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Dialysis on burnt, infected arm.

Posted By Completely horrified

"Dialysis on burnt, infected arm."

About: Victoria Hospital (Kirkcaldy)

(as the patient),

Recently started dialysis. Freeze spray for numbing area burnt my skin badly. Can't use numbing cream as I am allergic to one of the ingredients. Got really bad burns, which blistered and were leaking yellow pus. They are still trying to dialyse, even though the veins are very difficult to access after more than a week.

At the last attempt, they had this very large needle four times in one site and once in another without anything to numb site and couldn't get it started at all - after I have asked them repeatedly to put a line in at my breastbone (a simple and painless procedure, taking about 2 or 3 minutes) which would save me untold stress and pain.

I don't know what to do, as I am now having major nightmares - when I do sleep and was close to going into shock the last time. I am 66 yrs old!

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Responses

Response from Louise Ewing, Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services, Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide 7 years ago
Louise Ewing
Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services,
Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide

Submitted on 10/05/2016 at 17:12
Published on Care Opinion on 11/05/2016 at 11:19

picture of Louise Ewing

Dear Completely horrified

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your current experience of dialysis. I was sorry to hear about your skin condition, which sounds awful. I shared your story with Staff in the Unit as I was concerned to read you account. Staff in the Unit recognised this and were very sympathetic to your situation. A nurse intends calling you today as the staff fully appreciate the need to offer you re assurance and discuss the best way to deal with your concerns.

I hope direct contact will be helpful and alleviate some of the anxiety relating to this. You can also contact me directly if you would prefer to speak to some one outwith the Unit,

Regards

Louise Ewing

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Update posted by Completely horrified (the patient)

Yes, I'm much happier now. The arm is definitely healing well and a nurse has found a numbing cream that I am able to use. We're trying out different dressings, too. It's such a relief to me.

The poor nurses were having a terrible time with me and my awfully difficult veins and I was really unhappy to take up so much of their time and energy. I have always been the patient that was never any trouble and it upsets me to be such a nuisance.

The excellent staff have helped to set my mind at rest and I feel now, I can talk to them about anything that troubles me. Thank you so much for this really useful website.

Response from Louise Ewing, Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services, Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide 7 years ago
We have made a change
Louise Ewing
Clinical Service Manager, Older Adult Services,
Health & Social Care Partnership Fife Wide

Submitted on 11/05/2016 at 16:41
Published on Care Opinion at 16:59

picture of Louise Ewing

I am delighted to hear that things are improving for you and also pleased that staff have been able to re assure you. Please do not feel like a nuisance, it is important that you tell us if something is not right so staff can try their best to fix it. I am glad they have managed to do that for you.

We really like the website too, it provides a good mechanism for people to give us their feedback. Many thanks for using it.

Kind Regards

Louise

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