"Pre-Operation Blues."

Following confirmation from Homerton University Hospital re my forthcoming hip operation, I visited the Pre-Admission Clinic, Surgical Centre today. Unfortunately my records were delayed, and coupled with my fear of White Coats my blood pressure went through the proverbial roof; causing concern to me and the nurse. And fuelled by fear of my long awaited hip operation being cancelled, I felt my insecurities begin to rise. When overwhelmed in such a way, I go on the defensive, and my words although not rude, can be cutting in their soft-voiced delivery. Yet again, I realised too late I was over reacting but was already caught up in that whirlwind of emotions gone haywire. Therefore, when I finally saw the nurse, they admitted their reticence in seeing me. And I don’t blame them. However, all that changed when we began talking. And that was all I needed. I needed to feel safe and the nurse certainly did that, and noticed my distress; showed interest and was kindness itself. Halfway through my therapy, I decided to come off tranquillizers. I needed to know how I was progressing, but above all else, I needed to experience how to feel again. And incidents like that; although uncomfortable for all concerned, are stages of learning and growth, which can only be for the good. Thanks again to Homerton University Hospital for their sensitive and caring approach. Will Zander Shellito.