"Inadequate pain relief -Gynae surgery"

Nearly a year ago I had abdominal surgery at St Peter's Hospital, Chertsey.   Technically all went well to begin with, but then I experienced bleeding complications and  fever for which I received good and timely treatment. The consultant was attentive.

The worst thing was the dreadful pain I was forced to endure post op.  For several days I could not tolerate oral morphine (it caused dry heaves) and was left to rely on paracetamol despite major internal work and a belly incision. I was really desperate but feel that staff were not helpful, they would shrug and say There's nothing else we can give you, there's nothing else written up. Paracetamol or ibuprofen didn't touch the pain. I cannot describe how helpless I felt and how awful the experience was.  I felt traumatised for a long while afterwards, and now I am terrified of needing more surgery. 

Whilst some of the care was excellent - sending me for scans, doing blood tests and so on - the general care on the ward was often lacking in the basics.  Just one example - after vomiting - the bowl would be removed but there was no thought to help me drink water, rinse my mouth or find my toothbrush.  When every movement is painful, you need help and kindness like that.