"General Surgery - Gallbladder Removal"

After been diagnosed with Gallstones / inflamed Gallbladder in October 2016, I was put on an 18 week waiting list for Gallbladder removal.

I had my pre-op appointment a few weeks later in November, and the staff on pre-assessment were lovely. I was very anxious and had lots of questions and they patiently and politely answered my questions.

To try and have my operation done sooner rather than later I went on the cancellation list (which I believe covered all of the General Surgeons) and advised of dates when I was not available (I had a holiday booked at Xmas).

I did phone Theatre Admissions more than once and the member of staff I spoke to was patient and polite with me on each occasion. I was fortunate enough that I managed to get a cancellation for 6th January 2017. Big thank.

Due to it been a Gallbladder removal I had to arrive at Theatre Admissions Unit (TAU) for 07:15am. I was nervous and a bit tearful and all of the staff were fantastic, and again reassurance was provided and any questions / worries I had were answered / addressed. I would like to pass my thanks onto your TAU Health Care Assistant, TAU Staff Nurse, Anaesthetist, Surgeon and all of the staff on Day Surgery. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first to have my operation on the day, but I did take some puzzle books to keep me occupied had that hadn’t been the case.

Overall although having an operation is not an experience I want to repeat (this was my first ever operation) but I would be more than happy to attend Rotherham TAU / Day Surgery should that I need to in the future.

I did have to phone Day Surgery a week after my operation regarding a follow up query and the member of staff who I spoke to was ever so helpful.

For anyone who is awaiting a Gallbladder removal, my experience was that I was very sore at first but it does get better. You will be given pain medication. My surgery was keyhole and after 3 weeks I was back to normal and was back at work (I do office work). I managed to drive on day 10 albeit a short distance. Follow hospital advice and take it easy and I did gentle exercise (walking round house, walking to the end of the street) and gradually increased the amount of walking. Things to be aware of, it does hurt to laugh / cough following the operation and sitting and then standing back up is a challenge, stairs are also a challenge but it gets better each day. Sleeping wise I couldn’t lay flat and found I could sleep by been propped up with several pillows.

Now the operation seems like a distant memory and the only reminder that I had the operation is 4 small scars which are fading. I have had no side affects following the operation, and have resumed a normal healthy diet which includes treats (in moderation).