"Colorectal surgery"

I recently had my operation. I had been fully informed of the procedure (both the pre-op nurse Kim and my consultant and surgeon Mr Kelkar's reassurance, advice, information and support helped a lot).

Preliminaries on the day were kept to the minimum, and the anaesthetist was also very reassuring. Everything went according to plan and I was back in Deene Ward B in the evening after an afternoon operation.

It was appreciated that the surgeon Mr Kelkar rang my husband that evening to reassure him that all went well. The surgeon's care and attention certainly encouraged a positive attitude on my part and a desire to follow the Enhanced Recovery Programme for patients (a helpful little booklet). My rapid recovery was also due to the excellent care and advice from the nursing staff and ward assistants. Even though they were all extremely busy they seemed to make time for everyone.

My last day was spent in Geddington Ward, which was very different from the busyness and bustle of Deene Ward B, and I was discharged 3 days after surgery. It was good to receive a check-up phone call from Mr Kelkar two days later. I continue to follow the advice I was given, and each day there is a noticeable improvement.

Many thanks to those who helped me during my stay at Kettering General.