"The staff are worth more than their weight in Gold"

Background story:

Over a year ago I went to my GP because I felt a small mass in my abdomen. GP couldn't feel it and said it was probably a bit of IBS. I mentioned the lump a few times after that, said it felt bigger and would occasionally hurt but was told it would probably just be bowel twinges. By July 2017 I was so uncomfortable and lethargic I decided to see a female GP. She examined me and referred me to Gynaecology for an Ultrasound ASAP.

Forth Valley:

I got my ultrasound appointment letter within a week and had the scan. It was discovered that I had a rather large ovarian cyst that should not be there and would require surgery. I received another appointment for a further scan with Dr D Mcqueen. I was nervous but the nurses there were fantastic and put me completely at ease. Dr McQueen was also very kind and reassuring. The cyst at this point in early August was 15cm, multioccular/complex/borderline but it was not felt that it was anything sinister. I had a further MRI and CT scan. The staff I saw at both appointments could not have been any better. They were so friendly, reassuring and explained everything really well. I was booked in for surgery in October.

The Surgery and After:

On the day I was greeted by a lovely nurse who explained all the people I'd be meeting and footed me up with the stylish compression socks. I saw Dr McQueen and his team and had a discussion with the anaesthetist. The two anaesthetists who prepared me for the surgery were fantastic. Explained everything, chatted with me, had a laugh and told me they'd be with me the whole time, I felt in completely safe hands. The last thing I remember was squeezing one of their hands as I was rolled into theatre.

During surgery I had the now 20cm cyst removed, along with my left ovary and also my uterus and cervix (I requested that as I'd previously had CIN3 and they were there anyway...) through an incredibly neat vertical incision on my abdomen. I remember being topped up with pain relief when needed and some very wonderful and kind nurses in the recovery area who helped me drink water through a straw and stayed by me as long as I can remember. Later I was moved to Ward 6. Once again I received great care from all of the nurses. They were kind, cheerful, compassionate and helpful. Dr McQueen also dropped by each day. The nurses looked after me and spoiled me rotten with tea and toast. They helped me turn and get comfortable on that first night and brought an extra pillow for my support. They encouraged me each day and gave helpful tips that I think really helped me get moving. I was allowed to go home not long after, if I felt up to it and had care at home. After a tasty lunch I was taken to the discharge lounge while I waited for my painkillers to take home. Once again the nurses there were bright and cheerful and kept me supplied with tea while I waited.

Our NHS gets knocked quite a lot. While it is not perfect I cannot speak highly enough of the treatment I received from every single person I met at the hospital. While I hope I don't end up there again, I certainly feel like I would be in safe hands if I did.

The staff there are certainly worth more than their weight in Gold and I cannot thank them enough.