"Umbilical hernia repair"

I was scheduled for an Umbilical Hernia repair, it’s often described as a routine, simple and quick procedure at around 20-30 minutes. I knew that was the case but it didn’t stop me having the natural worries that somehow I was going to be the one in many hundreds of thousands of operations who has awful complications or worse. I put on a brave face, but underneath it all I was apprehensive.

From the second I arrived at the hospital every person I came in contact with started to help that anxiety dissipate. I was warmly welcomed to the ward and take to my bed. Within an hour I had met all members of the team who would be looking after me. Each and every one of them was good humoured, friendly and professional. As they are obliged to do they must cover the worst case scenarios but their demeanour of calm assurance made me feel so much better.

The team in the anaesthetic room were great whilst they hooked me up to various monitors and my anaesthetist was excellent too. I remember nothing after I was passed the oxygen mask. The next thing I remember is some telling me that everything had gone well and giving me some water.

I was a little sore when I woke up and the nurses where quick to act to help relieve that discomfort. I was in the ward a further couple of hours and the whole team were incredibly attentive. They also served some of the finest coffee and toast I have ever had.

I absolutely can not convey enough how much I respect and appreciate everyone involved in my care. I know that for the team it’s routine, but for me, hopefully, it’s a one-off operation and your caring nature made it as easy as it possibly could have been.

Thank you all so, so much.