"I felt that I did not matter"

I was admitted to the GRI. as a result of a high blood test, which may have been to do with my liver. However, it turned out to be a stone stuck in my bile duct.  As I had had my gallbladder removed over 20 years ago, this was a shock to me. I was informed that a CT scan would be needed to confirm this diagnosis. 

After a week, nothing had happened, apart from me being on intravenous antibiotics constantly.  When the week had passed and no test had been done, I made it clear that someone needed to tell me what was going on. 

A doctor came and promised me that there was a meeting that afternoon, when my case would be discussed. Later that afternoon I was informed that it was an MRI scan I required, not a CT scan. 

Days went past, and eventually this scan took place, confirming the presence of the stone. An endoscopy would be required to try to remove it.

Four times I was told by a nurse that I had to have Nil by Mouth from midnight as I was going to surgery the next day. I sat, all ready to go for the whole day, and nothing happened.  A doctor did come to tell me, the first time, that the machine, needed to perform the surgery, was broken, but the other three times when the same thing happened, and I wasn't taken to surgery, no one told me why.

On Day 16 of my stay in the GRI, three doctors came to see me. The spokesperson told me that the surgeon had reviewed my medical history and had decided that the risks of the procedure outweighed the benefits, therefore they would not carry out the endoscopy!

I was shocked and distressed. The doctor said that on another occasion, with a different surgeon, a different decision might be taken. I asked what I should do now, and they said I should just carry on with my life, but if I should suffer severe shaking and vomiting, to call 111. I asked if it was all right for me to go to my son's in London and she said go wherever you like. They prescribed some oral antibiotics and that was that.

In a total amount of 18 days in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, I was released still suffering from whatever I had been admitted with.  No doctor ever told me the name of it!

To finish my story, I took ill in London, called 111 and went to Emergency in King's College Hospital, London.  I took my discharge letter from the GRI with me in case it would be useful. They diagnosed biliary sepsis, and after examining me and doing some tests, they could find no contra indications for doing the endoscopy and admitted me right away. 

5 days and 12 hours later, I had had the procedure and was released. The care I received in King's College was exemplary! They were unable to remove the stone and inserted a stent. I am returning to King's College in March for a follow-up procedure.

I felt that I did not matter to the team of doctors in Glasgow Royal Infirmary who were, ostensibly, in charge of my care, and the whole episode was a nightmare!

However, the nursing care I received in the GRI was second to none!