Garry,
Sorry to hear that you have been so unwell. I hope that, ketoacidosis aside, the operation and recovery went well.
I had an op last year and was also on a sliding scale. I could not sit up for 48 hours and was not able to move enough to do my own injections or BMs. One night I started being sick so pressed the buzzer. Nurse came and checked me levels - "hi". She then told me that the drug round was in an hour and they would give me some insulin.
I complained to the patient liaison service (PALS) once I was out. I got a reply but not a lot else.
I know the hospitals roll out the "think glucose" scheme but there still seems to be many nurses and so on who don't understand the dangers of high blood sugar. I also had a low sugar when I was in hospital. I was brought a sugar free yoghurt and one of those info vitally wrapped cheeses. Helpful, eh?! Thankfully, a doctor came along and have me some very sugary and foul tasting liquid to drink. At least it did the job!
My surgeon was appalled at my sugar control post op and told me that I had left myself open to delayed healing time, infection, wider scars and so on. I was so angry as, for the first few days, it was completely out of my control. Once I was back to doing my own injections I did find that my sugars were all over the place cue to the anaesthetic, general inactivity and so on. I just tested more regularly and managed to maintain pretty good control.
If I were you I would start by talking to PALS. they can provide you with a copy of the complaints procedure and are usually the first step on the ladder. I'm not sure that suing is the right way to go but definitely report it and see how you go. If you do decide to take legal action it may be worth contacting the CAB on something.
Good luck and I hope the rest of your recovery is smooth.
Take care,
Em x
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