The Zombie goes to hospital saga:
Monday night I spiked a temperature of 38.8C. I also ached badly in every bone, joint and muscle. It was at least as bad if not worse than the Tax Truck. Urged on (read ordered) by several very wise women I contacted the Oncology Helpline. Before ringing them I arranged for my neighbour to look after the cats and to leave my car at my in-laws. As I knew they would, they told me to go to the hospital as quickly as possible. When I told them I was planning to drive myself to Shrewsbury they said no, I wasn't to do that. (Just in case I collapsed at the wheel.) They arranged for an ambulance to come for me.
I ran upstairs and packed a bag and by the time I got back downstairs, they were knocking on the door. They came in to chat with me while I packed another bag with drugs, my hospital carrier bag, mobile phone and laptop. The lady asked who would look after the cats and when I said my neighbours above me, she asked is that A & B? I confirmed it was and asked how she knew them. She said 'They're my auntie and uncle'. Small world syndrome strikes again.
Then it was in to the ambulance. I was allowed to sit instead of using the gurney. The drive to hospital was taken up with obs, ECG, finger prick to check blood sugar and endless questions. Upon arrival I was admitted to the Clinical Decisions Unit. I was assessed by a doctor, had a full ECG, cannula inserted, a lot of blood taken, urine sample taken, IV antibiotics administered, wheeled around to X-ray for a chest x-ray and yet MORE questions. At 1.00am I was transferred to a side room on the oncology ward.
The day began at 6.00am with obs and another dose of IV antibiotics. Breakfast at 7.00. Between 9.00 and midday I saw the on call Oncology Consultant, the Pharmacist and had more bloods drawn. At this point I must apologise for my anger about not having the GCSF injections. My blood counts were fine. I do have an infection but my immune system is up to dealing with it. The extreme aches and pains are a normal side effect of the Kadcyla (oh JOY). I was switched from IV antibiotics to oral Ciprofloxacin. In the afternoon I was moved from the side room to a bay. I spent most of the afternoon trying to get my dongle to work all to no avail. It was demanding a network security code. As far as I'm aware, I don't have a network security code for the damn dongle. Otherwise it was a typical try to keep amused in hospital afternoon and evening.
Until one of the overnight nurses thought it was a good idea to bang about changing the rubbish bags on all the bedside tables and the water jugs at 12.20am. I mean WTAF? I had to take some of my sleepy pills to get back to sleep. This morning the same nurse did my 6.00am obs. The machine displayed my sats and heart rate but not my BP. She took the cuff off my arm anyway. I asked what my BP was and she told me 95 (my sats) over 63 (my heart rate). I reported her to one of the charge nurses a bit later. I wasn't worried about myself but if she's pulling shortcuts like she could endanger more vulnerable patients.
I saw the consultant about 10.00 this morning and he told me I could go home!! I need to take the ciprofloxacin for 4 more days. He also warned me that my platelet count is dropping and if I start bleeding from the gums or elsewhere. Discharge meds were ordered and up in about 45 minutes. Transport was arranged and turned up within 10 minutes. I was home by 12.15. A five hour nap later and it was dinner time. I feel an early night coming on.
Thank you so much for all your good wishes. xx