Arrived at hospital for SNS rewire

Thursday… Shown to room 64 actually it was so small it was cupboard 64 ! North London. Got bagels for daughter 1 as instructed. They were a bit smelly in cupboard 64.

Started the inevitable interrogation

Q:“are you allergic to anything”? ..

A:.how long have you got?

Q:“Have you had any operations requiring general anaesthetic “?

A: I cannot be arsed to tell you. Just read the notes it’s quicker.

when who should burst through the door, interrupting …shaking , sweating, mumbling and bumbling…dear old Dipstick.

When I managed to calm him down, offer him counselling, a bed to sit on and a cool head I found out his problem (s).

He had given incorrect procedure code to insurers.

Discovered that just then. . Ie now that I was in gaping gown. Ready to go.

His secretary had not managed to speak to insurers.

So I told him to ring his secretary… he couldn’t get through…

now he knows how I feel….he said that himself.

surely he had her private number?

Meanwhile I rang insurers…

They said No ….

Then when I remonstrated that “Jane” whoever the hell Jane was or is, had authorised…

So then they said yes authorised.

Dippy then said I want it in writing

So I rang again

Then he insisted that it was two procedures not one. Wires out. Wires in.

I’m not doing it for less than £660….330 x2! Maybe he thinks my maths is dodgy…he wrote it down for me on the admission notes!

I actually feel like I’m in some auction …reserve price for repairing this antique device,,,

Hey I said…I’ll GIVE you 660 ..

Not allowed he said…

Ok I’ll ring again I said…

He then wandered off. Saying… sorry sorry it’s all my fault..

poor man he was really upset.

.I found myself saying CAN YOU JUST STOP APOLOGISING I will sort it out.

I actually thought I’d be going home. Bagels for tea!

Later…

What a monumental mess.

I got it sorted. Dip decided to go ahead.

Insurers will not be happy but I will argue it. We pay massive premium for health insurance. In this case I tried nhs. But there is a two year waiting list. I’ve waited a year already so…. insurance it was. FFS.

Rep and Anaesthetist came to see me and were very keen to help. Understanding empathy and reassurance that they’d be there in the op.

Anyhow. It happened. Leads were changed.

Post op was a bit crazy massive headache, blood pressure was sky high. Pewking in recovery.

On call Doctor was called but did not show up. Nurses were great.

Never mind, they discharged me and Daniel drove me home at midnight. Drugs to take home all ones I’m not meant to,take…one because of asthma…

Next day: crashing headache began to subside. But asthma decided to kick in.

Phone consult with Respiratory Consultant London. His ever awesome secretary not only answers the phone. She texts too. She offered a slot to see him pre-clinic but the trains would not get me there in time. So a phone chat was arranged. Within minutes. Plan of action decided.

First part of plan was… to make a request for urgent drugs from GP. Bloody Rottweiler just about finished me off. So I told her I was having a fatal asthma attack! . That did the trick. Saintly GP saw the messages. Intervened. Rang me. Saw me. Sorted me. Nebulised me. Drugged me . Gave me more stuff. Gave me warnings. . ..if worse …AandE not 999 not 111 or do not pass go just GO…..

Just go….he was brilliant.

So…what next…? Let’s see.

Ah ‘see’ that’s a misnomer. Check up at Moorfields at our hospital here was last Tuesday.

Left eye now needing London neuroopthalmologist …god knows how to spell that…arghhhhh.

Is there any bit of me not needing a doctor. FFF