Just caught up on this thread. My thoughts and good wishes to Travelsafar and everyone else who is unwell or has unwell relatives. So difficult in normal times but more so in present uncertain times 
Good Morning Wednesday 14th October 2026
My DH just been taken into hospital with an irregular heartbeat, low oxygen and breathlessness worse than normal due to COPD. He has been unwell since xmas eve and we have tried to cope at home with calls to 111 and gp ringing us back with prescription for antibiotics and steriods as he is prone to chest infections. But this morning we had to admitt defeat. Hoping they will discharge later today as dont really want him staying in there, also that they will sort out what ever the issue is. 
Just caught up on this thread. My thoughts and good wishes to Travelsafar and everyone else who is unwell or has unwell relatives. So difficult in normal times but more so in present uncertain times 
I feel so sad for you travelsafar - you’re exhausted and worried. Can you ask family/a friend for support?
Could someone keep trying the hospital line for you?
At the very least you know your husband is having the oxygen which he needs and with time it will raise his levels and breathing and talking will become regular again.
It’s so frustrating for you both. Sending warm wishes ?
My thoughts are with you travelsafar, it is a horrible situation when you are unable to get reassurance from staff. I really do think the wards should delegate a ward clerk to keep families informed.
What a worrying, scary waiting game for you Travelsafar I do hope some better news comes through very soon. Keep yourself strong xx
I wish I could find something to say to make the situation any better travelsafar, my heart goes out to you both. Feeling unwell yourself will make this so much harder, I’m hoping you have managed to speak with staff by now or will very soon. Please look after yourself. My love to you both.
Travelsafar, I'm so sorry and sincerely hope that you manage to speak to someone today.
Stay strong and positive. ?
Thinking of you and your DH and hoping for a speedy return to health and the end of this nightmare you are living through. Look after yourself, and please if possible speak to someone close to you. You need a hand to hold. ??
I really feel for you travelsafar , I hope you get to speak to someone today and your DH soon improves ?
What a ghastly situation for you Travelsafar. I hope you do get through to the ward today and that your DH feels much better. You're not alone there are a lot of us on here sending very best wishes and 'virtually' holding your hand. ❤️?
I can’t imagine how awful this is for you . Hopefully you have got some rest yourself and will get some positive news today 
Thinking of you both and wishing you well.
Really hope you’ve managed some sleep travels. I had this problem, my mum was in hospital with covid last month, she’s 89 and doesn’t have a mobile. The ward rarely answered the phone, twice when I was extremely worried I asked the main switchboard to put me through to the ward manager, she was very helpful and explained everything fully. Hope your husband improves and you manage to speak to someone. Good luck. 
I really hope that you are okay travels. I know exactly how you feel. I hope that you get a bit of good news soon 
You know that we are all thinking of you, and/or praying for you.
travel I am sorry you are so upset. Quite understandable under the circumstances. As my DH was in hospital recently I know well the anxiety that builds when you can’t talk to anyone.
My DH sounded really awful, out of breath and in pain one night. He had a high temperature and was shaking violently. The following morning he was much better. So things can turn round quickly.
I too had the phone not being answered. All I can suggest is that you keep trying. They will answer eventually. I think they are really short of staff. You could try phoning the patient services people at the hospital or even try the operator and ask for help. I hope you hear from him soon. I know how worrying it can be.
Travelsafar - I'm so sorry you're anxious and unable to address your concerns with the hospital. I strongly suggest that you persist in calling the hospital/ward until eventually someone responds.
I have spent much of the last two days waiting for my calls to a hospital to be answered. The hospital wards/teams that I needed to speak to were madly busy and I knew that so I was able to be patient, but it is very frustrating simply because you know that someone can hear the phone ringing.
I hope tomorrow brings better news for you and that you are being looked after as well as possible under the circumstances. 
travelsafar if you are awake and anxious and have no-one to phone, there is a Night Owls thread on GN where I'm sure you will find a kindly listening ear.
Sending caring thoughts and hugs travelsafar
Have you any family or close friends you could phone to ask for help?
I think it would be a good idea if you have someone you could talk to now, but your DH really needs to keep on his mask, stay calm and get his oxygen levels up. The staff will be there with him.
travelsafar that must be unbearable for you to be in that situation. Is your husband able to answer the phone if you call him? If so, could you maybe try that and ask him to tell a nurse you need to speak to them?
Have you any family or close friends you could phone to ask for help?
They are rushed off their feet and possibly have no admin staff in that area to take calls, travelsafar, but they will be caring for him and he does need to stay calm and not try to speak.
Understandably he is frightened and so are you and you need reassurance of course, but the staff will be there with him.
? and I wish you both all the best. Try to get some rest tonight
⚘
Could you try phoning the general number for the hospital, so you are put through to a switchboard?
They might then be able to connect you.
Oh how awful.
I would keep trying to phone.
Can you put the phone on loudspeaker so you can still do other bits and bobs without having to hold it to your ear?
Just had a garbled phone call from hubbie he is wearing a face mask which cannot be taken off as it is pumping oxygen into him he sounded dreadful and half of what he said I couldnt make out as he can barely talk now. He said I'm in trouble and I cant do this anymore I'm going to die!!! I have been trying all day to ring his ward but no one will pick up the phone it just rings until it cuts off. I feel so desperate to know what is happening to him. I know staff under pressure with so many ill people but surely they must realise partners and families are desperate to find out what is happening to their loved ones. I will dread getting a call from hospital if what hubby said is true. Cant bear to think of him all alone and frightened 
travel sorry you are feeling so unwell. I hope your symptoms improve soon.
When my DH was in hospital for 10 days (6 broken ribs) they gave him a COVID test every two or three days.
Once they improve your DHs oxygen levels I’m sure he will feel better. In the three days since my DH has been home, he has improved considerably so I hope once your DH has turned the corner he will be able to be back home with you soon. Take care of yourself
So sorry to hear of your husbands illness. I hope they get him sorted and he will soon be back with you. Do take time for yourself as you need to be strong to cope. Sending hugs.
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