"Day surgery Stay as an autistic patient"

Recently I was in the Day Surgery Unit for a diagnostic laparoscopy to hopefully diagnose the cause of my chronic pain. I unfortunately didn’t receive the results I was hoping for (through no fault of the doctors, etc) but I wanted to come on here to thank all the amazing staff who got me through a nerve wracking day.

I am autistic and I was rather anxious on the day of my surgery however the staff were incredibly kind and supportive to me throughout the whole procedure. They all made me feel so seen, and were very receptive to my feelings and just made everything so much easier. 

Could someone please pass my thanks and gratitude onto:-

-Escort Pipa, ODP Chris, and Anaesthetist Dr Asim (you were all lovely and I appreciate the fact that you talked me through every single step of what was happening, and also let me hold onto my comfort items til the last minute)

-Recovery Vikki (I don’t remember much of my time in there but thank you regardless and I hope I didn’t say anything embarrassing)

-Theatre team: Suzy, Jess, Charley, and Dr Lim (thank you Dr Lim for taking my concerns seriously and for looking as thoroughly as possible at everything, it may have not been the answers I was hoping for but I’m so grateful that someone finally investigated things properly)

And a massive thank you to my named nurse Rebecca! You were so incredibly kind and supportive. You listened to all of my mum and my concerns, you put us both at ease. You understood my pain levels as a person with chronic pain (very different to “normal patients”). You talked me through everything that would happen. You also advocated for me in terms of my pain relief for which I’m very grateful. You honestly made the process so much easier for me and I felt really supported. 

I also want to thank Nola for her kindness regarding my nausea and whatnot, and helping me with my discharge papers. You were so lovely, and it was nice to finally meet the person who normally responds to my pieces on here :)

Thanks again to everyone 🥰💜