An unexpected trip to A&E

It would have been an exciting morning for the Kailou/Bennetts had they been here because we had an early morning call from Savvas to say that the hot water solar panels etc were being delivered and installed although the current weather probably wouldn't generate masses of hot water but more than us because (a) their panels are brand spanking new and (b) pointing in a better direction than ours do with regard to efficiency.

I couldn't stop to watch because I was off to try and do my stress test again and I needed to get a lateral flow test done in advance and I wasn't sure where to go because of the road works.  In the end I got it done at the top of the Mesoghi, it was quick, easy and negative.

My cardiologist is not a man to be rushed so although my appointment was 11.40 I didn't actually get to see him until nearly 12.30pm!!!!  Thankfully though I was able to do the test even though my heart rate had temporarily become elevated due to "white coat syndrome" and the results were good.  He is convinced that the recent problems may be connected with the allergic reaction I had recently.  So I am to continue the beta blockers in order to try and stabilise my heart rate which is a bit up and down like whores drawers and see him again in 6 months unless things change and I am worried about anything.

On my way home I realised that for whatever reason my allergic reaction was starting again.  This is actually my armpit although it looks a bit weird but there were loads of little raised bumps that were growing and merging into one.  My hands were affected and swelling and I had massive bumps in my hair and more bumps emerging on my body, arms and legs.

I had a shower on my return home from my stress test exercise and the hot water wreaked havoc with my rash and when I got out of the shower I was covered, literally and I decided I would go to the Doctor whilst the outbreak was fresh and noticeable.

Thankfully I didn't have to wait to see Dr Manolis and he was disappointed to see me back because he had hoped the steroids fromthe last time would have kept things at bay.

He asked me if I could manage without any medication tonight and then to return at 9.00am the following morning when he would make an emergency appointment with a dermatologist who would be able to see what the problem was because when I had been last Wednesday there was nothing much to be seen.

I felt happy about that and returned home to have our supper which was chili and nachos and then went to bed.  At around 10.00pm I woke wanting to go to the loo and was very wobbly and breathless and the outbreak on my face had developed into a massive lump under my chin and made my eyelids swell so I could hardly see.  I became very wobbly on my feet and John had to catch me.  I was burning up but shivering with cold and he decided I had to go to Paphos A&E which I really didn't want to do because I was certain they would keep me in.

John put together a bag for an overnight stay and I said I would be happier to go to Polis A&E and then if I had to be transferred they would do it by ambulance.  It was blowing a gale and pouring with rain when we headed out to the car.   When we arrived at the hospital it was so quiet.  There was absolutely no-one waiting to be seen in A&E and there were at least 4 staff happy to see their customer.  I have to say they were really lovely and so thorough.  I was immediately cabled up to a machine and given a massive injection of anti-histamine and then two pouches of intravenous cortisone.  The machine was bleeping away but then suddenly speeded up and set an alarm off because my rate was at 140 and rising.  They came and switched the sound off after that because I think they thought  I would be worried sick.

Whilst the lovely Maria came to make sure I was ok Dr Marios and John sat outside chatting to one another.  Dr Marios is a lovely guy, initially he was to be our GP until that became an impossibility.  He is very into wildlife, conservation, phography and art.  He is joining my Lockdown Challenge!!

It took well over 2 hours to get my heart rate down sufficiently to be allowed home.