"Angina"

From being an active reasonably fit 69 yr old (walking and fitness classes). Suddenly with no warning I could not walk for more than 15 mins without experiencing chest pain. I went to docs, got bloods taken and given a spray for under my tongue to use. Very ,very scary. ECG showed some anomalies referred to do treadmill etc however a call and some pointed questions saw me referred to Coronary Dept for a coronary angiogram under Mr Pell and his team at Harmyres hospital.

From the beginning of the process where I was terrified the warm welcome Hi how u doing we have been expected just come with me to the point where I put the paper pants on my head instead of my bum the nurses did everything possible to make me feel comfortable and at ease. I was given a comfy chair blanket and TV to watch. An emergency came in (pacemaker fitted) I found out later which required me to wait around 4 hours. This could have been horrible but the unit staff kept me engaged and stopped the nerves getting out of hand.

Then the procedure Mr Pell talked me through the procedure and away we went.  

No-one prepares u for the room which was like something out of a movie - large tv screen -  large cameras on along gantry and a kind of small plastic covered tent thing where my surgeon did his manic

I was awake through out and the team were fantastic. There was an overall sense of a mutual respect for each others obvious high level of skill. The Doc stopped explained what he had found and how he suggested we proceed. I was also given the option to stop and go home to think about it. No chance please just do what needs to b done

At the end of the procedure I was taken to the ward to stay overnight (might have got home had it been done in the morning) and once again the staff were fantastic.   Full of fun but very professional.   I was give something to eat a cup of tea which was the best ever as I had it eaten that day.   My care throughout the night could not be faulted even though they had a couple of incoming emergencies to deal with throughout the night.

Watch some of my fellow patients (there was 6 beds in the ward)  Some were rude, fussy pushy and at times nasty  mainly due to fear I think.   The staff were great passing past the silly complaint to get to the main thing bothering them.  Terrific.

In the morning as the beds emptied beds were cleaned mattress bed frames floors toilets everything squeaky clean.

I cannot commend the Coronary Team highly enough from the cleaners nurses surgeons and ancillary staff everyone worked with an obvious pride in a job worth doing.

I would like to give my thanks to each of them.  Our NHS is magnificent and we needs to ensure we are prepared to pay whatever the cost to keep it safe.