@Unclejack firstly I must apologise for not responding sooner. I’ve been away to Amsterdam for a few days and couldn’t respond.
What a rollercoaster you’ve been on! I’m so sorry this has all happened to you. However, you’ve got this! Please don’t give up…you’re our inspiration. My husband and I totally relate to you. Like the others have said, elevate that leg. Try an epson salt bath? I can’t believe the GP system is like it is in UK - different to here in the CI. Keep contacting your GP and hopefully get some antibiotics. We are all rooting for a speedy recovery and because you’re strong with your fitness and diet I’m sure it won’t be long. Keep us posted x
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Good afternoon @Unclejack,
We are so sorry to hear what you are going through, we can imagine this is frustrating and upsetting for you.
Could we just ask if you have a clinical nurse specialist you can call or a direct number to your haematology team? We would strongly advise giving them a call about how you are feeling, what has been going on and about the problem with your leg as soon as you can, they may not be aware of this and it’s important to keep them updated so that they can support you the best they can. They would likely want to assess your leg themselves too.
I’m not sure if the hospital you are at have an acute oncology service/ triage team directly for cancer patients as they could also be a useful contact to call, but would recommend getting this looked at asap.
If you would like to speak with one of our support nurses please give us a call on 0808 2080 888
Take care,
Emma (support services nurse)
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@Logsie @Erica @Lyndam @Emma_BloodCancerUK @Sisi @ChrissyD
Hi all
Thanks for the great support and advice. Nhs111 managed to arrange a telephone appointment for Wednesday at my practice. They once again have been excellent, but I feel embarrassed keeping pestering them for help.
The DVT has been ruled out but the compartment syndrome as far as I know hasn’t been addressed unless the ultrasound covered that as well? I will contact haematology after I’ve spoken to GP this morning. Once again thank you all and blood cancer UK for the support.
Very best wishes to all unclejack.
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Hello @Unclejack. Thank you for updating us. I am so sorry that you are having to ‘fight’ just to get advice and for someone to listen. Please don’t feel you are pestering. I don’t see it like that at all. I wish you well with the telephone appointment with the GP. It’s so hard when no doubt you are in a lot of pain. Thinking of you very much. Willow x
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Hi @Unclejack I echo @Willow wise words.
Perhaps write down your diary of events and your fears, questions and practicalities
Hear from you later and thinking of you.
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@Unclejack Like the others have said, I don’t see it as pestering, it’s important you get the right care. Thinking of you & hope your GP appt moves things along a bit for you. Best wishes xx
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@Logsie @Sisi @Erica @Emma_BloodCancerUK @Lyndam @Willow Morning all,
Doctor at my practice contacted me yesterday and arranged for me to see nurse practitioner. She was shocked at the state of my leg and foot. She couldn’t understand why the hospital had discharged me after the ultrasound on Monday. She rang the hospital and the conversation made my blood run cold. She said all five toes were black and she was concerned about gangrene. (Not concerned enough to summon an ambulance) So another expensive taxi trip to hospital. I was seen promptly and my leg and foot was thoroughly examined. The doctor said there was no cellulitis, the black toes were severe bruising. My foot and leg were still very warm and red but he said there
was no infection. So there you are just have to be patient and wait for it to heal or for my leg to drop off! Never mind I have spent every day since Sunday visiting hospitals and walk in centre and I just hope that A and E are correct
I have measured my calf today and it’s slightly smaller so perhaps the healing process is beginning. Perhaps I just have a low threshold to pain or has my late mother would say stop being Maudy. Never mind, I always reflect whatever happens i haven’t suffered the dreadful fate of many of my relatives who fought during the war. Signing off now (Pain killers time)
Bestwishes uncle jack.
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@Unclejack my goodness, you are going through a tough time. It seems each day brings something new. If your toes are black due to bruising you must be in so much pain! I suppose it’s too late to take arnica? Remember each day you are healing so continue to rest (including your mind…easier said than done, I know!) , ice, compression and elevation. Sending healing vibes! Take care x
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@Unclejack Thanks so much for the update & I’m glad to hear you were seen by another doctor, all be it very tiring for you 
Rest up & here’s to no more hospital / doctors visits! Sending love & healing thoughts to you xx
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Hello @Unclejack,
Thank you for keeping us updated, bless you that sounds like you have been through a difficult and worrying time!
We are pleased to hear that you got this checked out again though and have more reassurance about this. Look after yourself and keep posting!
If you haven’t already, we’d perhaps recommend liaising with your haematology team just to keep them updated with all that has been going on!
Take care,
Emma (support services nurse)
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Oh @Unclejack your saga continues and you are still in such pain and we lurch towards a bank holiday weekend.
Don’t forget haematology wards are open 24/7 ( as, dare I say it, are 111 and A&E)
Sending you a great big supply of healing vibes.
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Oh @Unclejack! I really am so sorry for all you are going through. The worry and uncertainty and feeling like people aren’t listening is more than enough and then you have the pain on top of that! I can’t imagine what it must feel like. I hope the slight signs of improvement continue and you get some peace of mind that it has been checked over. Thinking of you. Warmest wishes, Willow x
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@Unclejack , @ChrissyD , @Sisi , @Erica sorry to jump in here with a different issue. My husband is going in for a double hernia op on June 5th. He had his pre op assessment where they took bloods. He has just got the results and his platelet levels have gone from 91 (taken in April) to 75. They are saying he needs a platelet transfusion for the op incase he loses a lot of blood. He’s all in a panic now but I’m guessing this is standard procedure? Has anyone had a transfusion before to top up platelet levels? It’s quite a dramatic drop but….he had been to Liverpool a few days before and a few beers were consumed! It could be the alcohol has affected the results? Thanks all xx
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@Logsie I can understand your husbands panic and I hope others can share their experiences with a procedure/op and a low platelet count.
I will also copy your post to the Blood Cancer UK nurses for you. @BloodCancerUK_Nurses
Please do let us know how your husband gets on.
Really look after yourselves,
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@Logsie Hi! Sorry I can’t offer any advice re your husbands platelets but wanted to send you both best wishes for the hernia operation next month. Keep us posted. Best wishes xx
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Glad you have had your leg looked at properly at the hospital. Hope you have a speedy recovery. Take care
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@CrissyD. It was a good Chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) zoom meet this afternoon. I did not think I would be able to join this due to a dental appointment, but yet again they cancelled the appointment and rescheduled. I’m sorry I left the zoom suddenly as I accidentally hit an icon when searching for the area that you can put a message up on. I think it was nearly finished anyway so hope I did not miss anything. I am not good with these zoom meetings. It was good to meet you.
Lynda
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@Lyndam I was at the leukaemia care meeting too, with my husband. Good to see you 
And put a face to a name! 
Altho I didn’t know who you were until now! As always, it’s just SO good sharing our experiences with each other. Best wishes to you xx
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It was good to meet you and all the other sufferers too. I thought the meeting went well. Hopefully your husband will stay well for years as I take great comfort
Knowing ChrissyD has had this for so long and remains well.
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@Lyndam Thank you You too. And yes, here’s to everyone staying as well as possible. It’s great that we all have each other here for support. Take care xx
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