I am the main carer and only family in this country for my Dad who is 83. I live with him in his house. He was diagnosed with parkinsonism two years ago has mild memory problems and had a pacemaker fitted last year. In July my Dad was admitted to hospital via A&E with dehydration and a UTI. After a week he had a failed discharge and had to go back in hospital the next day as his BP dropped very low due to being put back on BP medication too soon. After three days he was discharged again. I booked a GP appointment for my Dad as after doing well for a few days after discharge he was experiencing dizziness, weakness, swollen feet and ankles and going to toilet more. GP said his blood count iron levels were low based on the blood tests the hospital did and that he was surprised the hospital did not flag this up! Due to the change in toilet habits and low iron levels the GP did an emergency referral to the bowel clinic for further tests. He has now had a gastroscopy (which was clear) and a CT colonography scan (very stressful preparation as my Dad did not want to drink much the day before or take the prep solution) for which we are still waiting the results for. Since last week he has been having daily diarrhoea and pain, lack of appetite and tiredness. Have phoned NHS 111 for advice who just say to see the GP. My Dad’s GP does not do home visits, only telephone appointments if you cannot go for face to face appt. All the GP is saying is to treat the diarrhoea with loperamide and rehydration tablets and they will push the hospital for the results of the scan. I have had to take two weeks off work and buy incontinence products and help Dad change underwear and trousers at least 3 times a day. Almost daily cleaning, washing of bedding and trying to encourage him to drink and eat is taking its toll on my health. His six-week post hospital reablement care package finished a week ago, so we currently have no care support. Just completed the financial assessment form for funded social care. Just feel in limbo. Have contacted social services who have agreed to arrange an emergency package with carers hopefully coming in the morning and evening while they assess the finances. Feel like the hospital has been negligent, they should have seen from their tests something was wrong while my Dad was there and also dismissed that there was blood in his poo and also from my Dad’s GP who doesn’t seem to appreciate the urgency of the situation. Almost feel like I have to let my Dad get so bad that I have to call an ambulance, so he will be admitted to hospital via A&E!
Sorry for the rant but have to vent!
Sorry for the rant but have to vent!