A moment to Say Thanks – I admit it, at the moment I am a little bit grumpy. PD, a painful infection, and yesterday lots of pain from the cannula site of the Vyalev / Produadopa pump led me to change the cannula twice. Despite this, the overwhelming thought I have is one of thanks.
This is not the subject of the post, but as background, a few days ago I picked up an infection which has morphed into a not-so-pleasant cellulitis infection that is being more than a little stubborn. As part of the journey, I have had lots of time with various members of the health service.
Over the last few days, I have seen some truly amazing medical professionals go above and beyond. I am not going to name and shame because they would hate that, but amongst all my grumbles and long-term concerns as my stomach is not having a great time, I am truly grateful and I don’t voice it enough.
The amusing thing is that none of the people below will consider themselves as doing anything other than they would do as part of their job and will probably think I am being daft for mentioning it. Whatever they think, I disagree, and it is my blog so I have the freedom to write what I like 🙂
Last week, it included: the local doctor and admin team who initially saw me and quickly dispatched me to the ER; the team at the ER of the public city hospital who rapidly gave me an ultrasound and then consulted widely on the right course of treatment; my Neurologist team in the same hospital who have put me on the pump and who have been with me since my diagnosis, who came to see me and check the infection as well; and the home hospitalization patient company who, by sending nurses and doctors to the house, enabled me to be on an IV without staying in the hospital. I must add the unseen admin team of the HMO who approved the funds for all of the above.
Last night, when it was clear the cellulitis had not shifted, the ‘team’ included: a doctor who examined me out of hours and consulted with my GP; my GP who phoned (it was nighttime) his peers including the head of infectious diseases at a major hospital and then by WhatsApp consulted with the home hospital doctor to change the antibiotics to a new one. More than that, they then got on the phone with the pharmacist as the medicine dosage needed calibrating because of the store’s supply.
All of the above from the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and admin teams was done quickly, selflessly, in a friendly and caring manner, and without any concern other than my health. Given that it was done as part of a universal care system is largely irrelevant, but it could not have been done faster or better by any private or VIP healthcare system I have ever seen.
We are now waiting to see if the new antibiotics kick in, but irrespective of that, this is a good news story.
We often criticize the system, and sometimes with real justification, but as to those people in it who give of themselves, I just want to say thanks. The service this last few days is similar to numerous other occasions and I am grateful.
To all those who labor for the public benefit – thank you. Sometimes we don’t thank people for the good as much as when we complain – not this time.
