"Taking the positive out of a horrible negative"

Mid March I had a colonoscopy procedure done at Whiteabbey Hospital.

Unfortunately the procedure left me with a perforated bowel. I already have and ileostomy. I requested 5 times for the procedure to be stopped. I was in such a lot of pain.

I have had many colonoscopy done over 20 years having an ileostomy. I was left in so much pain. I bleed after the procedure, but during the early hours of the mornings I bled a lot and was admitted to Ward C3.

I met Alan the nurse who was looking after me. This nurse was totally amazing, he explained my plan of action with me about how they were going to look after me. He explained about my pain relief I could have and how often. 

This was such a traumatic experience I went through. I had a pulmonary embolism in 2007 after an attempted reversal, was on life support for 3 months and needed a year in a rehab unity to recover, but have never gotten over with this. I live with PTSD and constant nightmares from 2007 and this recent incident took a big toll on my mental health again.

Alan is a great nurse who was able to get me access to Mental Health Team in Antrim Area hospital and also Psychology. 

The staff in C3 Ward going from Alan to ward sister Ann and ward sister Claire were so empathetic, compassionate and very caring and couldn't do enough to help me through the trauma I suffered through no fault of my own. I was in very good hands right down to junior nurses and auxiliary nurses.

My husband requested a meeting with my consultant Mr Brynes privately, he knew how bad this experience was and the pain I was in. It was agreed with my husband and myself a plan going forward and this has been strictly kept to. I have been kept on pain relief and been comfortable, I also was helped with showers etc. This definitely took a lot out of me, but this ward C3 have been amazing with my care.

This all could have been avoided when I asked for the procedure to be stopped 5 times, but I would like to thank everyone from my consultant Mr Brynes, the two ward sisters and Alan and all auxiliary and trainee nurses were all very profession in my care. 

I only wish they could be recognised in anyway possible, as I don't think some of the staff get the proper appreciation they really deserve.

Again thank you to ward C3 staff and consultant. I hope people can take the positive out of a horrible negative that happened.