Monday 2 November 2009

Sooper Dooper Traction Thingy for sale.....

Many, many thanks to Tony, the IT specialist here at St Mary's, for fixing me up with my own PC right here in my room. So now I can blog and email away to my hearts content without having to bother the nurses to push me around in my bed.

Its such a relief to finally be here, especially as there were times when I thought I wouldn't make it. NHS bureaucracy drove me to the edge of despair last weekend. St Mary's were willing and keen to take over my care but the ROH were reluctant to lend a small piece of equipment I needed, an attachment for my bed to keep my leg in traction.

Just a small piece of metal. Nothing high tech. or computerized. Just a small 'block and tackle' type metal thingy. St Mary's didnt have one and the ROH wern't willing to lend it out.

How ridiculous was that?
In floods of tears I pointed out to an NHS Manager (grrrrrr...) that wherever I was the traction thingy would be, be it here or in St Mary's or in the blooming car park. I wasn't depriving anyone of it. St Mary's tried to order one specially for me but it would have taken over a week to deliver it. And the ROH just wouldn't listen to reason. In the end I was in utter, utter despair and feeling completely helpless. What was the point in fighting cancer I thought when it felt like the enemy right now was the NHS and its stupid rules and regulations?

The negativity I was experiencing was pressing me down, making me unable to think of anything else. I was frantically searching for something positive to hang on to when all I wanted to hang on to was the neck of the NHS manager and squeeze - very hard !!

I couldn't see past the end of this episode - beyond the operation that will put me back on my feet both physically and psychologically - because this is not like me. Not like me one bit and the one thing I want to provoke in others is inspiration - NOT commiseration.

Finally someone saw sense, although not without much signing of forms and swearing of oaths that the traction thingy would return with me for my operation (what did they think I was going to do with it? sell it on Ebay?) My spirits lifted immediately.

I can get back to the job in hand.

Fighting mRcc and sticking pins in a little voodoo doll of an NHS manager !!

12 comments:

ADB said...

Very pleased you're now back to full connectivitiy. I think you now have a large arsenal full of ammunition to fire at the NHS in the shape of a formal complaint. Absolutely, unspeakably dreadful. Keep your spirits high, it is only going to be a wee while before your op, and a return to relative normality. We're here for you and for Martin.

Unknown said...

You have to wonder why they want to make life so difficult. Glad to hear you're feeling a little mote comfortable

Andy said...

Glad to hear that you still have your fighting spirit! Yes NHS management have a lot to answer for and whatever happened to putting the patient first. In fairness though I must say that in the course of my treatment I have met some fantastic people in the NHS but quite a few who were not..........
Andy

Andrew Petcher said...

Glad you are reconnected

Jackie said...

Sell it Sell it deny all knowledge of it! lol
Glad to see you back online Jane and to read your blog. Martin did a sterling job but he was so stressed out bless him he couldn't quite add the humour you always manage to inject. Hope now the op is in hand(or should that be leg?) but you know what I mean! The relief I feel to hear you on here once more is terrific.
Jackie x

karen in ottawa canada said...

much as we loved hearing from Martin, it is infinitely better to have you back - sorry Martin! Such a simple 'thingy' can make us so miserable, and so pleased - much like regular life eh - it's the little things that count the most! Keep up the fight dear Jane, can't wait til you're rehabing after surgery and chasing that beautiful granddaughter around the kitchen. hugs and best wishes as always from across the pond,
Karen in Ottawa Canada

Lori said...

I'm glad you got the traction thingy and I'm so glad they made it possible for you to use a computer there in bed. Hang in there!

Sybil said...

My dearest darlin Jane,,,What a joy it is to just about close my 'puter down and find you here..what a brilliant start to my day knowing that your mental health is back to it's usual fiesty best !!!! Love the idea of Ebay !!!!
Much Love God Bless,
Sybil xx

LYN said...

HIYA KID...GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU ALTHOUGH YOUR MARTIN HAS DONE YOU PROUD...MY HUBBY STILL THINKS BLOGS ARE A CULT!!

KEEP ON KEEPING ON WARRIOR GIRL!!

Unknown said...

So glad you're back on line and feeling more cheerful. Hang in there, won't be long now.

mortonlake said...

nhs managers,like social security managers go to a special school to learn the necessary red tape and bullshit they use.make me sick.glad its sorted love.take care,love mort xxx

pam said...

Hey Jane. Great to see you back here and far too angry to comment! Ebay was my second choice for that piece of equipment to go!!!. So pleased you got it sorted out. I see you have posted again so I will drop round and leave a message there. Love Pam. xx