"Wonderful people"

I went in Tuesday morning to have a total hip replacement (right). The plan was to use spinal anaesthetic. I am very frightened of needles anyway, and some years ago a friend in the Midlands suffered paralysis, and 2 years later death, arising from medical negligence (compensation payment made by NHS) with the same procedure. Not surprisingly I was absolutely terrified. The staff in Ward 18, the anaesthetists and surgical team, even the porters, were terrific, so caring and understanding of my apprehension and so reassuring. I cannot praise them highly enough. When the moment came and I was wheeled to the anaesthetic room my fear really kicked in. I was hoping to be sedated for the spinal but that wasn't so and immediately before that needle went in I was having a panic attack, pulse racing, gasping for breath and I was so lose to calling the whole thing off. However the level of reassurance I received, combined with the knowledge I could not continue my life in agony meant I put my trust in the team. I was sedated for the operation, the last thing I remembered was being taken next door to theatre and seeing doctors in "space suits". After that I must have fallen asleep as I have no recollection of the operation. I had a fairly painful first night with no sleep but regular pain relief and checks from the nursing team got me through. I was X-rayed the second day (Wednesday) and assessed by physio and released that evening aporoximately 30 hours after my operation. I am now home on my (slow) road to recovery but so thankful for how everyone involved has been. Well done to you all.