I am approaching 76 years and apart from having tonsils removed (age 6) I have never had surgery, so I was very apprehensive to say the least. I was admitted at 7 am and was the first into the operating theatre. The staff were very kind and calming, explaining the procedure as it was administered. I was given my pre-med and a mask was put over my mouth and nose.
The next thing I knew was being covered with a lovely warm sheet and I think I drifted in and out of sleep. I was then taken to ward E14 for recovery. Again, the staff were very kind and attentive. I ate and enjoyed a dinner of mince, mashed potatoes and diced carrot and swede, followed by a delicious chocolate sponge pudding with custard. I gradually improved and a nurse helped me to the toilet and back. I had a sandwich and ice cream for my tea. Following various checks, I was told I could go home later. I rang my daughter to collect me and a nurse took me in a wheelchair to meet her. I arrived home approximately 6.30 pm, feeling quite sore still, but otherwise very happy. My recovery has been steady since my release and although it was difficult to sleep for the first couple of nights, it steadily got better.
The advice about pain relief was invaluable, as I thought I should only take the paracetamol when I felt any pain. However, by taking them four times a day, fairly equally spaced, I have not experienced any pain to speak of, only soreness, which is getting better day by day. Today is my seventh day since surgery and I am so pleased that I had it done, as I am confident of a full recovery with no prospect of further pain from gall stones. A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL THE STAFF INVOLVED IN MY CARE. The level of care I received was second to none.
Staff attitude
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