Rebel Rev has a frustrating day

Dear All

Thank you for holding your breath with me today. It’s been a really weird day. 

I got to the hospital at 9am. Yuck! I went to Haematology Outpatients (HOP) and had a blood test and check over. I was finally sent for to go the the angiotheatre at 12pm. I was changed into a gown and had more obs done. The consultant came and I explained that I had had a Hickman line before and as a result the right side became occluded. He said he would check. 

Another doctor came to take consent. He was a very serious man and talked about the risk of pain, infection, bleeding, punctured lung, blood clot, but not to worry if things go seriously wrong they have the expertise and equipment to be able to cope with any problems. Oh my days! Good job I’m not an anxious type of person. I was taken into theatre and wired up to a monitor. 

The consultant came in and did an ultrasound of my neck and chest. He said that the right hand side was still occluded and it was likely to be that way permanently. He explained he would go in through the left again where the other line had been removed the week before. Then he looked at the Hickman I had been given and he said it was no good because it was a right sided line and he needed a longer left sided line. 

The nurses then tried to source the correct line. I explained that they normally came from Guys. I was eventually let up from the operating table and waited in a chair. At 3pm they said it would have to be rescheduled as they couldn’t get a line today. I was a bit peeved to say the least. Then I thought about the fact that it would mean I could have a decent bath and shower for the next few weeks and not have to keep my chest dry. Also I won’t need to find someone to change the dressing every week. Every cloud has a silver lining. 

I was taken back to HOP where i had another chat with my nurse specialist who said based on today’s bloods she was happy for me to go to Ireland as long as I’m sensible. That might be a challenge. I’m really pleased about that. 

I then went over to dermatology where they had arranged for me to see a dermatologist after the itching episode. When I arrived the receptionist was so kind. When she realised I’d been in the hospital since 9am she went off and made me a lovely cup of tea. What a star. 

After this I saw a lovely young woman who was very honest with me and said it was an awful symptom and was really difficult to treat. She gave me some more lotions and potions and some advice for if it happens again. 

I am slightly scared it will happen again as it was so awful but at least I feel like I now have a plan. 

I have ECP tomorrow and Saturday. They are going to run when they see me and realise they have to get 2 cannula into my very scarred and crap veins. I wonder how many attempts it’s going to take. As you know I’m used to dealing with pricks but I’d rather not. Lol. 

Thank you for your continued support, prayers and encouragement. It all helps in this most arduous of experiences.