Respiratory appointment at Wy Hospital

Rachael was seen by one of the registrars at the lung clinic. The Registrar was pleased with the results of Rachael's blood gas oximetry test.  She said that Rachael should carry on with the use of the Bi pap as she has been doing and if she feels the need to increase usage of the machine she can do. Rachael was provided with new tubing for the Cough Assist machine. Another appointment was made for four month's time on the 16th January 2013.

Appointment with Phlebotomist at W Medical Centre

Rachael attended an appointment at W Medical Centre for her liver function test. Rachael brought her heat bag which she used on her hand prior to the blood test being carried out. This seemed to work as Cheryl was successful at the first attempt, although the procedure was painful.

Hydro

Rachael attended Hydro for the first time in five weeks with Sharon as Session Supervisor. 

Rachael was pleased to be back in the pool but she only had a basic workout. Sharon noticed that Rachael was quite stiff generally. 

At the end of the session Rachael managed to walk three paces but she found it difficult to stand. 

Sharon noticed muscle wasting on Rachael's bottom and she asked her if it was painful as it looked bony. Rachael said that it was and Sharon suggested using a cushion or rubber ring on the pool hoist to make it less painful for Rachael to get into the pool.

GP Appointment at W Medical Centre

Rachael attended an appointment with Dr G at W Medical Centre. This was to try to get a prescription for either  Suby G or Solution R as recommended by the Urology nurse at TG Hospital to keep Rachael's catheter clear.

Dr G could only find Solution R on the computer. She gave Rachael a prescription with the proviso that if it does not not work Rachael will contact the surgery and the doctor will look into the matter further.

The Solution R was added to Rachael's repeat prescription. Dr G also raised the issue that some of the drugs in Rachael's Just in Case kit may now be out of date. She asked Rachael to check the kit and let her know if any drugs need replacing.

Physio

Katherine came to see Rachael to supply her with a new lid for the suction machine. We had requested this because the other one has cracked. She agreed to supply some tubing and to look for a yankauer without a vacuum pressure hole in the side.

Rachael enquired about continence pads for her bed. Katherine said she would telephone Rachael with details of the local continence assessor.

Katherine acknowledged that Rachael is still waiting for a right hand splint and some replacement foam for her neck brace.

Appointment with Phlebotomist at W Medical Centre

Rachael attended an appointment for her liver function test at W Medical Centre. Cheryl was unsuccessful after three attempts to get blood from Rachael's hands and foot. 

Another appointment was made for Tuesday 25th. September at 11.05 am.

Catheter change at TG Hospital

Rachael attended TG Hospital for a catheter change. Rachael mentioned to Stuart that she had wet the bed that morning due to her catheter being blocked.

When Stuart removed the catheter he noticed that the end was full of hard grit and sediment which had crystallised. Stuart told Rachael that there are some drugs, Suby G or Solution R, that can be used to de-crystallise the debris that collects in the catheter tube.

Stuart advised Rachael to speak to her GP about this as these drugs are only available on prescription.

The change was more difficult and painful than usual due to cuffing.

Another appointment was arranged for Thursday, October 11th. 2012.