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ambulance called by 111

(479 Posts)
travelsafar Sun 27-Dec-20 08:13:32

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. sad

GrannyGravy13 Tue 29-Dec-20 09:33:29

Rest and lots of fluids travelsafar keeping my fingers crossed that your test is negative and your DH is back home with you soon thanks

Puzzler61 Tue 29-Dec-20 09:36:20

Sending you caring thoughts and strength travelsafar.
Get the test done and sent off. Keep warm.
Are you able to speak to DH on the phone? I hope he has improvement today. Such an awful time for you both. Get well soon ? ?

Grannynannywanny Tue 29-Dec-20 09:36:26

Glad to see you posting travelsafar, I’ve checked back a few times to see if you’d managed to update.

Sorry to hear you are feeling so unwell. I hope both you and your husband will soon start to feel better. It’s a miserable time for you.

Harris27 Tue 29-Dec-20 09:39:42

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.

Doodle Tue 29-Dec-20 11:06:55

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

travelsafar Wed 30-Dec-20 23:19:07

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 sad

MissAdventure Wed 30-Dec-20 23:23:54

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?

MissAdventure Wed 30-Dec-20 23:26:18

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.

Callistemon Wed 30-Dec-20 23:28:07

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

Grannynannywanny Wed 30-Dec-20 23:28:08

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?

Callistemon Wed 30-Dec-20 23:34:28

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.

nadateturbe Wed 30-Dec-20 23:45:01

Sending caring thoughts and hugs travelsafar

Callistemon Wed 30-Dec-20 23:57:59

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.

grannyactivist Thu 31-Dec-20 00:12:12

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. flowers

Doodle Thu 31-Dec-20 00:16:29

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.

FannyCornforth Thu 31-Dec-20 05:35:29

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 thanks
You know that we are all thinking of you, and/or praying for you.

Katyj Thu 31-Dec-20 06:32:55

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. flowers

Billybob4491 Thu 31-Dec-20 06:43:59

Thinking of you both and wishing you well.

NotAGran55 Thu 31-Dec-20 07:13:43

I can’t imagine how awful this is for you . Hopefully you have got some rest yourself and will get some positive news today flowers

Jane10 Thu 31-Dec-20 07:32:03

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. ❤️?

brook2704 Thu 31-Dec-20 07:39:33

I really feel for you travelsafar , I hope you get to speak to someone today and your DH soon improves ?

Oldbutstilluseful Thu 31-Dec-20 08:14:21

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. ??

PollyDolly Thu 31-Dec-20 08:23:53

Travelsafar, I'm so sorry and sincerely hope that you manage to speak to someone today.
Stay strong and positive. ?

cornergran Thu 31-Dec-20 08:36:00

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.

Juliet27 Thu 31-Dec-20 08:36:12

What a worrying, scary waiting game for you Travelsafar I do hope some better news comes through very soon. Keep yourself strong xx