I took part in a routine home testing kit for bowel cancer screening, further to this I was referred to the Endoscopy unit where I was almost immediately diagnosed with cancer. I was only having minor symptoms so was pleased the test was available or the cancer wouldn't have been picked up so early.
The Endoscopy department were amazing, so kind and considerate, the team were very caring during the procedure, and particularly caring when delivering my diagnosis. I was quickly referred for surgery where Mr Cartmell and his team were fantastic, deciding on a way forward and what would be best for me.
There were many different appointments (anaesthetics spent a really long time explaining and deciding on the best plan, thank you) and it was a confusing time but the teams were always contactable for questions when I had them.
I had to have a stoma fitted, the team were exceptionally patient explaining how it would work and how I would live long term with this change. The teams at North Devon District Hospital could not have been better, I had a long stay on ICU and my family tell me that I had the absolute best of care by the tremendous staff, I don't remember much about my time on ICU.
I was then moved to Lundy Ward and they were tremendous, so patient, caring and answered my many, many questions. I would like to thank all involved in my care particularly over the Christmas period when you could have been with your own families.
I am doing really well, getting out and about with my dog, and it is thanks to you all, I cannot thank you all enough
"I am doing really well, and it is thanks to you all."
About: Bideford Hospital / Pre Operative Assessment Bideford Hospital Pre Operative Assessment Bideford EX39 3AG North Devon District Hospital / Colorectal surgery & stoma care North Devon District Hospital Colorectal surgery & stoma care Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Endoscopy North Devon District Hospital Endoscopy Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Gastroenterology North Devon District Hospital Gastroenterology Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / General surgery North Devon District Hospital General surgery Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Intensive & Critical Care Unit North Devon District Hospital Intensive & Critical Care Unit Barnstaple EX31 4JB North Devon District Hospital / Theatres North Devon District Hospital Theatres Barnstaple EX31 4JB
Posted by Leigy53 (as ),
Responses
See more responses from Jo Williams