A younger patient –

Alexandra was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at the age of 4, leading to several stays in hospital where she had to undergo many investigations.

Her family were delighted when she was discharged from hospital, but she was on a cocktail of medication and was feeling unhappy and insecure. Her treatment was second to none, but she felt anxious about being left alone at night and this was having a detrimental affect on her parents.

The RED ARC Personal Nurse Adviser telephoned to see how the family were coping, and found that her mum, Sharon, was at her wits end. It had all been so stressful, and the eventual diagnosis was a shock.

They were all short of sleep and this was making Sharon bad tempered and unreasonable – she was constantly arguing with her husband and they did not seem to have enough time to discuss how they were both feeling.

Sharon felt guilty and was delighted to be able to ‘unload’ onto the Personal Nurse Adviser, who provided a listening ear and lots of reassurance. Sharon was relieved to be able to talk about how she was feeling, to someone who was not going to be judgemental.

The Personal Nurse Adviser was able to arrange a short course of relaxation therapies for Sharon, and give advice and information about the appropriate cardiac support group and local contacts.

Sharon also has access to the RED ARC Paediatric Specialist Nurse should she have any questions.

Sharon says “I needed some help to sort myself out so that I could be strong for my family, and you phoned at just the right time. It was really good; you listened to my needs and pointed me in the right direction.”

Alexandra is settling down well and her mum knows that RED ARC will be keeping in touch.



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