A physiotherapy experience

Just got back from an enlightening experience - a proper physiotherapy gym!

It was spotless and had countless large and small machines and huge inflatable balls and tiny dumbells Fantastic place.

But here's the rub - I'm not supposed to be there, its only for amputees only!

I did my exercise, slowly walking up and down the polished wooden floor between a pair of 3 meter floor standing parallel (20 times, very tough).

The physio suggested my GP could refer me to a local mobility group or an NHS Physio service which I have just requested.

Blood thinner misunderstanding

On return from a 4 hour haemodialysis session on Saturday, the duty nurse announced she was going to give me an injection of Tinzaparin blood thinner.

This is usually given during periods of immobility to inhibit thrombosis or blood clotting especially in the legs.

I raised objection to the drug (as 5000 units were administered during the haemodialysis session) and the nurse showed the drug chart had no mention of this exception.

I asked to her or myself to speak with the doctor who informed her this was indeed the case and no Tinzaparin need be given.

Medtronic MyCarelink Patient Monitor

Three days ago I was fitted with  Reveal tracker in my chest. The procedure itself under a local lignocaine pain killer took 10 mins and was straightforward.

The cardiologists were initially proposing to fit a pacemaker then changed their minds and decided to Three days ago (Friday) a small data gathering device was
was inserted in to my chest. The procedure was quick and fairly painless and helps the hospital  monitor my heart using this small device which gathers data and sends it via the MyCarelink monitor to the hospital.

MyCareLink™ Patient Monitor

The MyCareLink™ Patient Monitor may reduce appointment time by allowing you to transmit data recorded by your Reveal LINQ ICM to your doctor from the comfort of home.

Always Connected

• The MyCareLink Patient Monitor keeps you connected to your doctor with wireless, remote monitoring.
• Abnormal heart rhythm data is automatically sent to your doctor over a secure Internet connection.*

Reassuringly Easy

• Uses a cellular signal and a power outlet. Setup is simple and easy.
• The clear, understandable animated display will show you exactly what to do.
• Go wherever you want. Your MyCareLink Monitor will go with you.*

* The monitor must always be plugged in and in a location that receives an adequate cellular signal. For automatic transmission, you must be within 6.5ft (2m) of your monitor.(Medtronic website)

Irregular heartbeats can be related to unexplained fainting, heart palpitations, atrial fibrillation and unexplained stroke. Unfortunately, they can sometimes be difficult to detect. Continuous heart monitoring may help your doctor discover irregular heartbeats so you can get the treatment you need

Heart Conditions

Learn about symptoms, treatments and how heart monitoring may provide information so your doctor can diagnose these conditions:

 Unexplained Fainting

Find out why you faint and how the cause can be detected and treated.

 Heart Palpitations

Learn about palpitations, how they can be monitored and available treatments.

 Atrial Fibrillation

Read about why it’s important to detect and treat atrial fibrillation.

 Unexplained Stroke

Find out how an unexplained stroke could be related to atrial fibrillation.

Long-Term Heart Monitoring

The Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitoring (ICM) System provides continuous, long-term heart monitoring for up to 3 years.

Learn about Reveal LINQ ICM 

Important Safety Information

Broken Pelvis

Three weeks ago I was admitted to hospital after I sustained a fall while getting up to answer the door at home.

I blacked out,fainted and found myself in a heap on the floor 20 mins later with my head buried in the carpet by the front door.

I immediately called for an ambulance informing them I was unable to stand or walk.

I was admitted to A&E at 5pm and after a long wait in the early morning I was put in a noisy ward on the l11th floor but I still could not feel or move my legs.

Specialist doctors for my kidneys and cardiologists ventured theories why I had collapsed and  x-rays and ECG'S could not throw any more light on the matter. I still could not move and the pain became unbearable.

I was subsequently transferred to a Renal (Kidney) ward and after a very painful MRI scanning session a consultant informed that I had several fractures of the pelvis and the treatment may be very long. I would also have to consider a change to my present independent way of living. I;d hav eto consider living with a carer, sheltered (warden) living or some sort of suppported living.

It was a shock to the system.

It was now a week of being in hospital.