When you get let out of hospital you are given a set of discharge notes. These notes are supposed to be used if you have to visit a GP, clinic or, god forbid, another hospital. The notes contain a history of your time as an inpatient and obviously need to be accurate in case further treatment is required. I sat at home and read my notes and I was quite stunned at some of the contents.
I've been a Type 1 diabetic for 34 years. This means that I am completely dependant on the 5 insulin injections I have every day. I recently worked out that I've had over 50,000 insulin jabs over the years and, to be honest, I'm quite proud of that in a strange sort of way. So it came as some surprise to find that the discharge notes stated that I'm a Type 2 diabetic and allergic to insulin! There were other small mistakes in the notes too, but this is something that could have serious consequences should I find myself in the hands of medical staff while I'm unable to communicate. My diabetes consultant was rather taken back by such dangerous statements too.
About Me
- Mark. The Inpatient In-Patient
- In 1977 I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Over the last 34 years this has resulted in me spending many hours talking to doctors and many weeks in hospitals. I have seen many things during these visits, some good, some bad, some funny and some sad. These things have given me my sense of humour and sense of fairness. They have also made me realise that no matter how bad you think your lot is, someone has always got it worse. Someone suggested I write a blog about these experiences, so here it is...
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