"Spouse admitted to Emergency / Ward with Herniated Disc L3"

My spouse was recently admitted to Maroondah Hospital's Emergency Dept on a Friday, they were in severe pain across their lower back and down one leg - they are a fit and active person in their early 60s.  They could not walk and any movement was extremely painful.  We thought the care in Emergency was very good, my spouse admitted quickly and into a bed in a room with other patients.  The next day they were transferred to a Ward bed and told they would be having a scan done.  This was not done for two more days (no scans on weekends?) and my spouse was in a lot of pain, it took staff a while to get the meds right for them.  I spent 3-4 hours with my spouse each day as they were unable to do anything for themself and helped them to eat.  All the staff we interacted with were always helpful, kind and considerate.

A physio tried to help my spouse out of bed, even though they were in severe pain.  Unfortunately their leg muscle went into a severe spasm so bad that my spouse started shaking (I'm told from adrenaline), they had to administer more pain relief and anti-spasmodic medication.  It took about 10 mins for them to stop shaking, their pain levels were really severe.

The CT scan revealed a bulging disc at L3.  The decision was made to give my spouse a lumbar steroid injection the next day.  My spouse was taken on their bed to have the scan, all went well.  Either later that day or the next day, they were able to get out of bed without pain (a miracle!) and take themself to the bathroom (a great relief!).  The day after the injection, they were assessed by the doctor, and then a physio, and given the all clear to go home.  Hooray!

I was surprised that the same doctor team reviewed my spouse daily across three days on the ward, I was not expecting continuity.  As private hospital members (the ambos made the decision to take my spouse to Maroondah), we were surprised and impressed at the high level  of care, the facilities, and positive atmosphere amongst staff in Emergency, on the Ward, in the Cafeteria (which I enjoyed, cafe staff are friendly and helpful).  Overall we were very impressed with the care that my spouse received at Maroondah Hospital - thank you to all staff, you're all amazing!