They had 2 isolation areas open (and full) for CV and opened a third one while I was there. No one was allowed into these areas without full PPE on and that all had to be removed in an area before leaving it.

Lots of cleaning going on to. On route for. CT scan a man was cleaning all touch points. Saw lots of cleaning.
It seemed very organised and the porter said they had started to get deliveries of lots of equipment and PPE.
I antibac”d mine and my mums hands continually and when I got home I stripped off at the door (put clothes in black bag then straight in washing machine) and had a shower. My daughter detol sprayed my handbag and shoes and I put them out in the garden in the sun. Also cleaned phone and will do car handles, steering wheel etc today.
Just take lots of precautions, keep hands clean and try not to touch your face.

OP - Ring the hospital and explain about your husband's asthma, they will have procedures in place for vulnerable patients.

My sister was severely anaemic - in her case, turned out to be coeliac disease so easily treatable.

I think your plan is good. Have dh wash his hands before leaving and have sanitizer in the car to use as well.

If you’re worried about the virus, I went to St Thomas’ yesterday and was dreading it. Normally a very very busy hospital but it was almost empty. Some people were wearing masks but not all. I made sure not to touch anything (door handles, lift handles etc) and tried to maintain a good distance from people.
If you are driving (which we did), the congestion charge is not on atm so that is a small bonus. Hope your DH gets some answers at the appt.

Thank you all. It feels like a bad joke someone’s playing on me. I’m welling up with all your fast replies