nursedarry: (Python tennis raquet)
nursedarry ([personal profile] nursedarry) wrote2011-12-31 03:56 pm
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Blood and guts. Lots of guts.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me lovely messages and comments through the last couple of weeks of my pain and drug-induced delerium/rages and near-crippling manicure emergency.

My GP has been about as useful as tits on a fish through all of this, refusing to refer me for the diagnostic endoscopy I needed (which they were instructed to do in my discharge letter) after leaving hospital in Edinburgh, and instead continued to test/treat me for respiratory problems (as they were so sure that's what I had, despite my sats and peak-flows being normal). They finally referred me to hospital yesterday for testing for a pulmonary embolism (which I didn't have), but the X-ray did reveal something else...



Docs are now pretty sure I have a hiatus hernia along with an h pylori ulcer.

No, I don't.

Bizzarly, they think I've been living with these for years, as it was my pregnancy that was the risk factor for them - the medicos all went "Ahaaa!" when they found out I carried a twin pregnacy high enough in my belly to require antacids the final two months of it. I don't often smoke (usually just socially, though that'll have made the symptoms worse) and I have a normal BMI.

So, the hosipital docs have once again asked the GP to make a referral for an endoscopy to see how bad things are, and I've already been given one of the tablets I need to fix both problems. I still can't bend over or walk more than a few yards without getting severely short of breath, but I'm not in constant pain anymore and I am home.

But getting to this point wasn't easy - in the course of finding all this out, I was given cortico-steroids which did NOT agree with me at all. In fact, the docs have now told me to tell future clinicians not to prescribe them for me ever again. I am still fighting the side effects, as well as having to keep my temperature down.

I know neither of these conditions is horrendously serious Er, it is kind of, but they've been more painful and inconvenient than anything I've ever experienced, and with hubs away half the time, I've been so grateful for the help of fandom friends and RL neighbours.

I've no idea when this endoscopy referral will come through, but my drugs run out in three weeks, so I'm hoping it'll be before then. Until then, I'm going to have to be off work for a large part of the time, unless my boss can find me something to do from home when I'm not too doped up, the kids are going to have to stop their fucking squabbling and learn some useful grown-up skills (like making cups of tea), and I'm just going to have to not move around a lot and not do much - two things I'm crap at.



Thank you all for keeping me smiling, squeeing and pointing and going oooooh, look at that! through all of this.

And I'll let you know if I ever get the nails fixed.

[identity profile] delorispea.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:07 pm (UTC)(link)
i hope it all works out fine and you get better ASAP!!!

sending hugs and cake xxxx


Plus Attenborough is my total favourite person EVER.

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Someone needs to send me more DVDs! I've finished Frozen Planet and The Blue Planet.

Have to say I'm getting sick of seeing the same kill/eat sequences. I want a DVD full of baby animals being born or bloopers now.
ext_21627: (Default)

[identity profile] starry-diadem.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Fingers crossed that they sort all this out quickly. Best of wishes for 2012

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:13 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you, darling! I did have a nice dream about having sex with Sean Bean last night, so it's improving already!

[identity profile] dark0feenix.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:09 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm sorry to hear you still need to endure a lot of medical hassle, though it's good to know it's not dire. I hope you can take it easy for a while, as difficult as it may be, and that your new year will be a happy one! ♥

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much, from your mouth to God's ears :)
delphipsmith: (gumbies)

[personal profile] delphipsmith 2011-12-31 04:22 pm (UTC)(link)
SO SORRY you have to end 2011/start 2012 with this sort of nonsense!! Good thing we have smart and savvy nurses since docs are such crap, eh? Wink, wink. As to I'm just going to have to not move around a lot and not do much, well clearly the solution is to read tons of fic and perhaps write a bit LOL!

Seriously: lots of hugs and warm non-heartburn-y wishes. The twins are smart, I'm sure they can learn how to make tea and toast and maybe a boiled egg. I know there's not much I can do from the other side of the pond, but if there IS anything, you'll let me know, right? ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

PS Our dog had an endoscopy and she didn't seem to mind. Of course she was under general anaesthesia at the time ;)
Edited 2011-12-31 16:23 (UTC)

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:03 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm supposed to get mild sedation for an endoscopy, but at this point, they could put anything in my mouth and I'll swallow it without painkillers -wink wink, nudge, nudge. I just want to get this diagnosed and treated as fast as possible. I should never have left Scotland.

My worry is that the GPs are who we're entrusting the future of the NHS to and I'll admit, I was first in thinking this was asthma-related, as I have sever chest pain and am SOB, but when the sats come back saying 100% and my peak flow is normal, it's time to at least consider something different.

The problem is, a GP could go a lifetime without seeing either of these conditions. They're not exotic, but not as common as asthma.

Icon love.

[identity profile] geneva2010.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:41 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm relieved you're feeling a little better - why is it that we all have to fight the medical system tooth and nail - thinking of you.

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Ha! I have to fight them for a paycheque, so why not for this too! Luckily my boss is a doc and is very supportive. But I realise now, I should have just stayed in hospital in Edinburgh if they'd have let me and gone home on the train or something later. I've sent the wards all nice cards saying thanks.

[identity profile] noeon.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:48 pm (UTC)(link)
You POOR ANGEL :(((

And isn't it just like a GP to ignore a FRICKIN' discharge order???

Do they use pantoprazole over there?

Noe

PS Hiatal hernias suck. My mother had terrible GERD that went into Barrett's esophagus and a hiatal hernia. Without a twin pregnancy.

PPS XOXOXOXOXOX
Edited 2011-12-31 16:51 (UTC)

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:54 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks, BB. At the moment, I'm taking Lansoprazole and cyclosine. And some lovely painkillers :)

The docs confirmed it wasn't respiratory in Edinburgh, but this woman just wasn't having any of it. *boggle*

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[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com - 2012-01-03 18:05 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] subtlefire.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh Lordy. Here's hoping those docs get off their asses and get you that referral as soon as possible! And that you can get your nails done just as quickly! :)



[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I HAVE A MANICURE BOOKED FOR TUESDAY!!! I'll have to start walking to it on Monday, but by GOD I'm going to be there!

I have plasters on both hands from chips and broken gels! My insides probably look better!

[identity profile] vaysh11.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:52 pm (UTC)(link)
*hugs* I am glad you are home! ♥ And Merlin, I don't even want to look at those descriptions of your ailments. *covers eyes* Get well soon, darling!

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:08 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL! It's nothing too awful. Just yuchhy and dull, mostly.

I'll see if I can contract necrotising fasciitis before this endoscopy :)

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[identity profile] vaysh11.livejournal.com - 2011-12-31 17:15 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] phoenix-on-ice.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 04:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Hi sweetie,

I'm so sorry you're not feeling the best :(
At least the ejits are finally heading in the right direction.

I'm sending you lots of good vibes and naughtly thoughts ;)

And if your kids are big enough to reach the kettle it's time they learn to make tea anyway lol.

*squish*
LUV YOU!

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:09 pm (UTC)(link)
I wish I could kidnap you and bring you over for the next month!

Instead I've Shanghai'd [livejournal.com profile] cleo_jay away from [livejournal.com profile] dysonrules for a couple of weekends.

Thank you for the squishes.

[identity profile] veritas03.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:26 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh no! I have dealt with hiatal hernia and it is a heinous bitch. Compounded for you by the ulcer AND a freaking uncooperative doc refusing to comply with a discharge order! Bless your heart! Hopefully you will have your referral sorted out soon and be able to start your recovery. *sends positive, pain-reducing thoughts* *and hugs*

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 07:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Please tell me everything I need to know!!!

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[identity profile] veritas03.livejournal.com - 2011-12-31 21:18 (UTC) - Expand

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[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com - 2011-12-31 21:21 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] dysonrules.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 05:28 pm (UTC)(link)
*ANNOYED FACE*

They had better get off their idiot arses and fix you up PRONTO.

*snuggles you*

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 09:24 pm (UTC)(link)
You tell them, boss!

Thanks to the steroids I managed to put on about 20lbs in 2 weeks and NOT the fun way! I have a date with a couple water tablets this weekend.

Hopefully, this will all be sorted in time for our "date" in April.

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[identity profile] dysonrules.livejournal.com - 2011-12-31 21:56 (UTC) - Expand

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you, sweetie - sorry for the late reply - just now back at the desk. Briefly.

[personal profile] besamislabios 2011-12-31 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm glad to hear you're home. I hope it all goes well and you get well very soon.

My best wishes for 2012!

*huggles*

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you! Tu tambien!

[identity profile] pink-mint.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 06:00 pm (UTC)(link)
Ohh!! :-( I'm so sorry you've been going through all of this, sweetheart!! I'm glad you seem to be on the mend. Hope you feel better soon!! ♥ ♥ ♥

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you for the lovely comment, my sweetheart! Happy New Year to you and yours!

[identity profile] goldylost.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 06:06 pm (UTC)(link)
*HUGS* I hope you'll get better soon

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you, darling! Happy New Year!

[identity profile] sassy-cissa.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 06:53 pm (UTC)(link)
love you babycakes!! Feel better soon!!! *smooches you, but does not twirl you*

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
Yes, my twirling days have been put on hold for the time being. Will snog you silly in April.
(reply from suspended user)

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 08:59 pm (UTC)(link)
I was in hospital over Christmas up north and could have stayed in for a scope then, but may have had to wait several days/weeks. They don't like to do that if at all possible, they prefer to have investigations done by referral as outpatients so as not to block a bed.

The problem is they won't know how to treat me till they get in and see how bad it is with the scope, so it's just the minimal treatment for the moment.

You've been feeding me a steady stream of H/D wonderfulness all month, which has kept me company through all of this! ♥!
(reply from suspended user)

[identity profile] jtsbbsps-dk.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)

[identity profile] savagesnakes.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 08:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, Darry! DDD=

ILU, and hope you get better soon. You are AMAZING and idc if the conditions are horrendously serious, they're horrendously serious in that they are affecting you and hurting you and the truth of the matter is you're too wonderful for it to be fair! (I know, I know...life isn't fair...but I can still whine about it!)

Gobeithio bod ti'n teimlo'n wella <3<3<3 ELSE I'LL PUNCH THOSE SILLY PEOPLE IN THE FACE UNTIL THEY AGREE TO GIVE YOU THE DRUGS YOU NEED!

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
LOL! I know just who to ring if I need my doctor's kneecaps broken. Hoep to see you in April!

[identity profile] ladyoneill.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 08:39 pm (UTC)(link)
So glad you're doing okay even if you're in pain and doctors are idiots. I've never understood why it seems to take weeks and months to get the tests you need NOW. I hope you get yours soon so they can figure out how bad it is and fix it.

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
I may be scoping myself with my iPhone at this rate...

[identity profile] pir8fancier.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 09:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, how awful! Although also wonderful because not horribly serious. Having been through weeks and weeks of tests myself a number of years back (with small-ish children to take care of), you have my sympathies. Wishing you much better health in the New Year!

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you, my darling! I have to say, the kids HAVE been the hardest part of all this, even if they have been mostly good. It's just keeping them out of the picture long enough to rest.

[identity profile] hallowdraconis.livejournal.com 2011-12-31 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm so glad, as serious as it is, it isn't anything worse - very glad it isn't a PE!!

It's fucking depressing and scary that one's doctor can be such a screw up. I mean, we sort of rely on them to actually be competent! Sad that we often have to take our health into our own hands and -insist- on certain treatments/procedures.

Hope things get back on track soon :) (and make those kids make you tea! what else are they for?)

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:12 pm (UTC)(link)
Daughter has now become a tea EXPERT! Thank you for the nice comment, sweetie!

[identity profile] nenne.livejournal.com 2012-01-01 01:07 am (UTC)(link)
I've had my share of reflux and I know that what you're experiencing is nothing short of awful. I hope you get proper treatment and fast. *hugs*
Edited 2012-01-01 01:08 (UTC)

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Strangely, I've had very little reflux with this, which may be why it's taken so long to diagnose. I had tonnes when I was pregnant. With this, I've just had crushing chest pain, which I'm told is also a symptom.

Of course, it's also a symptom of lots of other things, too... eek!

[identity profile] demicus.livejournal.com 2012-01-01 01:09 am (UTC)(link)
Damn! You've really been through the ringer lately. I hope you get answers soon & that the meds you have now continue to help. *hugs*

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you very much! I rather with you'd tell my doctor that! :))))

[identity profile] leela-cat.livejournal.com 2012-01-01 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
*hugs*

Here's hoping they've got the right diagnosis and you feel better soon.

[identity profile] nursedarry.livejournal.com 2012-01-03 06:15 pm (UTC)(link)
It "feels" right, if you know what I mean. And I can't think of what else it could be, especially since one of the tablets to treat it seems to be working.

Thank you for the nice words :)

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