"I have never had better service from health care professionals"

I was , understandably anxious arriving at Boston's Pilgrim hospital . The waiting room was well populated and there was a steady stream of people being booked in.

I was checked over and sent back to the melee . Eventually I was called and was ushered into a preparation room . One of those natty gowns that do up the back was issued . Here there's a mild blank , twanging nerves I should think .

Entering the preparation room the anesthetist was a pleasant calming characterful gentleman who explained what was going to happen . Questions kept on being asked name , address , allergies , and so on .the process from start to finish was , strangely , almost enjoyable , once the spinal had gone in I was warm and cosy from the navel down , the anaesthetist was keeping watch , there was some banter and everything went ahead with alacrity. I expect I had a snooze while it was all going on . Towards the end , I was more aware of surroundings but everything was great . Everyone seemed pleased .off to recovery, where you're regularly monitored through a measured period of time . More banter . Very uplifting. I still had no sensation below the navel.

I was taken to a ward and made comfortable. Time passed , medication came and went .some time the following morning it became apparent that the pain control was not , either sufficient or working as it should , I seem to remember asking for more pain relief . Then physio turned up , and seemed shocked that I couldn't do their exercises, get them in , get them moving , get them out , seems to be their mantra . I'm afraid I may have been unintentionally brusque with one of them , the pain in moving was unsupportable .

Back to bed . Pain meds doubled . Later it was discovered I'd contracted cellulitis on the operated leg  a risk I'm informed , with diabetes which I have , type 2 . So more meds . As time passed I managed a small amount of sleep about 8 hours over maybe 3 days .and so it progressed . The occasional visit from physio , and care from the staff .

Ward moves abounded for a while there was a general shuffle quietly damaging moral and to an extent , patient care .

Here I'm going to make a firm statement . All through this experience I have never had better service from health care professionals . Everyone from the cleaners , health care , nurses , auxiliaries, physio , the people who cleaned up my mess , the ones who came around with their dogma , ( if it's honestly offered any dogma has the same weight as another ) the anaesthetic department , the surgeon and his team , the people who came in the night or day , the ones offering tea .

I would thank you all by name and recognise the comfort you gave me and in some cases humour and banter .

The young lady who wasn't sure of her worth was doing a great job so we had a talk and I gave her a speech I'd once given one of my beloved daughters . Should I have world enough and time I would visit you all .

A hero of mine used to sign off   " Love light and peace " Or " Health , wealth and happiness " Take your pick . 

Sincerely