"I hope this may lead to understanding & feedback"

I gave birth by C-Section in April 22. I was discharged the following day but because progressively unwell over the 2 days post discharge I contacted the ward for advice and explained my symptoms. I was struggling to breathe and mobilise as well as severe pain in my lower ribs. I was recommended to take paracetamol and peppermint tea as it was likely to be wind pain. I explained this was my 4th C Section and was concerned that this was unlike any pain I had experienced before, I was then dismissed and continually told it was because it was my 4th c section which was likely to be different to the previous 3. 

My symptoms got progressively worse and when I called back I was informed that I had to attend my local A&E which I did at Hairmyres hospital. Their reaction to the symptoms I described was of much more urgency and immediately (within minutes of my arrival) sent me  for an X-ray and took blood tests and gave me a thorough examination which was very assuring. Thankfully their concerns of pulmonary embolism were eliminated at that point in time but referred me back to the post natal ward as they believed that the symptoms I was experiencing may have been obstetric as opposed to medical as there was nothing which showed in the tests they had done. 

When I arrived at Wishaw Maternity Hospital I was no longer able to walk due to the pain I was experiencing and was examined by a Doctor whilst in bed, had further blood screening done and an internal swab taken to rule out infections. As there was no obvious sign of what the issue was, the doctor prescribed a broad antibiotic and was prepared to send me home however when the doctor seen me trying to mobilise they agreed for me to be admitted for additional scans. I was grateful to be admitted to Post Natal as my newborn was able to be with me and my partner could stay to support as she was breastfed but I was incapable of caring for her alone. 

I was then continually dismissed by staff and made to feel I was overreacting and that they did not have time for me. I was sent for a CT scan, ultrasound scan and X Rays where at times I waited up to 50 minutes in a public corridor for a porter to take me back to the ward with post natal bleeding, a catheter bag and my breast-fed baby waiting upstairs in the ward for me. When I went for the Ultrasound scan the assistant who was working with the sonographer pulled me from the wheelchair by under my arm on the side with my pain to aid me to stand. I explained that I didn't want them to touch me as I was in pain and I'd manage to stand myself if they would gave me time to do so. The staff member told me I was to hurry as I only had a limited appointment time. I lay on the bed and they tucked blue roll into the waistband of my underwear and asked me if I had any recent surgeries as they pulled on my wound to tuck in the roll. 

I was having bloods taken by a doctor in the ward and explained I was in severe pain and could no longer stand up, they advised they would get me pain relief medication. Their pager went and they left the room. Within a couple of hours I was being rushed for emergency CT scan with my heart and respiratory rate high, temperature spiking and gaining and losing consciousness. I then spent the following 24 hour period on 15 minute observations and confirmed that I was septic with an infection in my right lung which had collapsed and pleurisy. 

I understand that this is a very specific incident and there is a lot of varying factors that people generally will not encounter on a day to day basis, As a post natal mother however I was left very traumatised from my experience in the hospital and hope highlighting this may lead to understanding and feedback of peoples personal responsibilities in delivering care and support.