I need help please, my husband is very seriously ill in Marmande hospital and unfortunately I do not understand what they are saying to me, if someone could phone them as my translator I would be very grateful.
Margaretā¦ sorry to hear of your plight and your husbandās illness.
I doubt if the hospital will give much detail (if any) to a strangerā¦ but if we forumites can help in any wayā¦ I am sure we willā¦
Is there anyone out there who speaks/understands French well over the phone ('cos I am naff) ???
It must be doubly stressful if you canāt communicate with the medical staff.
Iām surprised that non of the doctors speak enough English to at least try to explain what is going on.
Iām afraid that my spoken French is not good enough to help but if you need any written medicalese translating from either English or French into everyday language I can probably give it a go.
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Just a thought, have a word with your own Doctor . It is quite usual for the Family Doctor to find out what is happening to a patient in Hospitalā¦ and then the information can be passed on to you. If you contact your Surgery and explain the urgencyā¦ it is more than likely that your Doc can solve your problemsā¦
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Stella is right, they wonāt give any information on the phone to a stranger (secret professionnel). You really need to have somebody going with you to the hospital who can translate.
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Yes, I suppose soā¦ unless Margaret can be in the hospital and hand the phone to the staff ā¦ with the translator on the lineā¦ would that work, do you think ??
Iāve made the dash to hospital myself, many times, to help folk at such timesā¦ but Marmande is rather a long way awayā¦
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Margaretā¦ having given this some thoughtā¦ I think there are 3 lines of enquiryā¦
- speak with your own Doctor
- find a french/english-speaking person to go with you
If all failsā¦speak to your Mairieā¦ I have known instances when the Secretaire has somehow ācut through red tapeā to help folk in real distressā¦ Having said thatā¦ privacy will be respected, but help will surely be found.
Anyone else want to chime inā¦
Hello Margaret
There must be someone in the hospital that speaks enough English to give a basic explanation.
Do you speak enough French to ask if there is someone at the hospital who can help? If not Iām sure someone on here can tell you what to say and then you can write it down and show the doctors.
Maybe the doctors will write down for you what is happening and then you can reproduce that on here or show it to someone who can translate or, at the very least, type it into Google translate.
Another alternative is that Cancer Support France may be able to help. I am in contact with one of their volunteers and there is a branch in Lot et Garonne where I see you are living. They donāt just help people with cancer they will also help people with other very serious medical problems. I attach a link below and you should maybe give them a call and see if they can send someone to the hospital to help you.
I know how you feel as Iām in a similar situation but am fortunate enough to have sufficient French to communicate with the medical team. I wish you all the best.
https://lot-garonne.cancersupportfrance.org/lot-garonne-home
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Margaret, can I help? Iām about 40 mins away from Marmande but if nobody else comes forward Iām happy to accompany you there. I doubt they will give me information over the phone but it may be worth a try.
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There is a āservice socialā in hospital, they might be able to guide you ?
Here is their email adress : service.social@chicmt.fr
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Thank you all for your kindness. I had another thought when was I looking out the window my neighbours grandson is French but speaks a little english so he phoned the hospital for me and now I know exactly what the problem is. If he gets through tonight then hopefully he will be on the mend.
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Margaret I messaged you with my phone number. If you get stuck then please ring and Iāll help if I can. Meanwhile, my best wishes to you and prayers and thoughts for your husband xx
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Well, I reckon we are all crossing ourselves, fingers and toesā¦ on his behalf.
Deep breath, keep coolā¦ we are all rooting for you and for him.
xx Stella
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Thank you Sandy how kind of you. Yes I think a lot of prayers are needed.
Thanks Stella it is really nice of you. I think tonight a couple of glasses of wine are in order.
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Just an ideaā¦ would you want to stay at the hospital tonightā¦ if that is possible?? Something perhaps the āgrandsonā could askā¦ if you wish itā¦
Whateverā¦ my thoughts are with youā¦ 
My thoughts are with you Margaret, believe me your OH is in the best of hands.
I have been in the same position (several times) with a loved one seriously ill in hospital so can understand what you are going through.
Hope that there is someone who can keep you company during this time , if only to help while away the long hours. A glass of wine or two (in moderation) will maybe help you relax, as Stella and others have said we are all rooting for you both ā¦
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Thank you Ann and Stella, no I do not think I can stay in Marmande, I am on my own probably best, dont want others watching me crying.
I have to say I am not good at asking for help.
I can understand that too Margaret, but with a serious situation like this then a little ācall outā to others can help.
I am sure that if you knew someone in the same situation then you wouldnāt hesitate to offer a helping hand.
This forum is a great place where we can talk about different subjects, have different points of views, even be a bit ānigglyā on occasions with others. At the end of the day though there is always someone ready to listen, give advice and rally around. That to me is very important.
I know what you mean about not āgiving wayā in front of others, I was always raised not to show my feelings. Have a drink, have a weep but know that there will always be someone on here ready to listen and help where possible.
Very warm thoughts and positive vibes from me to you x