"Consultation, Operation and Post-operative care"

Anything else?

I have suffered from degenerative arthritis in my left wrist for several years. Previous NHS "consultants" had suggested fusion with little alternative. An initial consultative appointment at Yeovil Hospital (May 2013) would have taken 4 to 6 weeks at this latest time of enquiry. Circle Bath (CB) offered me one within 10 days. So, although I live in Yeovil, I opted to travel. I postponed the op until October for personal reasons. On arrival at CB, I was welcomed at reception, they had all my details to hand and I was asked to have my picture taken so that the consultant would recognise me when he came from his consulting room. (None of the shouting out a name and waiting for a response!) The consultant came from his office, recognised me and welcomed me into his office. We discussed the problem and I was then sent within the building for some X-rays, the results of which were available to the consultant bny the time I returned to his office. After futhe discussion, the consultant recommended, a proximal row carpectomy. This would releive the pain and give me more movement in the hand/wrist than I currently had. The operation was planned for 5 weeks after the consultation. On the day of the operation I arrived at CB, was shown to the day theatre area and provided with surgical gown, dressing gown, slippers and made comfortable. I had opted for general anisthetic and mid-morning was taken into theatre. I regained conciousness arounf 12:30, after which the surgeon paid a visit to review the operation. Later I was taken to a private room (no mixed or multi-occupancy wards), offered a menu and asked what I would like for lunch. This was later followed by an evening meal. Between times, nursing staff visited freqently, monitoring my progress hourly. The overnight experience was one of some discomfort, having to sleep on my back with my arm raised in the air (not a good position for me, but necessary nonetheless). I was discharged the following morning, having had a full, fresh, breakfast, even having part of the breakfast pre-cut as the staff recognised I was unable to cut the food. The surgeon visited prior to my discharge later that morning and we reviewed what was necessary for ideal recovery. Two weeks later, I attended CB physiotherapy unit for removal of stitches, preparation of a support and identification of exercises. Three weeks later I attended physio again, this time wih a review b y the surgeon and effectively completely discharged. I have to continue exercises; this will last for approximately 8 to 10 weeks. My total CB experience was excellent.