"Hernia Repair Anxieties"

I had a laparoscopy hernia repair two days before Christmas 2013. As so many people do, I looked at the various reviews and opinions, and my view is that they were rather negative. I have only the highest praise for the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the staff involved. A seemingly unnecessary 7.30 start found us queuing to get in, but a super-efficient system kicked in and the time required soon became obvious. My base nurse showed me to a cubicle and explained exactly what was involved, and her great experience showed clearly that everything has to be checked, and double checked. Various professionals came round doing checks and asking questions, including the surgeon himself, who marked the area of the hernia with a felt tipped pen. Now I was really reassured. I was given a cocktail of painkillers - routine measure, I was told. Time seemed to fly by. I read a book for a short time and at around 10.30 a porter took me on a trolley to the theatre, all the time talking and reassuring me. It seemed a long way, but on arrival, the anaesthetist checked me over and put a needle into my hand. I next remember coming round in my cubicle, feeling quite good and ready to go home. The rule is you must pass water before you are allowed to go. The system must be back to normal. I had three plasters where the laparoscopy entered; very neat and tidy. My nurse was insistent that the duty doctor should check the one where my belly button was, which took a while for him to come. He said there was a bit of inflammation, but this would settle down in time, and that was that. I left to go home at around 4.pm. There was minimum discomfort and, taking normal painkillers, I was able to enjoy Christmas. I was even spared the washing up. I write this seven weeks after the operation and am back to all my previous activities - swimming daily, running and gardening. Although I was aware of the gauze implant early on, it was never as painful as some others have said. Compared with the ache my hernia gave me before the operation, it was heaven and I feel I can live my life to the full again. Royal Berks Hospital and the NHS have scored a very big hit in my estimation. Thank you all so much.