"Laparoscopic Hysterectomy"

I required a hysterectomy due to an abnormal uterine biopsy. I don't mind admitting I was terrified, as I'd never had either an operation or general anaesthetic before.

A few weeks before, I attended a surgical pre-assessment appointment, where a nurse practitioner took blood, asked me all about my health and previous illnesses, listened to my heart and lungs and did an ECG.

On the day of my operation, I was admitted via the SEAL unit, a kind of admission ward, where I was booked in, had my blood taken again and was given my gown and surgical stockings to change in to.

The anaesthetist and two surgeons came to speak to me and all were keen to answer my questions and set me at ease.

Kind, friendly staff in the anaesthetic room made me feel really comfortable and I was laughing just before drifting off to sleep. Back on Ward 32, the care was exceptional and I honestly couldn't single out any one member of staff, as they were all amazing. Charge nurse, auxiliaries, domestics, nurses, doctors...every one was a gem.

They really go out of their way to make you comfortable and let you do things at your own pace, while still making sure that you're up and around as soon as possible to prevent complications.

I feel silly for being so frightened now but the staff never made me feel anything less than important.