I had to write this blog to pay my own little tribute to our wonderful NHS, which I could not fault in any way yesterday when I turned up at Ipswich Hospital with other ‘awkward’ patients to receive a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. All of us could have had a potential allergic reaction to the vaccine.
The anaesthetist was waiting for me as soon as I arrived at 09:30. In fact he told me I was his only patient as the others had different problems and might need adrenaline, but trust me I had to be different. I had only been there 5 minutes and I’d already had a cannula inserted and 25mg of Hydrocortisone to dampen down any potential neck swelling due to a legacy of extensive radiotherapy to the neck 4 years ago.
I looked around my cubicle. There was a resuscitation trolley, a blood pressure/pulse monitoring machine, a syringe ready to inject more steroid with some anti-histamine if needed. There was a bed all ready for me to be laid out on, and last but not least a sick bowl which I hoped would stay empty. I heard a lady in the next cubicle asking a nurse whether the vaccine would make her keel over and die. The nurse said no it wouldn’t, but joked that she was in the right place if it did.
A nurse administered the vaccine and suddenly there were three people in my cubicle; the nurse, the anaesthetist, and a burly looking porter in case he was called on to lift me onto the bed. All stood there waiting for me to go into anaphylactic shock; I felt like I ought to just to please them, as I was taking up so much of their time. The base of my neck did get a little tight, but I’ve known worse. They monitored my blood pressure a couple of times and then one by one disappeared out of the cubicle, assuring me that they were staying near.
And stay near they did. Sam was allowed back in to sit with me, but the anaesthetist hung around all morning until he was happy I was okay. Nurses popped in every five minutes. I couldn’t have had better treatment even if I’d gone to the private sector. I was allowed to stay until 3pm when the department closed. I will have to go through it all again on May 21st.
I realise that the country is broke and times are hard. There is no money, but in my opinion NHS staff on the front line deserve more than the 1% pay rise offered. I applaud you all for what it’s worth.
petespringerauthor said:
Glad it went well. Still waiting here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
They’ll start on the 56 – 59 year olds tomorrow over here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clive said:
You had great treatment, but I’d have expected nothing less from our NHS. Sadly, our alleged government has proved yet again how inhumane and insensitive they are with the 1% pay offer. I’m pretty sure that their applause was worth more than this – NHS staff should be given more money, not the clap…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
The clap, lol? Did they get that as well?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clive said:
Well, they have certainly been screwed by the government…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phil Huston said:
I’ve had both doses of the Pfizer. The first one was insignificant reaction wise, but I still ahd to sit in the chair in a hospital for 15 minutes. I suppose if you don’t keel over in 15 you’re ok. I got shot #2 a week ago and this one had me running at about 60% with a general malaise for a week to the day. Whew. ALL healthcare people on the front lines of this thing should get a medal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Ugh. A whole week. I’ve got chills this afternoon and achy joints.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phil Huston said:
Yep. I felt pretty lousy. But I think it beats the virus!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Yes indeed. I had the chills and achy joints yesterday but feel better today.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maggie said:
That sounds like a frightening scene although it appears they were very prepared to handle any possible emergency. It is good to hear you had the vaccine with no ill effects. Care is so expensive here. I have always thought you were very fortunate to have the NHS.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Yes, we are lucky. Workers pay through their National Insurance contributions, which are taken out of their monthly salaries at source.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Astrid said:
I’m so glad you were so well cared for and that you didn’t experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine. I am so glad you are content with the NHS. How are you now? I’ve heard many people experience immune reactions like fever to the AstraZeneca vaccine. I got the Pfizer one, first one early Feb and second one last Thursday, and was completely fine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
I’m okay thanks, just my left hand hurts where they put the cannula in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Darlene said:
I am so glad it all went well for you. It sounds like the care was top notch. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
It was indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
srbottch said:
You wrote it so well and made a serious subject a bit humorous. I had forgotten about the Astra product. Which I don’t think is being used in the States. I had Moderna without an issue. My wife had Pfizer and had some mild reaction (sore joints, rash, headache). Hope it goes well in your second round.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks. I’m still okay today thank goodness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
beetleypete said:
I have never once been able to compalin about any treatment I have had from the NHS. With all its faults, long waiting lists, and occasional mis-management, I remain convinced it is the best healthcare system anywhere for the majority of the population.
Glad to hear all is well with you, Stevie.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stevie Turner said:
Thanks Pete. My hand hurts a bit where the cannula was, but otherwise I’m okay.
LikeLiked by 1 person