Karen is back home

This is a very unusual post as it is Nigel here.

Karen was keen for me to update her blog as she hasn’t posted for a few days.

Firstly the news is good – after seeming as if it was going to be bad.

Karen was ill over the weekend with incredible chest pains and gave in on Sunday after a sleepless night and we went to our local A and E. They saw her very quickly – chest pains take priority and everyone was wonderful.

She had ECGs and blood tests and chest xrays. Harder than it sounds as Karen is notoriously hard to take blood from. Several attempts to cannulate failed and she is like a bruised pin cushion. Anyway we left the hospital at 8.00 pm Sunday night to be told rest and that one of the test had to be done again – the one that looks for a blood clot – as it was inconclusive. We were told we would hear from them for a scan on Monday am.

We got home, had something to eat and went to bed to be woken at 11.30 by the hospital telling us to go back and with an overnight bag. They said they wanted to treat her straight away and would arrange a scan for the morning. So back we went by which point poor Karen was in a dreadful state and in a lot of pain and was scared.

Hospitals don’t do things by halves and so all the same tests were run again from scratch and the agency nurse who did the cannula this time made a heck of a mess. After the clot busting drug in the tummy I was given a pack so I would be able to do the future clot busting injection on her at home. Not a thought I relished. They also said the scans were all backed up and so they would get her an appointment for Tuesday.

Back in bed by 2.30am but very worried.

8.40 the hospital rang to say they wanted her back in for scans at 9.30 so another quick dash.

There followed a series of tests including a radio active xray and a CT scan. Poor Karen – more jabs and cannulas. They almost got one cannula in when the vein collapsed. It was all quite traumatic for someone with poor veins.

However the good news finally came just after 5.00 today. It is NOT a blood clot in her lungs and I cannot tell you how relieved we are. She has a chest infection and inflamed intercostal muscles and needs rest and antibiotics and pain relief but it is NOT a clot so we don’t care!

Once again we are so impressed with our NHS. Apart from one nurse every single person we met was so kind and reassuring and helpful. Tests were organised swiftly and we couldn’t have been better looked after.

I think we both feel very blessed. Blessed to have been looked after so well and to have had a positive outcome. Karen has also asked me to thank everyone for their kind words on Facebook and in e mails.

Apologies – I could manage the basics like typing – no pictures from my post I am afraid. Normal service will resume in the next couple of days.

Comments

[Valerie]

Thank you Nigel for the update, it has been a really rough time for you over the weekend, wishing you both best wishes and Karen a very speedy recovery.xx

[Mary D]

So sorry Nigel to hear that Karen has been unwell.what a worrying time for you both.they would have been better keeping her in until all the tests had been carried out.but I'm so glad that the results are clear,she will just have to rest and take things easy and I hope she will be feeling better soon ,Mary

[KSLNO@aol.om]

Goodness Nigel! What a terrible couple of days for you both. I am SO pleased to hear that all is well and that the hospital were so vigilant. It is so easy to knock the NHS when actually they do an amazing job...we are so lucky in this country. Please pass on my best wishes and prayers that she will be back to normal soon. How fortunate she is to have you. Sara

[Wendy]

Get well very soon Karen xx

[Ann Caldwell]

Hope you are on the mend Karen. What a scary few days for you both. The NHS are amazing when the need arises. Having needed emergency treatment a couple of years ago I do remember how well I was treated from the paramedics, to the staff in A&E and the specialists. Get well soon.xx

[isobel]

what a horrible weekend you have both had :( Thanks for updating us Nigel and sending lots of healing vibes to Karen to get well soon.
izzy xx

[Barb in AK]

Oh my, what a scare!! I'm so sorry Karen had to endure the torture of needles-- which I am such a baby about, so I do understand. Thank you, Nigel, for posting. You know we love you and Karen, and truly care about you both. I will be praying for Karen's quick and complete recovery, and for her to follow doctor's orders of rest, rest, and rest some more.

[Jules]

Thank you for the update Nigel. Sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery for Karen x

[Mike Smith]

I can't believe my eyes, Nigel blogging? Seriously, thank you for the update and keeping us informed on Karen's progress. I am thankful that it was not something more serious but having had her ailment, I know how terrible it is. Good meds, lots of rest and pampering - that's the ticket! You have your work cut out for you mate! Take care, both of you, and give Karen my very best for a quick recovery. The kids must miss her at school. Hugs, Mike from FL

[Lisa]

Get well soon x