"Appleby Suit Hernia Repair Surgery - Day Case"

My surgery experience as a whole was good, but there were a few situations that have left me feeling a bit let down. There was a lack of communication with the staff which effected my recovery in short term on the day. Something as simple as not being given the glass of water mid morning as I was late on the list for surgery meant I was dehydrated. I was told if my surgery was late on, i'd need a drink to avoid de hydration.

I had to be given fluids via IV while in the room literally on the way into theatre. Lots of raised eyebrows from the team in there, who had to give me reassurance I was ok. This then resulted in me being unable to pass urine for some time afterwards. I was told that as a day patient, the ward closed at 8pm, and if I hadn't passed urine before closing time, i'd likely be admitted to a ward overnight, and could only be discharged up until 10pm, and this would be unlikely. I wasn't really prepared mentally, despite having all I needed to stay. And knowing this could be avoided I wasn't to happy.

Eventually around 7.10pm I did manage a small 'wee' and was ready for discharging. My husband made his way, but I was instructed that he collect me from the fire exit of the ward, by the heart and lung centre and NOT via the main hospital entrance. I was told to wait (during this 2018 heatwave) out by the railings. It was now approaching 7.45, so I assume they just wanted me gone.

When I saw him, they collected my bag and brought it out, said goodbye, I said thank you, and they closed the door and left us there by the fire exit.

Needless to say I was a bit shocked.

The surgery I had was an open surgery for a supraumbilical hernia, and I have NOT seen or had any aftercare. Assuming this is normal procedure for all of these cases. I also do not yet know what exactly was done to me as I have had no surgical report be it written or verbal post op.

The good thing is the staff as a whole were attentive, kind and reassuring, but I do feel a bit like the aftercare for this type of surgery leaves a lot to be desired and is basically non existent. I assume this is down to budget or funding? All I was told was no heavy lifting 4-6 weeks No driving 2-3 weeks, book any concerns with wound or in general book an app with my practice nurse (who was clueless) and to keep my surgical stockings on for 2 weeks day and night.

No appointment with my surgeon post op at all. Needless to say I am 3 weeks down, and still feeling out of sorts and clueless as to what's bee done, and have requested a surgical report with the secretary of my consultant.

All in all, it wasn't the care and aftercare I was expecting.