"Excellent hospital and staff"

Following a blood test by my gp I was called urgently into hospital on May 1st as I was having possible renal failure. I went to an area near to A&E where an ultrsound scan reveled that I had an overfull bladder caused by a greatly enlarged prostate. The urine was backing up to the kidneys causing them to malfunction. I spent 14 days in hospital until my kidneys were showing positive signs of recovery and left with a catheter inserted and a leg bag. I was put onto a drug called Finesteride to shrink the prostate and was told it was slow acting and would not really kick in until about 6 months had passed. Some seven months later I saw a consultant and was advised to have a TURP operation. I agreed to take part in a trial between TURP and ThuVARP (same operation but using laser). I have no idea which was used on the day.

I had my operation on December 9th and was kept in for three days as I now live alone and they wanted to ensure that I had fully recovered from the anaesthetic. Now some two weeks later I can look back and comment on the whole process.

I have been impressed with the new Brunel building from the start with its air of spaciousness and tranquility. Both wards that I stayed on had private single rooms with a bathroom. Large and bright with a very large ceiling to floor window in the main area. The operation was painless and stress free thanks to the pre operation visit by the surgeon and anaethetist. My operation was at 2.30pm and I woke at around 5.00pm.

I was taken to a Urology ward where I had a number of visits from various members of the team over the three days. I was allowed home around lunchtime on the third day together with a supply of Clexane as I had been on Warfarin prior to the operation.

I have only had to take 2 paracetamol morrning and bed time not because of pain relief but to ease minor discomfort.

In general I was kept up to date with proceedings at all times. The surgical staff were excellent as were the nursing staff on the ward. I think that with this type of operation your cannot expect to retain any modesty but at all times my dignity was respected. No complaints on my part or my daughters part when she took me in and brought me home.

Obviously not an experience I would look forward to but certainly one that I would not shy from in the future.

Thanks to all of you in Southmead hospital and have a great Christmas