"I could not have been treated better"

Going to hospital for a major operation is daunting at the best of times, especially when you have been in pain for a long time and not feeling your best.  Its a long wait these days to be able to have your surgery.   At last my call came and I was invited to Grantham for my surgery.  The pre op had gone well, very thorough, the procedure has been explained, tips and advice give as well as a thorough health check.  

I arrived early to be met by a Juby who was to be my dedicated nurse. After showing me to my room, side ward 2, I was left to unpack and settle in.  My room as clean and tidy with my own handbasin, mirror, cabinet, bed, chair and a lovely view over the school playing field.

The ward was busy with more patients arriving for their surgery , July popped in an out, doing my observations and reassuringly soothing my worries.  She was only a click away if I needed her.  Her beautiful smile melted my worries.  During the morning I was visited by many professionals including Anaesthetists, doctors and my surgeon Mr Mahoud  who explained the procedure, checked everything was okay with me.  

I was 3rd on his list for surgery by 1.30 I had changed into my gown, donned my dressing gown and slippers before being wheeled to the theatre by an extremely chatty man who soon had me laughing.

The theatres are new to the hospital, looking modern and well equipped.  2 nurses met me, did the final checks and kept me company until I was collected by Paul to have my spinal anethitic.  

The procedure went well, Paul explained what was happening and was by my side the whole time.  The Anesthetist did the procedure which was quick and without pain, then into surgery I went.

You can imagine I was nervous, frightened infact but I had waited so long and this was my chance to regain my mobility, be free of pain and restart to live my life.

Although I could hear what was happening, I felt nothing, saw nothing and felt safe and secure surrounded by the professionals who could not have been more attentive.

Two hours later, which has flown by it was all done, I was wheeled next door into post op for around 20 mins I was constantly monitored by a lovely chap who told me all about his family and journey to our country and how much he liked it here.  I was then moved on again to x-ray, straight in and pictures taken.

I was soon back on the ward to be met by the lovely Juby who got me back into bed and comfortable.  I was allowed a lovely cup of tea and a choice of sandwiches.  It was 6 o'clock, all done I phoned the family who were so relieved to hear I was okay.

After a visit from my surgeon who was pleased how it had gone, he told me to eat and drink plenty and call for my nurse should I need anything at all, not to be in pain as I was given ample relief post surgery.

I was monitored during the night and helped onto a commode when needed.  I'm not a good sleeper at age best of times but managed to rest until early morning.  Smiling faces popped in, doing obs an even made me another sandwich and early cup of tea before everyone else was awake and the day came on.

 I had another dedicated nurse who again was excellent and looked after me.  I had many doctors and nurses popping in giving meds and advise.  My nurse helped me wash and dress before the physio team arrived.  I felt sure I wouldn't be capable of getting myself about on crutches but they soon had me mobile as well as up and down stairs and felt sure I was ready for home but not without the many bits of equipment I could borrow to help me get around at home.  My aftercare was arranged, discharge meds given and home I could go.

It was a final farewell to all on ward 1 who had made my visit to hospital a smooth and reassuring journey on my road to recovery.

Thank you all on ward 1, I could not have been treated better.