I was asked to write about an experience I recently had.

 

We often feel the NHS is “closed” due to Covid and delay ringing anywhere due to the fear of being taken to hospital. But I decided to ring 111 for advice as I had been given some antibiotics and didn’t feel very well. 

 

When I say I didn’t feel well I just thought I was having a reaction to the medication, I had just sat around all day feeling strange, unable to do anything without feeling sweaty and not wanting any food. I had attempted to hoover in the morning but it made me feel sick. 

By 3 pm I decided to seek advice, I explained to the person on 111 how I felt, and casually adding I had had an ache in my chest and arm for a few days, (I thought I had pulled a muscle) it was instantly taken out of my hands and within 40 mins I had been admitted to Derby hospital and taken straight into theatre for two stents to be fitted in my heart.

 

Yes I was having a heart attack.

 

 I was not completely breathless and in drastic pain which is what you would think would be a heart attack.

The NHS were definitely open for my emergency.

 

And the ambulance crew were so amazing. They gradually explained on route what they expected would happen and what treatment I would likely be having.

 

Which was great for my family who weren’t able to come with me due to Covid, we all thought I was leaving the house for tests on my heart. 

 

I was able to message them within 90 mins and tell them I was “ fixed” .  

 

It all became real when the ambulance lady said had I not called for that advice, who knows if I would have been here the next morning to care for anyone any longer. 

 

So that made me realise even though I had hesitated about my own health and totally concerned about everyone coping without me (which they did OKish ) it definitely mattered that I checked out myself and the outcome was very good.

 

It’s so hard to look after your own health and I certainly feel this lockdown year has been extremely stressful for Carers but I feel I had a good experience to help me back to normal. 

In the future I am trying to not stress about things that I am not able to do anything about