"Surgery and aftercare for spinal canal lesion..."

In early August 2018 I was referred to NHNN from my local hospital for a lesion in my lumber spinal canal. Within 2 weeks of referall I was scheduled for surgery to remove the lesion. Everything was explained clearly to me from what was going to happen during surgery to the aftercare on the ward and at home. This helped me prepare and ease my concerns especially as this was my first ever surgery and time in hospital.

Following surgery I was sent to the Lady Ann Allerton Ward for recovery. The ward was very clean and spacious and looked well maintained with new and clean equipment. All the nurses and nursing assistants were amazing, so helpful and reassuring. They were very quick to respond to any calls and were extremely professional in all aspects of their care towards me. My consultant came and saw me everyday I was in hospital and answered all the questions me and my family had. The only comment I have regarding this ward is their visiting times which were quite short especially as my family had to travel 2 hours to visit me so they were unable to spend as much time with me as we would have liked.

2 weeks following being discharged from the hospital I unfortunately discovered I had a CSF leak. I was made aware that there was a risk of this occurring from the surgery during my meetings with my consultant before the surgery took place. I called the ward I was discharged from who were extremely helpful and remembered me. They asked me to return to the hospital ASAP. As soon as I got to the hospital my consultant reviewed my case and scheduled me for surgery at 8am the following day.

Following this second surgery I was sent to the Victor Horsley ward for recovery. On this ward I was sent to a side room with one other female patient. As nice as it was being in a large room with only one other patient it did sometimes feel like we were forgotten about by the nurses, nursing assistants and catering staff (we were often missed out during afternoon tea/coffee rounds, not nice when we were both in bed rest!). One positive with this ward were the visiting times which were a lot more accommodating for visitors.

I have just had my 8 week check up following these surgeries. I was very impressed with how my consultant spent the time with me following my recovering answering all my questions and setting out plans for my recovery. I did not feel pressured to rush the appointment and felt all my concerns were answered. I have another check up in 3 months time.

I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers at this hospital who have cared for me during what has been a very scary and worrying time for me and my family.