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Advocating for change

Self advocacy.

Self advocacy.

Hi all.

I'm in the psych ward at the moment. They are discharging me today.

However i have severe pneumonia and I'm really sick. Like really really sick.

I've spent my admission in bed with high fevers and high resp rates. Isolating in my has been hard. But I've been too sick to care and I've been just trying to breathe or sleep so being in my room has been fine. Most of the nurses have just been ignoring me too.

I don't know what to do. I feel too medically unwell to go home. How do I slef advocate to be moved to a medical ward instead of going home. How do I make them listen when I just can't talk. Or lack the motivation and energy to stand up for myself.

And tips would be great.

54 replies

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In response to: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

Hello @The-red-centaur just following up to see if you are ok ❤️ Youre in the respiratory ward now. Something I do know is the younger generation isn't as healthy as previous generations. They seem to be sicker than others. But it does not necessarily explain why you got pneumonia at such a young age. Hopefully doctors can sort that out for you. Its good youre getting the right medical attention now. I do like your fluffy toy to keep you company on the ward. When I was in my 30's seemed like yesterday Anyway you stay put and just allow docs and nurses to fuss over you. I imagine it would be nice having a young person on the ward for a change compared to older folks!

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

@Former-Member I'm on a general medical ward. I'm not sure my local hospital has an actual respiratory ward, it's one of the smaller hospitals in Perth.

But the medical team are good and thorough. They said they will do lots of investigations and see if they can get to the bottom of my poor immune system.

It used to be strong years ago. But I've just become more tired and more easily sick over the last few years. So maybe there is reason to it all.

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

OK well hang in there @The-red-centaur I think this pandemic era has been a huge assault on people generally in terms of both wellbeing and health - its understandable. Are you getting any visitors today do you know? You seem to be more settled, possibly relieved after the negligence on in the psych ward. I have avoided psychiatric wards for years now touchwood. Am glad to see the back of them tbh. Sounds like respiratory may be packed if they stuck you in general. They are trying to build more 24 hour medical to take the pressure off hospitals out this way. You can get all kinds of treatment that a hospital does but they skim off people that would normally go to ED. We have a big place being built not far from me. Its welcome as I found it hard getting to ED in the past without a car. The taxi fare was through the roof so a local medical center that does most things a hospital does is really welcome. Dont know how long its going to take to get built but theres lots of building development going on every time I've passed by.

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

That's cool. @Former-Member

We have things called urgent care clinics. Bulkbilling medical centres that deal with emergencies that aren't serious that most people normally would go to EDs for to take pressure of emergency departments as sometime the waits are like 10+hours for non-urgent cases.

I've used them a few times. It's good.

And they are trying to build a new private hospital in my area and the public to buy the private half of this hospital to get more beds. It's much needed here.

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

@The-red-centaur Yes I have an online friend who is a nurse on a facebook group and she did a post on this so people could get access to after hours care. The clinics are open until 11pm not around the clock. I wrote down all the urgent care clinics in my area for future reference. Last year I sliced my finger open thought I may of needed stitches so went to one of those clinics and was seen really quickly. I've had stitches before after an accident 10 years ago so went there to get the wound assessed. They actually do stitches at those clinics! Anyway got to get the day going. I hope today is better for you and you start seeing some overrall improvements soon. Take care, lovely!

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

Few drs bulk bill here @Former-Member so it helps those who can't get into a gp for urgent things because they can't afford one.

I'm feeling a tad better today. Just really tired.

 did this today instead of sleeping.

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

Thats amazing @The-red-centaur you have an obvious talent with drawing! I used to draw and work with clay years ago. I don't do it anymore. I didn't do it for the sake of art, just for a hobby as well as therapeutic reasons. You should be really happy with that creation. I think art gives people a safe outlet and its a more amenable way of expressing emotions via a medium that can reach others very deeply. I hope you are keeping well tonight. Have a good evening and take care of yourself

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

@Former-Member I wish I could say I drew it. I just coloured it.

I'm doing as best as I can. I have had a better day today.

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

Hey @The-red-centaur just stopping by, wanted to see how you're travelling! You and pigicorn feeling better this evening?

Love the colour!! You may not have done the line work, but you still need a creative eye to be able to pick the colours that ~fit~ ya know? And that is something you definitely have!!

Sending some hugs your way lovely 🫂😊

In response to: Re: Self advocacy.

Re: Self advocacy.

I'm feeling a tad better. I can breathe without coughing a lung every second. Nearly 5 now lol

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