"Vascular operations - September 2020"

I wish to record my astonishing elective patient experiences from two occasions in September. The recovery process is still underway and will continue for several weeks - so far so good!

There are comments however on my inpatient experiences.

1. With the measured decline in the effectiveness of the epidural for pain relief, evident one afternoon in September, there appeared to be confusion and indecisiveness about how to proceed. Duty doctors gave inconsistent advice about intravenous flows. The arrival of the anaesthetist's team resolved the problem. It wasn’t until I had emotionally collapsed with pain that an alternative pain killer was used. On the plus side, I was quickly able to stop taking any pain killer at all after discharge.

2. The hospital did not include constipation medication on discharge (but shown on discharge papers). Consequently, when constipation took a grip the next week I was unprepared, and pain was endured for many hours. Resolving this has taken over one week so far and involved using other NHS resources - GP and District Nurse.

3. I have one particular commendation. It is to record the truly astonishing nursing care given by a Slovenian male nurse in ITU - can't be many of them! His attitude, energy, enthusiasm, interest, and consideration for me (and colleagues and others) was outstanding and would make him a serious promotion candidate in any sphere.

4. A more general comment is to remark on the amount of social intercourse amongst ITU nursing staff in quieter moments. Everything discussed from job applications, new uniform measuring (really, so much spare Trust cash, and meals not provided?), holiday bookings and so on. There is a time and place for this, but not here where some patients fight for their lives

Naturally, I am delighted with the ultimate outcome from my two visits to Musgrave. Mr Stewart has completed a fantastic series of procedures for my multiple aneurysms and my thanks go especially to him, and to his theatre assistants and are beyond measure. My sincerest thanks go also to the many tens of people who contributed in so many other ways. I look forward to our Review meeting.