"My daughter's first operation"

My daughter started experiencing pain in her tummy, to the point where she couldn’t walk and move around without it hurting. 

That night I made the choice to ring 111, after speaking to a doctor early hours in the morning, my daughter went in for examining, we were met by such lovely staff who instantly put her mind at ease. 

Blood tests, and a scan later, my daughter had an angry looking appendix (appendicitis ) 

We even got to meet a therapy dog named Bobby, he came and sat on my daughter's bed and she gave him some treats and cuddles. He was such a good boy and a great distraction. 

We moved up to the children’s ward and was shown around, my daughter mentioned how colourful the corridors were, the outside play area was great and there is a craft room, colouring, board games, puzzles and books, which you could bring back to your bed, which we did. The lady was lovely as well her name was Christine. 

A Cannula was fitted in her hand, and she was given sugary fluids through a drip. 

Later that evening, my daughter meet the anaesthetist who made her a glove balloon elephant ( we both found that amazing ) and explain everything to both of us. We meet the surgical time, again they went over everything, My daughter loved the honesty as much as she was very scared and nervous. They kept her calm and made jokes. 

They made sure that my daughter was comfortable and talked her through it all. She was super nervous, they didn’t make her feel silly, they validated her feelings and made her feel safe. 

may daughter went to sleep, I gave her a kiss. 

The nurse kindly made me a coffee, and just over an hour later, one of the surgeon came up and gave me the news that all went well and that I would be able to go down and see her soon. 

Soon after midnight I walked down with someone and was met by the team, with smiles and waves. 

My daughter was fast asleep. Was moved back up to the children’s ward. 

The night staff, gave me some bedding and laid my chair down ( turned into a bed ) and we both got some sleep. 

My daughter a woke in the morning, had some toast and water, she was very sore ( she had three small wounds, key hole surgery ) her blood pressure was a bit low, so we stayed in for most of the day, She got up and walked around, observations were done, she had lunch which was a tuna Mayo jacket potato, which she didn’t really eat, as she felt a bit sick and tired.

Me and the nurse laid my daughter on the bed and she had a rest for an hour, the nurse ordered her an egg Mayo sandwhich, which she devoured and said ( best sandwhich ever ) more observations done, the nurse was happier, my daughter looked happier and brighter, cannulas ( there was two at this point ) were removed. Paper work was written up and she was allowed home around 4pm. 

Instructions and after care was explained. There were no stitches, just glued and dressed. 

Explained what to look out for on infections. 

My daughter is 9 years old, never had to be in hospital before, she was very nervous but I can’t even explain the amount of care and love that was given to her. She felt safe and loved in place she found scary, by the time we left the place wasn’t scary at all. Such a positive experience, made by such lovely caring people. 

We both just want to say thank you. Thank you for keeping her safe, and for making her feel better.