"Emergency - Blocked Bile Duct"

I came for a routine US and was immediately sent to A&E. I had an 8mm gallstone stuck in my bile duct. I was quickly assessed because I was unable to keep fluid down, had brown urine and slightly jaundiced. Within a couple of hours, I was up on the surgical assessment ward. I stayed on Abbey Ward for two days before being transferred to Lyme Ward. Initially, I was confused as to how ill I was. I was advised I would need an MRI which was completed later that afternoon.

I was very unwell, I tried not to bother staff too much because I could see how busy they were. All staff were so kind though, and kept checking in on me. The Upper GI team explained to me what the plan was and that I would be staying for a few days and that I would need an endoscopy or ERCP. They also explained that I would need to have my gallbladder removed.

I was taken down to the Endoscopy unit, where Mr Prasad and his amazing team tried to remove the stone. He explained where the stone was and that it was in a tricky spot and that he didn't think he would be able to remove it but he would try.

When I came round after the procedure, I was told that the procedure wasn't successful but that they had been able to place two stents.

Those stents changed everything! I honestly hadn't realised up until that point, how ill I had been for so long. It took a while, but I was monitoring my food, and within a couple of weeks I started to feel brighter.

I wasn't sure how long I would need to wait for surgery to remove the stone and gallbladder. Thankfully, I received a call to ask whether I could go in on a Sunday to have one of the stents removed from the pancreas. The other stent would remain until my surgery date.

Again, I saw Mr Prasad and his lovely team. The endoscopy unit is fantastic. I was very impressed with the efficiency of the unit. It is also beautifully clean and welcoming.

I went to Whipton Community Hospital for my Pre op. Again, the staff there were lovely. Roberto talked me through the operation, careful to talk through any concerns I had and was clear about the risks due to the location of my stone. Although anxious about this surgery, I felt complete trust in all team members looking after me. I decided not only to pack an overnight bag; but a bag for a few days, just in case!

Surgery day. The nurses on Knapp Ward were fabulous; very welcoming and friendly. They explained that I would meet the anaesthetist and also Mr Manzelli who would be completing my surgery.

The anaesthetist was very thorough, and very reassuring. Mr Manzelli and his colleague also came to see me to explain that I was first on the list. They were both very kind, thorough and warm. This relaxed me somewhat because even though I came across as being relaxed; I was in fact, terrified!

Thankfully, I was soon walking down to theatre, and the next thing I knew, I was being woken in recovery. Boy was I in pain! There were two members of staff with me who were able to make me comfortable fairly quickly. We had a bit of a wait before I could go to the ward, it didn't matter because they both kept my mind occupied. Mr Manzelli popped in to explain that the procedure was difficult but that it went well. He explained that he placed two drains which would be there for a few days.

Eventually, I was moved to Mere Ward. Again, the care of all the staff involved was amazing. I was on the ward for 5 days, very unwell for a few days. Mr Manzelli, his team of doctors, the nurses and other health care practitioners and the catering staff were fantastic.

From both my stays, I can honestly say that I have been humbled by the care, attention to detail, the communication and kindness of everyone I have met on this scary journey. Royal Devon and Exeter hospital is an amazing asset to us all. Thank you all so much, I just don't have enough words to convey how grateful I am.