"Post-Operative Care"

Was advised at my pre-assessment appointment that I would be staying in overnight and to prepare for this. I had an afternoon slot and went to surgery in the late afternoon. In recovery the nurse looking after me was absent as she was trying to do other things and deal with other patients. Eventually, I was given a few sips of water around 2 hours later but not offered anything else.  I was taken to a ward and placed in a side room. I was asked if I had passed urine, I said no. I was advised that as I had not, I would be staying overnight. I had a massive headache, probably from dehydration (had not drank anything at this stage since the morning apart from the sips of water) and asked for something to ease it - 1 x Ibuprofen given. A short while later, I was given a sandwich (no choice or preference asked) and a yoghurt to eat and a jug of water.

Later in the evening I felt I needed to pass urine but it was a very small amount and I was very sore. Around this time I was asked if I wanted a bedtime hot drink, I asked for tea. The quality was appalling and almost undrinkable. 

I was advised that I may be moved to the PIU as they were not aware of why I had been brought to the ward. I advised that I was last to surgery had not passed urine, also that I had been told I would be staying in at my pre-assessment appointment. I mentioned that previously I had been identified as an MRSA carrier and that was possibly why I was in the side room.

Half an hour later, another nurse advised that I was to be moved and that they would help pack the few things I had taken out of my case. Porters arrived and picked up everything and put it on the bed and my case at the back of the bed. As I was wheeled out the nurse said they would "put this there as it was heavy" and promptly plonked my file on the bed. Porters waited, and the Nurses said "Bye", to which the porters asked who was accompanying me? Response was "Is it needed?" (or something like that) and the porter advised yes, as it was late in the evening! The same nurse reluctantly came as well but I could tell by demeanour that this staff member was not happy, and they asked en-route the status of the porter who asked for a chaperone. Once they had wheeled me into position, the nurse decided for me that I wanted the back of the bed put down and promptly proceeded to do so. I realised my case was still on the back and advised her of this. The nurse went to get it and commented on how heavy it was. (it was a cabin sized case, that was able to take all my clothes, wash things, dressing gown etc) and I responded that I had been told I would be staying overnight, hence bringing what I felt I needed. It is bad enough having to have repetitive surgery without being made to feel 1) you are there too often (size/weight of file), 2) brought to the ward for no reason 3) a nuisance for bringing adequate overnight things, 

The PIU unit staff were very friendly, in comparison to S6, asking if I needed anything - I still had a headache so was given paracetamol. Sleep/rest was not really possible as a patient kept getting out of bed and waking us all up by shaking our feet or standing over the bed! 

I needed to use the bathroom, but was not aware of where it was, so went to the desk to ask. On the way back to my bed, I let the nurse know that I had passed urine (I had been asked to do this when I arrived). She then asked if I would like a cup of tea, which I gratefully accepted. This was brought to the bed promptly, was hot and well made. 

Later, after not much sleep, the cleaners arrived (around 7am). I thought the cleaner was doing a good job until I realised the same cloth was being used to wipe the high level light/electrical sockets/equipment panels, the chairs, bed rails and the over-bed side tables. This left me thinking of cross contamination, cleaning solutions on things that had been moved on the table etc and generally not a good practice!

The areas cleaned then smelt strongly of cleaning products just as another person gave the breakfasts out!

I realise cleaning has to be done, but just before eating is not a good way to help patients want to eat their meals and build themselves nutritionally, 

A nurse came to give the morning drugs and insisted that a doctor should write up a prescription so that I could be given my morning medication that I take every day. I advised that I had the medication in my bag (in original packaging) and a copy of my doctor's prescription, but this was not enough. What a waste of money to get another lot from the pharmacy! These had not arrived by the time I was discharged so I do not know what happened to them.

The consultant's visit was very clear, informative and pleasant.  But when I left the discharge letter was not ready.