Tag: NHS

I appreciate the NHS!

Posted on Posted in Memories, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

What a day!

Showered, then out for my podiatry appointment. I’d stubbed my toe last week and had a blood blister on my big toe.

Whilst being examined I told the podiatrist about my left leg. I have problems with the skin and when I showered it got very red and sore.

The podiatrist sent me off to my General Practitioner and said she would email them photos of my leg.

I got to the GPS, but they had no appointments, so they sent me off to a Walk in Centre that looks after more serious patients. When I got there I was triaged, then seen. By then my blood pressure was skyrocketing. We are going through a severe storm and it was very frightening, no wonder I was worked up.

They decided I needed to see a doctor but as the Walk in Centre was nurse led I would have to go to Accident and Emergency. That is near where I live, and I know the parking situation is terrible!

I was just getting in my car when the phone rang. The GP has given me an appointment in the morning. I didn’t need to go to A+E.

What I’m explaining is that all this was done in one day. I didn’t have to pay, because we all contribute to the health services in out general taxes. No massive premiums to be treated. Yes there is some private medicine, and there are sometimes problems, but we are very lucky to have the NHS!

CT scan

Posted on Posted in Memories, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Just been for a scan to see what’s going on in my body. I had to have contrast medium to outline my blood vessels. I went to the hospital, waited an hour, had it done and was back out half an hour later. Thank you NHS.

I don’t know how much it costs here, but we do have free tests because we pay for it in our general taxes. I then decided to check what a CT scan costs in America. $675 to $10000 or more! And what if you don’t have insurance over there? Terrible to have to pay unaffordable amounts and even bankrupt yourself….. I’m lucky to live here.

CT scan

Posted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

I had a CT scan today. I’m a bit scared of what they will find. But I was glad to have it done. I only had to wait a few weeks and because it was done on a bank Holiday Monday the hospital was quiet and my friend was able to find parking on the road near to the entrance (about a third of the normal cost).

We complain about the NHS but we don’t have to pay massive bills as you would have to in the USA. I’m not saying our system is the best, but we really appreciate it when it’s working well.

So anyway, I have to wait for the results. More worry and anxiety, but at least I might have an answer soon.

Health issues

Posted on Posted in Memories, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , 4 Comments

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

Imagine being ill already and finding out something else is wrong with you (it’s only taken two years). I’m also waiting for some results about another illness. I hope I will be OK but it’s certainly a challenge.

But I live in a country where health care is funded and mostly free if you can get an appointment. If I can get the medication I need I hope I will be alright. I just hope the health service does not deteriorate further.

Things may change. Politics may change, hopefully for the better and mean that care and health may once more become important. I certainly hope so.

Too much has gone to the richest in society. We were told ‘trickle down’ would happen so the poorest would get a few crumbs of concellation. Also that ‘levelling up’ would help, where towns and cities have to bid for dwindling resources. I guess my health depends on my nation….

Hospital

Posted on Posted in Cat, UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , 9 Comments

Long afternoon at the hospital, had to have scans and a biopsy. Now I’ve got to wait a couple of weeks for the result. Got home and look who is keeping me company? Sitting next to me like a sentinel.

I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I have three cats that need me. I intend to recover from whatever I’ve got. I’m grumpy and stubborn enough to look after myself. And I have my little friends for company.

I also have a brilliant lot of friends who have helped and supported me. I would have struggled without them. I’m thankful everyday for their help. Feeling a bit overwhelmed. X

Bad news

Posted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

My hubby is ill. If I’m not around much it’s because I’m sorting things out. I wasn’t going to say anything, but I just thought I should let people know.

At present I don’t know much. But I want to say how much I am grateful to the NHS. After ringing their helpline we were advised to go to Accident and Emergency. My hubby was triaged within half an hour. He was taken to a very busy set of cubicles. Blood was taken and he was given painkillers and seen by a doctor. I left after three hours because he was booked for a CT scan.

I saw him today on the ward. The nurses were so kind and supportive. I don’t know the prognosis but I’m hoping to get the information tomorrow. I’m very worried, but life is what it is. But I want to salute the NHS. Thank you.

Retinopathy test

Posted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , 2 Comments

Stinging eyes after eyedrops. I’m having my retinas checked as I have a regular screening each year. I don’t like it because your pupils are enlarged so the nurse can photograph the back of your eye. It means I won’t be able to drive for six hours and I have to wear sunglasses to stop the glare of the sun. I can still just about see my phone screen but anything beyond that is getting blurry.

Still it’s good to know that I’m being looked after. At least the NHS is still taking care of people. When I get home I need to sort out another appointment for something else. It’s all go!

No lateral flow…

Posted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , 4 Comments

I need a lateral flow test kit but I have a problem. I tried to order one off the NHS website but it said to go to your pharmacy. I went to my pharmacy and they had run out. I was going to something tonight but I won’t now as I can’t do the test and we are required to take a test before we go. I don’t think we are very organised in this country. Sometimes things go wrong. We generally ‘muddle through’, but this is important for people’s health. So I will keep trying and hope to get more tests soon. I’m careful, cautious, and want to keep others safe not just myself.

Illness

Posted on Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

My body is literally a pain. From recent problems to chronic health issues, I have to admit things are mounting up. I want to get to 100 when Halleys Comet is due to be back in our skies, but I’m getting fed up. I think my mind is fine but things keep going wrong. Must be my genetic makeup. Fingers crossed I don’t get anything else. At least one thing I have is determination. I don’t easily give up. Here’s another lot of tablets? Fine, thank you. I am thankful for the NHS, I don’t know how I would cope without it!