"I am writing to try and prevent this happening to anyone else"

I was admitted in August 2024 as emergency due to repeated urine infections and abdominal pain. Following an abdominal scan found a Kidney stone and I was taken straight to theatre where a stent was inserted to help me pass the kidney stone.

I was put on Tamsulosin but I had to discontinue this after a few weeks as it was making my cataract in both eyes worse. On discharge I was told I would receive appointment to get stent removed within 12 weeks. I was doing very well with stent in place and felt better that I had done for a long time. After 12 weeks my niece phoned appointment line to inquire when stent would be removed due to being told 12 weeks. She was told - don't know why you were told that as it can take up to a year-.

I eventually received an appointment to have it removed, but this was cancelled at the end of June as no beds were available. I then had scheduled date for the beginning of July. The surgery was performed but due to the fact the stent had been left for -far too long- surgery did not go to plan. Fragments were unable to be removed, I ended up with a fever due to infection, required I.V and oral antibiotics. I had to remain in hospital for 5 days and I was very unwell. The consultant informed me the procedure should have taken 30 minutes but due to the stent being left for too long I was under anaesthetic for 2.5 hours.

I am writing to try and prevent this happening to anyone else. I am in my late 70's and may require further surgery to remove fragments which could have been prevented.