"Heart attack and angioplasty"

3 weeks ago I had a heart attack whilst at work.  The ambulance arrived quickly.  I was taken straight to Edinburgh Royal (I live and work in Falkirk) and was whisked straight to the cath lab for an angioplasty and stent.  The staff were amazing and explained everything.  I was taken to CCU and spent 16 hours there. Special thanks to one member of staff who made me feel more human and spent time talking with me, and answering my silly questions.  I was then moved to ward 103.  

The majority of the staff were wonderful and caring.   However, on the day I was discharged, my named nurse seemed to be annoyed with myself before even interacting with me.  I mentioned that the doctor had said he would like my blood pressure checked lying down and standing before I leave.  This was met with, ugh I can feel MY blood pressure rising, and when I asked for medication I needed for my bowel condition, and I had explained that I had got it with no issues the day before, I was then interrogated and asked why I hadn’t said earlier to the doctor. I explained I didn’t need it then and that I don’t get a lot of warning to when I need it. She then ranted about having to get it prescribed, meanwhile I reiterated that I had already been given it the day before. I eventually got my tablet.  

I then asked about how I get home, all staff bar this nurse had told me they would not expect me to use public transport and to not worry.  She told me to phone every person I know with a car or they would provide a taxi to Waverley train station and I would need to find my way home from there. Considering I was having episodes of dizziness and my blood pressure kept dropping, I don’t feel that was appropriate. Luckily I had a friend who could do the 60 mile round trip at peak travel time to help me out. 

Most of my experience was great and I’m grateful for the quick intervention and the majority of my care was top notch, however I did feel that I was a nuisance on the day I was discharged and spent most of that day trying not to cry.