"Overall I was very happy with the operation experience"

Finding your way

My pre-meeting a few weeks previously with the consultant was very helpful. I felt listened to and the conversation was very relaxed (unlike some other meetings I've had with consultants in the past). The information given was excellent.

My experience on the ward (54) was generally positive although it was obvious the staff were extremely busy. The food could have been better.

The operation team were helpful and relaxed. I was asked what music I'd like, which was a surprise! The two-hour procedure was going to be tricky, and although I had some sedation I was able to check occasionally how it was going with my consultant.

I felt relatively relaxed during the procedure. Before I left the theatre my consultant had a very quick word with me re. what I should/shouldn't do post-op. I'd have preferred this to have happened later (see below)

So overall I was very happy with the operation experience.

What could have been better:

I would have liked to be able to have a more detailed discussion with the consultants about how the operation had gone once my sedation had worn off and I was back on the ward. (I had had some anxieties as I knew it was going to be tricky). After other operations (joint replacements) the consultants have usually visited me on the ward to have that discussion which I have found helpful).

The part I felt wasn't covered sufficiently was what I could expect after discharge:

My discharge sheet said I had been given worsening advice. This was very limited and I felt the discharge procedure was a bit rushed.

The first few days post-op at home were difficult. Despite the regular urge to urinate I found it hard to do and was constipated. Consequently I got little sleep for three nights. I wasn't expecting this as I was fine on leaving hospital. It would have helped to be able phone someone in Urology to discuss this at an early stage but the general advice had simply been to phone my GP and I wasn't given any contacts at the hospital. I had two emergency appointments at my practice.  

I also had extremely significant bruising covering both thighs which spread down my legs - again I wasn't expecting this so was unsure how normal it was. 

Apart from that my experience was very positive and I am as ever grateful for the excellent care the NHS provides.

Environment

Reception

Cleanliness

Heating

The bay was cold on occasions and too hot on others but staff were responsive in managing this

Other patients

I enjoyed the contact with the others in my bay - this plus the staff willingness to interact helped the relaxed atmosphere

Keeping in touch

I've written about this.

Staff attitude

Staff skills

The nurse who gave me the catheter was particularly skilful! 😊 

Seeing the whole me

Pain relief

Being listened to

Perhaps I could have been asked more about how I was feeling pre- and post-op. 

Nurses

As I was only in hospital for one night most of the other categories don't apply.