"Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy"

I was admitted to Royal Preston Hospital on March 6th 2017 after referral by my GP worried about a raised acute phase protein level. I had presented with fatigue and abdominal discomfort. It was a long day as we waited for attention at different times. Much to my surprise I was admitted and given antibiotic intravenously as there was a chance I had a bacterial infection. In the few days I was in hospital there were a number of procedures for differential diagnosis purposes. Towards the end of my few days I met the consultant for the first time. They informed me I had a lump in my colon and that a colonoscopy was needed to determine the character of the lump.

The colonoscopy revealed a tumour in my caecum.

A little later I was given a date for pre-operative assessment and a provisional date for surgery.

I felt well informed and listened to. At this stage I went to RPH and spoke with a specialist nurse and they were very helpful and supportive.

My pre-operative assessment indicated I was ‘very fit’ so the consultant surgeon performed, with their team, a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy on March 31st. I was admitted to Ward 12 for recovery. The organisation of all those involved was first class, I was still feeling informed and listened to. I had a difficult couple of days recovering and was in Ward 12 for a little longer than I had hoped. I struggled with ‘paralytic ileus’ but was assured by those around, especially the consultant, that all was well and I just needed a little time to recover. This reassurance at that time was important to my recovery. I was well cared for, kept informed and listened to throughout. The specialist nurse supported my recovery by helping me walk as well as continual verbal reassurance.

I recently celebrated my 65th birthday with all my family and the joy was unbounded for us all. I feel very fit.

The monitoring of my gut will continue and I feel in very capable hands.

Thank you to all the team and all those involved with my treatment. Their expertise, knowledge and care were superb and my wife, my children, my grandchildren and all of my family are thankful.