I walked up to the reception desk and when asked what was the problem, I uttered the words that I had hoped never to say ‘I think I’m having a heart attack’
Mind you that could have just been the result of trying to find the new A&E department at the Ulster Hospital at 12-30 on a dark Sunday morning.
Took my details asked me to take a seat. Where were all the consultants and equipment that usually dash out on Greys Anatomy, count to three and lift you on to a gurney?
Had a quick look round at my fellow patients. Some were trying to sleep, someone nearby was complaining that they had been waiting 8 hours for blood results. My fate wasn’t looking good.
Within a few minutes however, I was called into triage and my vital signs checked. Asked to go back out and sit in the waiting room but was almost immediately called into a cubicle. After an ECG it was established I wasn’t having a heart attack. Phew. However something was wrong. I was given anti-sickness medication and lots of blood tests were taken. I have really deep veins and it’s really hard to get blood. I’m like a human pin cushion. They put a cannula in and I was warned it could be a long wait. Not because of the blood tests but because I’d have to wait until a Doctor was available to see me.Back to the waiting room were Gordon was patiently ( see what I did there) waiting.
The drinks machine wasn’t working and neither was the water cooler. I had to ask the receptionist for some water from behind the desk.
We sat there for the next four hours or more.
Now if you’ve ever wondered why there is a shortage of police in Belfast on a Saturday night, check the casualty department of the local hospitals. A revolving door ( well actually automatic doors, but you get the picture ) of two constables with their arrestees seemed to appear on a constant basis.
They were mostly women, high on drink or drugs and appeared to have minor injuries. In one sad case a young women had been beaten up by a partner.
They were mostly loud and in some cases disruptive. One lady ( who we encountered later on that morning) swore at the nurse calling her into triage because she thought she was berating her. Funny if it wasn’t so sad.
A baby was crying and coughing possibly with seasonal bronchiolitis. The parents were distracted trying to pacify it. Eventually a nurse came out with blankets and a bed was made so that the baby could sleep.
Another baby slept quietly in his young mother’s arms while her husband paced the floor unable to settle.
At one stage I was so tired and feeling so awful that I went into the treatment area and asked them to remove the cannula put in when I arrived told them I would go home and if I was still unwell I would return in the morning. It was pointed out it WAS the morning and they were concerned about my potassium levels and I would need an X-ray.
The X-ray was quick. I remember thinking how cold it was and noted that the radiographer was sitting with a blanket round her.
Shortly after the Doctor called me back in to say blood tests were back and there were some indications that all was not well. My small intestine was blocked and my stomach was full of bile. This would have to be removed and I would need a CT scan. I would also need to be admitted. ( To be continued)
CHATTER 