"Poor communication"

About: Southampton General Hospital / Accident and emergency

(as the patient),

Last year I was given CPR by nearby police as I had stopped breathing due to what was believed to be a seizure (I am epileptic). I was having a few drinks with friends as I was attending a wedding. An ambulance was called and I was taken into A&E. When I fully came to I was very upset, as I did not know where I was, or who my mother was (typical of a seizure). I was kept in CDU until morning, where I threw up and couldn’t eat.

 The next day I was turfed out due to apparently having a Prolonged Absence Seizure due to alcohol consumption. When my mother mentioned the CPR I was given, they were unaware it had happened and didn’t seem too bothered by it. And when she questioned why I had it she was told because I obviously wasn’t breathing. But cleared me to go home as I seemed fine. When I was not, I could barely keep my eyes open.  I looked at my discharge summary, to which it was never mentioned. My ambulance letter states it was on there and that I was given a round of CPR before I started breathing again. 

I am grateful for the police and the ambulance crew that looked after me. But from the moment I left them I really don’t know what happened? I feel like because I consumed alcohol I was written off as someone who needed to stay the night to sober up. When I clearly had more going on that was miscommunicated and needed treating, considering I have epilepsy. If it was, indeed a Prolonged Absence Seizure, these can turn into Absence Status Epilepticus if not careful and the fact this was not taken into consideration is astounding.

It angered and upset me to think that’s how I was treated. I still don’t know what fully happened that night and i know i never will. 

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Debbie Watson, Head of Patient and Family Relations, Patient Experience, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust 4 days ago
Debbie Watson
Head of Patient and Family Relations, Patient Experience,
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 13/03/2025 at 11:49
Published on Care Opinion at 11:49


I am sorry to read of your experience whereby you have had an event and do not feel the documented story provides the whole picture.

I am sorry that you feel the fact you have been drinking has overshadowed the treatment you received.

If you have any ongoing concerns following the prolonged absence seizure please discuss with your GP who can make a referral if appropriate to a specialist team.

Thank you to our amazing emergency services who it seems kept you safe on that day.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k