Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Speaking publicly

Now there's a turn up for the books... I've been asked to speak at a conference on Sepsis down in London: Saving Lives- Sepsis Conference, April 2013

I've been asked to set the scene for the day from a patient perspective of the impact sepsis can have and how important it is for clinicians to adhere to the guidelines on recognising and responding to sepsis. 
"If you can tell your story, including the good aspects and the areas that could have been improved for you and your family eg how was sepsis explained to you at the time, what could have helped you in you recovery etc and the impact it has had on your life since – but also remind people that for many the outcome can be much worse."
This came about because of a story published with the Sepsis Alliance
Now I've never spoken in public before- let alone to a room full of medical consultants, so it's gonna be a big ask. Luckily, some friends will be coaching me and hopefully I won't get too emotional (I always do when I talk about it) though I think doing this will do me some good. It's time these professionals realised what happens on the other side when 'survivors' leave hospital as they never find out because they have to move on to the next patient.
I think it also important to bring to their attention the 'fallout' that occurs and I don't just mean PTSD but the financial side (certainly for the self employed) such as critical illness insurance not covering, in my case, sepsis or acute pancreatitis PLUS the fact I was not taken seriously by the Financial Ombudsman.
So 2013 should be an interesting year... let's hope that works out as interesting in a good way.

Nottingham Ho!

It seems occasionally the NHS creates a system that actually works. NHS Book and Choose is one of those things that makes sense AND more importantly...works! I was referred by my GP to Nottingham, the appointment, web ref and password all came through which allowed me to swap my date (due to work) with no bother at all! Wow!
So on the 7 December my wife and I nipped over to Nottingham City Hospital. I was pretty much wound up over all this... so many what ifs in my head. I'd spoken to my counsellor at length about it all and "it's natural to be so anxious after your last ordeal"... Great. That helped. Thanks luv! "but it is a different hospital. A hospital you have confidence in." True but what if...
She was right. But I was still unsure. I know I need to have this op. I know this hospital looked after Scarlett brilliantly when she had her operations [for scoliosis] so what's my problem. Kinda obvious really isn't it!
Anyway, we got there- late- eventually found outpatients and got whizzed straight in (probably because we were late!)
"Would you mind if a couple of our students examine you first? They've got their finals this afternoon."
"Bring it on. Yes that's fine!!"
The poor sods... like lambs to the slaughter
"So Mr Crow, can you give us a little of your history as to why you are here today."
"You want the short or long version?"
"Erm, long please."
So they got it. With both barrels. By the time I'd finished they had the usual expression I've grown accustomed to... jaw on the floor, not saying much.
So they had a prod and a poke and they umm'd and ahh'd made a bit of smalltalk (must have been taught to do that at Uni!) and went off to write it up.
Next, we got a visit from the Consultant's Registrar(?) who had a read of the notes supplied by the students (can you believe they didn't have my noted from Lincoln!) and asked a few more questions, then decided Mr Ubhi needed definitely to see me.

Let's check him out...

Mr Charanjeit Singh Ubhi

Consultant Surgeon

  • Sub-specialties:Gallbladder surgery, Hernia inguinal, Laparoscopy, Thyroid Surgery
  • GMC membership number:2386450
  • Date of registration:01 Aug 1977
  • Grade of clinical excellence award:Level 9 What is this?
  • Email:c.ubhi@nuh.nhs.uk
I am a trained General Surgeon undertaking gastrointestinal, endocrine and laparoscopic surgery. Due to clinical demands, in the last few years the majority of my in-patient activity has been in thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgery. I maintain my general interests with day case surgery performing laparoscopic and open procedures with cholecystectomy. inguinal and incisional hernia procedures forming the major components. I have an active role in training junior staff in surgery and Higher Surgical Training. I have a much wider remit for training in my role as Regional Specialty Adviser.

Hmm, not bad... looks like he should understand all the sh*t I've been through. Good bedside manner and gave direct answers with no skirting around the issue. I'm going to need open surgery due to the previous surgeries in that area for him to repair the hernia. This might not remove all the pain I have in that area but it will certainly repair the hernia (other pains could be caused by surgical adhesions but he was only to repair the hernia)- this is a less serious operation in the respect that it's 'surface' and they do not go right in through the peritoneum, only dealing with the muscle wall. Well that's how I understood it!
Effects? Well, probably an overnight stay, then home (I've been here before- or not, if you get me!) and TOTAL REST- not even driving, lifting a thing- for 2 weeks followed by a SLOW integration back into work and general shenanigans.... so it's pretty much like having a cesarian. Well that's work buggered up for a month- possibly two! Great  -_-
Next we went off for pre-op... questionnaire, blood pressure, general Q&A with another nurse who was nice and quite helpful- always a bonus!
Oh, forgot to say, OI asked Mr Ubhi about cans and can'ts and his answer was "I never stop my patients doing anything before surgery. Be sensible and listen to your body. If it hurts, stop." JESUS! Specialist subject, the bleedin obvious or what!
So, dear reader you again will witness the shittiness of this Government and how self employed people are looked after. Well, they're not. It's that simple. Anyone else would be on sick pay. Me? Nowt... maybe claim some benefit after a ridiculous questionnaire but I've been here before and got nothing. Think we might have to explore the CAB this time.
So, where am I with all this at the moment... well, I'm wearing compression tops. These ones are great and they do help.

  • Am I in pain? Yes but not all the time. 
  • Can I do gym? No- it's too much and too much strain. 
  • Can I cycle? Yes, I'm doing flat routes when the weather allows or on the turbo. 
  • Can I run? Well, surprisingly, yes. I did the Santa run, expecting to walk and actually managed to run the course...comfortably! It's only 3.5km but considering I'd not run since the London 10k in July so I was happy with that (legs not so happy now!!)