"My stay and treatment"

I was at work and felt uncomfortable in my stomach area. I felt my very tender tummy button and could feel a hard lump the size of a golf ball. I contacted my doctor who called me into the surgery and after examination he rang the SAU at North Staffs Hospital and they told him to send me in.

At the hospital I waited a long time but purely because of the workload of the department. I was examined by a couple of doctors who told me they would get me a bed as soon as possible and that they would operate the next day on what seemed to be a strangled hernia of the umbilical cord. They explained thoroughly what they would be doing and what they might find.

I was bothered about having general anaesthetic because of a chest weakness from a chronic condition I have, they assured me I would be ok and that it was necessary in case the bowel wall had been damaged or the hernia was causing a blockage which would make the operation more complicated.

I finally got a bed at 1.00am the next morning in ward 103. I had the operation that afternoon at about 2.00pm. I was looked after by a very professional and caring team of nurses and doctors and ancillary staff.  I was able to leave hospital after 2 days and am doing well recovering at home.