"Hysterectomy experience"

My hysterectomy was scheduled for a Thursday in July 2020 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, I self isolated for 2 weeks before as requested and had my pre op assessment on the Monday. During this appointment I was advised I would be allowed one visitor for 30 minutes per day as per the new SG guidance and track and trace paperwork would need to be completed.

I arrived at the hospital on the Thursday morning, as I was taken to my room I was advised that I would not be allowed visitors as I was in a general surgery ward which was a blue zone...after a few tears and finally linking to hospital wifi I contacted my husband, there is no network reception within this hospital.

The op went well and the care I received from staff was excellent,however, they were not equipped to deal with the particulars that go along with a gynaecological surgery, for example I was offered no relief for my trapped wind and my husband had to drop off peppermint tea, I was not showered during my 4 day stay and wound dressing only changed once, no advice regards surgical stockings and how long to wear them, no discharge pack or advice regards exercise or how to manage pain at home or follow up appointments.

I was discharged on the Sunday with medication but no advice on recovery or contact numbers if I felt unwell or needed advice. Wednesday following I was readmitted with a fever and following tests an infection was diagnosed and antibiotics prescribed, discharged 5.30pm that Thursday, although the staff in Ward 6 gynae criticised my previous care in surgery, but again sent home with no info on recovery or what to expect.

I am now 3 weeks post op and have a throbbing pain to the right of my vertical wound following a sub total hysterectomy, any info I have regards recovery and what to expect I have garnered from the internet and online support groups. I have no idea if a 6 week follow up will be sent out, if this pain I have is normal or when I can start to exercise more....in short I feel badly let down by NHS Forth Valley in their post op after care.