Monday 29 November 2010

Email exchange with MND Specialist Nurse

Email was received asking Rachael to elaborate on certain issues and to confirm an appointment had been made to discuss additional care. Rachael responded by detailing further her issues and her concern that she needs additional care.

Monday 22 November 2010

Visit from Physiotherapist

Rachael discussed where she was aching/hurting. A meeting was set-up for staff training in the manipulation of Rachael's muscles and joints. Kathryn also gave Rachael a firm back massage.

Saturday 20 November 2010

Email sent to MND Specialist Nurse and Speech Therapist

Email was sent detailing Rachael's current medication, details of all medical and assistive staff, a conclusive list on how each is helping or dealing with specific tasks, and how Rachael is dealing with individual problems.

Thursday 18 November 2010

Visit from District Nurse

Janice attended for a catheter change check-up. She asked if the catheter site was sore, but Rachael said it was not overly painful. Rachael was then asked if the site was healing, which she confirmed. No physical examination was conducted.

Tuesday 16 November 2010

Neurological Appointment at H Hospital

Dr R took brief notes on Rachael's condition since they had last spoken in 2006. Rachael took a mental agility test and after an evaluation, Dr R said Rachael was unlikely to have dementia associated with MND. She suspected that memory loss is due to Rachael being unwell. Dr R said she could not take the matter any further this time.

Wednesday 10 November 2010

Suprapubic Catheter Insertion

The operation was eventually performed under sedation within the care of the respiratory team. Rachael's home medication was taken to the pharmacy under strict guidelines that these must be returned immediately as Rachael would need them imminently. After the medication was not returned, Rachael visited the pharmacy where she was informed that the medication had been thrown away, nobody could say who had disposed of them. After a lengthy discussion, Rachael was sent home without her needed dose of Pregabalin, Baclofen and Riluzole.

Tuesday 9 November 2010

Admitted to Wy Hospital

Blood gases taken, found to be normal. Rachael tried Bipap which made her feel less exhausted. The nurses agreed to look into possibility of use at home. Informed nurses of Rachael's needs overnight.

Friday 5 November 2010

Email exchange with Dietician

"Just a quick update. I'm going into Wy Hospital Lung Clinic for a week, from next Monday 08/11/10. On Wednesday 10/11/10, I will have a Suprapubic Catheter insertion under spinal anaesthetic within the respiratory theatre and return to the respiratory ward for 3 days of monitoring and tests." - Rachael


"Thanks for letting me know. Hope all goes well." - Claire