Gwenda is just home from Wrightington after the third revision on her left knee. What a performance she has had.

She has been in a great deal of pain since the op, which was much more complicated than had been anticipated, and the medics are struggling to bring the pain under control. As you know, Gwenda is one of those dreadfully unfortunate people who are unable to tolerate any RA drugs, and this makes things a whole lot worse.

She was asked to report to Ward D on Tuesday last at 12.00 noon and this was subsequently changed to 9.00am. For those of you who don't know our Gwenda, she is very frail and barely able to move without assistance. Getting up at 6.00am and getting the 40 odd miles to Wrightington was a struggle to say the least. However, she made it but was furious when, by 11.00 that NIGHT, no bed had been found for her. She was still in her wheelchair and had had no meds of any kind since she left home.
They finally found her a room on the private wing, but she was still not given any pain relief despite asking several times. She was scheduled for surgery the following afternoon. The anaesthetist came to see her first thing next morning and suggested she should have her meds and a drink. Before she could take them, the porters came and whisked her off to X-ray where she stayed for the next hour or so. On reurn to the ward, the nurses decided to give her a bed bath to be ready for theatre and when they had finished closed the room door behind them. All Gwenda's things, including the call button were on the bedside table and out of reach!! She spent the next hour shouting to try and tell someone she hadn't had her meds. When they finally heard her she was almost hoarse from shouting. The staff nurse gave her her tablets and a drink and guess what....when she arrived at theatre they wouldn't do the op because she'd had a drink!!!!

Anyway, she is home now and in the capable hands of her carers and Bonnie, of course!

I spoke to her very briefly yestrday as she was in pain and very dopey but I'll let you know how things go.

She sends her love to you all.

Jeanxx

Poor Gwenda, she doesn't deserve that kind of treatment. I'm sorry she's having such a rough time, and in so much pain.

Please give her my love if you speak to her.

Love Lyn

Aye aye aye-I despair sometimes.

Hi Jean

Thank you for updating us on Gwenda's recent knee op.

Sorry to hear about her problems but hope she now makes steady progress at home. It does concern me that they continue with this surgery for her when she is already so frail. The anaesthetic alone must really take a toll on her without continuing pain from the op itself.

Please give her my very best wishes. I will drop her an email in the next few days. At the moment I'm trying to stay out of everyone's way so I don't pick up any unnecessary infections. Once I know how things are going I might feel more able to socialise again!

Lyn x

I know she'd love to see you once things are sorted out, Lyn
xxxxxx

Thanks Jean for letting us know what poor Gwenda had to go through, not good at all.

Pleased to hear she is now loving home and being cared for properly.

Julia xx

I was nearly crying when I read your message Jean - how can they treat people like that? It makes me angry.

Please send her my best wishes and hope all goes well for her recovery.

Julie