"Expertise, compassion and humanity"

I had been experiencing severe pelvic pain and swelling. I was known to this gynaecology Department through outpatient appointments with the lovely Dr. Morales, who had been investigating my symptoms. Dr Morales had advised me that I was to attend the hospital if my symptoms worsened, which they did so I attended accident and emergency on Friday in the late afternoon.

I was seen by a nice registrar who examined me and referred me to gynaecologist Dr. Reilly who advised me that  emergency hysterectomy surgery was required and that she would carry out the surgery that evening. I was so grateful that she was willing to treat my pain, there and then, despite any plans she may have had for her Friday evening....sorry and thanks Dr. Reilly.

I was then taken to a bedroom in ward 6 FVRI by a lovely student nurse called Sophie and prepped for surgery. I was very comforted to have my own bedroom with ensuite shower room as I experience high levels of anxiety related to privacy and comfort (a bit of a brat maybe but it really did impact my wellbeing both then and post surgery).

I can not remember the name of the lovely anaesthetist who visited me but do remember feeling very safe in his care and reassured by his manner and expertise. The two anaesthetic nurses who took me to surgery and looked after me were a highlight of this strange experience....they were so funny and kind. I apologise for any and all of my bizarre ramblings as I came out of the anaesthetic.....I remember being keen to hold my baby!!!

My next memory is of Friday night or Saturday morning, being back in my room in ward 6 and being very gently and kindly cared for by the two night nurses (who I thought were actual angels in my post anaesthetic state). I was still wanting to hold my baby and they were SO gentle in their explanations about there being no baby!

I am now home recovering from my surgery and feeling much better than I did before surgery. I am a bit uncomfortable having undergone this surgery but NOTHING compared to the pre operative pain. Relief does not come  close to describing how it feels to be recovering rather than living in pain.

Throughout this experience, I was treated with dignity and respect and felt that I was treated as a whole human rather than a collection of symptoms. I can not begin to thank the workers who operated on and cared for me during my hospital stay. The nurses in ward 6 were professional, knowledgeable and compassionate and a great comfort to me during my stay (especially wee Heidi who called herself an auxiliary but actually is a Superstar). The housekeeping staff were kind, efficient and entertaining....making my days much less dull.

Overall, this was as positive an experience as humanly possible and I would like to commend Dr. Reilly and the team most highly for their expertise, compassion and humanity. 😍