Well I never

Finally I have time to update on the events of the last couple of days. Back in early December John's kidney was scanned and it was noted that there were some issues and that the bladder was retaining 370mls of water, that's a fair bit as most people need to empty at 400ml. We received a letter (well a copy of the letter to the GP) saying that he needed to stop anticolergenic medicines at once. No one actually told us of course, so we checked and that knocked out, Bettmiga, Solefenicin and Tamsulsin. John would be called for a cytoscopy but no date given and a routine priority given. After a few days I got a bit mad about this and rang the specialist nurse (by this time John is getting up every 15-20 minutes, day and night). Nurse spoke to the consultant and he said, well let's not bother with the cytoscopy and then possibly do a TURP later, let's just get him in and prepare him for both bit in one procedure. So xmas came and went and John looked awful, lack of sleep being a major issue, but his colour was worrying too. Nothing from the hospital, so I rang again, well the appointment would be end of Jan, early Feb I was told. I was by now frantic and decided that a private consultation would be required. Of course, John didn't want a fuss but I decided he had to see his GP and lo and behold a scan revealed retention of by now at least 1 litre. 3 attempts at inserting a catheter failed at a local clinic, so we were sent to the hospital for them to do it. 6 hours later, 3 more attempts (blood everywhere by now) and umpteen bloody doctors later, they decide to admit him so nil by mouth, had nothing to eat since a tiny lunch and virtually nothing to drink. Gets admitted and nothing gets done, he has a sleepless night (you can imagine). We have been told about ten times that they need to do a surgical intervention and this would require a general anaesthetic. The following afternoon a registrar comes along and says he's taking John down for a local procedure to insert a catheter. I finally flipped. Being furious at the lack of attention and treatment and communication, held in momentarily but I let him go down and had a melt down in the ward. I was so furious at the now 7 attempts to stick a tube up the urethra, where there was so clearly a blockage and they had done a significant amount of damage with their arrogant attempts to avoid surgery. Never mind the agony of a still full bladder.

On return they had tried to put a camera up there but without success, really? There's a surprise. So did a supra pubic catheter. They released 3 litres of urine. I had a major rant at the consultant for the fact that this should have been dealt with weeks ago and the horrendous suffering they had inflicted on John over the last two days. His bag filled up another three times in the next couple of hours, I seriously dread to think of the pain he had been in.

Anyway, he's home now (after waiting 5 hours for meds that never came) and we are now living with the consequences. Last night the bag folded and did not fill, so backed up and it ended up with John on the floor as it emptied and it was full of blood.

I could say more, but I think this has got this partly off my chest. Let's just say I have always been a huge supporter of the NHS but right now I can assure you, the inefficiencies and downright cruelty I have seen over the last few days have made me despair.

Sorry for the massive post and undoubted typos.

Lots of love

Devonmaid

Edited by member 01 Jan 2016 at 17:25  | Reason: Not specified

Devonmaid

Hard to say how long the bleeding will go on for as me and your OH have had different things done. Mine did stop bleeding within a couple of days. I was initially using the tap on the catheter for about 4 days I was then told to urinate normally through the penis. I did manage to start again but had to revert back to the catheter and bag due to the damage in the urethra. 

If you have got an old wire coat hanger and a pair of pliers you can improvise and make a bag holder. I used to put the stand in a washing up bowl.

As Fiona says keep the wound clean, I got a lecture about not using medicated wipes, after a few days I was quite happy to clean round the area in the shower with unscented soap.

Even some of the RP guys at our hospital were not being given bag stands.

Pleased to hear your are feeling better.

 Thanks Chris

Edited by member 01 Jan 2016 at 23:15  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Allison,

You sometimes find patients writing to newspapers extolling the treatment they have received on the NHS. Well good luck to them, this is how it should be. However, there are far too many cases (and one is one too many) where as John found, the treatment, attitude and care is deplorable. I think many of us would be prepared to pay a tax that was ring fenced for the NHS to substantially improve the service. It would take time to train all the additional medical staff, update systems and equipment and where necessary change attitudes but needs the will to implement. Instead of this, the threatened strike by junior doctors is still on for 13th Jan as I understand it, - could lead to more cancellations and delays - wrong direction.

Hope John is properly sorted soon.