"You have given me an opportunity to live a life again"

It is two weeks since I was wheeled out of Jubilee Ward and found myself saying - Thank you for such a lovely time!! In the context of major surgery, an apparently ridiculous thing to say.

The words were out of my mouth before I could edit what I had said. On reflection I do stand by what I said because of two reasons. The first, and most significant to me and my family's future, is that I believe that you have given me an opportunity to live a life again after some seven years of steady deterioration and increased debilitating pain. The second reason is that I met so many highly dedicated, lovely people who made my stay with you quite extraordinary.

My first hip was replaced 2 years ago. It transformed my life, only briefly as the right hip then went downhill very fast. So I had a good two weeks, a tantalising glimpse of what life might be. This time, I had hope founded on experience, albeit brief. The elation sparked by knowing that my hip had been replaced was such that it is hard describe how I felt whilst coming round from the general anaesthetic. That feeling might be, rather inadequately, described as - lovely.

The general anaesthetic had to be used as I was unable to relax enough to have the spinal injection. The anaesthetist and theatre medical support were just fantastic as we struggled to get the needle in. It was painful, potentially embarrassing and awkward, the professionalism and wonderful humanity, humour and generosity of spirit of the team allowed us to get through to option 2 with agreement and understanding. So I drifted to sleep to wake up in the recovery unit where my memory is v hazy, I simply remember the most wonderful nurse who seemed to be ever present. I had a fixed smile as the realisation that the old hip had gone had dawned and the elation had begun. The care was such that there was no interruption by fear, pain or confusion. Constant attention from simply lovely people clearly doing the most professional of jobs.

It is at this point I feel sad that I am unable to say anything about those at the centre of this operation; the surgeons and their team; apart from a very brief meeting in the morning with two surgeons both of whom were open and willing to answer any questions I had no further contact. I can say that the physical manifestation of their work appears to be absolutely fine. My dressing was changed recently and the nurse described the scar as perfect; there has been no issue with the it so far. My mobility increases every day now so I am confident that the operation has been a success and I am deeply grateful to the surgical team.

The care in the Jubilee ward was extraordinary; At my most vulnerable, barely able to move, pain held at bay by precise dosages of drugs all whilst feeling otherworldly , their humanity, humour and professionalism put me at my ease and gave space for the joy, in having had the operation, to find expression. The smiles, kindness, thoughtfulness of every member of the team brought joy to my whole being.

The overnight team were so careful and kind, ensuring comfort including tea and biscuits at 5 in the morning. All staff seemed so sensitive as to how I was feeling, a sandwich held over for when I might eat, endless offers of tea and coffee to satisfy my insatiable need for a cuppa, the acute eye on my pain control as well as BP, temperature and oxygen levels all made for feeling very secure. I felt very well looked after by two teams of very lovely people, so I contend , it is not surprising that the word that popped out as I left was - Lovely.

I thank you all for providing the opportunity for me to live my life again, that is a truly wonderful prospect. To have this major surgery done by such highly skilled surgeons in such a caring environment is as much if not more that any person could expect. Thank you.