"Total Knee Replacement"

Had TKR operation on Friday 4th April. The only bad thing is the pain afterwards. I cannot find anything negative to say about my experience at the Cavell. Consultant surgeon & anaesthetist, nursing staff, physios, porters, catering & cleaning staff were all extraordinary and seemed to work together as a very happy team. I was shown great respect and privacy throughout my stay. Consultant visited every day. I was given all the information i needed prior to my op, and my questions were answered with patience. On the day of the op my blood pressure was through the roof but my surgeon talked me through & confidently stated that he would operate unless his anaesthetist objected. The anaesthetist was wonderful. He explained every step of the procedure and we had a very relaxed chat until I was "out". Back on the ward nothing was too much trouble for any of the staff. One of the nurses even came to ask if I could reach my call button. " Why aren't you pressing your button? You're so quiet" - but they'd already ensured I had everything I could want. The night nurses were delicate in their ministrations and recorded obs by torchlight rather than disrupt the patient unnecessarily. The food was of a very high standard - all fruit and veg were fresh. Meals were served piping hot. Even the toast at breakfast time reached me hot - something they constantly fail to do in very good hotels! And you didn't have to stick to the menu - simple meals were available at any time. I must mention the magician who masterminds afternoon tea - the cakes were a triumph - almost made it worth having the op (well maybe not)! Thanks to everyone who had a part in my procedure, from the lovely ladies who admitted me at the front door right through to the nurse who saw me out of the same door 72 hours later. It's a horrible operation to have but if you have to do it, I hope your experience is as good as mine. Oh yeah, better say that so far it seems to have been very successful. Thanks again. Maggie Wilcock