"Open shoulder surgery"

I'm 23, with a genetic disorder that makes my joints dislocate really easily. I was offered open shoulder surgery to stabilise my shoulder, which was dislocating honestly countless times a day by the time I had my surgery. He is very knowledgeable about my condition, and was very honest and kind about the situation. I felt at ease almost immediately from the very first consultation.

I had my operation on 31 October. The staff at the pre-surgergy unit (Postbridge) were excellent. Anaesthetic team were so supportive and listened to my concerns over the local anaesthetic and nerve block, as my condition causes problems with those, and were gentle with my joints. They did their best to put me at ease and made a stressful experience more bearable, distracting me by asking me about my studies, etc. Cannot thank them enough!

I spent the night in Sharp Ward, where I was assigned to some excellent HCAs and nurses. The care was exceptional. I didn't sleep at all because the nerve block wore off at midnight, but not once was I made to feel like a burden, and they were so attentive. What could have been a nightmare of a stay was made a tiny bit more bearable because of the care received. My main consultant who oversees the management of all my conditions (General and Acute medicine) also came up to visit at the end of his shift. His recommendation for two bags of saline immediately after the surgery kept my POTS under good control, too, and my parents were delighted with how caring he was. I've known this consultant for two years, and have always remarked on what an excellent doctor he is.

Lastly, a massive thank you to my surgeon. 3 weeks post op, and I haven't dislocated my shoulder since: after dislocating my shoulder multiple times daily for nearly 3 years, I am extremely relieved and I look forward to working with my trusted physiotherapist (who is also worthy of mention, having known him for nearly 2 years) on the rehab. His honesty has meant that I'm mindful and accepting of the fact that it won't be a properly functioning shoulder again, but I don't regret the decision a single bit and would recommend this surgeon to anyone who needs their shoulders done.

Thank you, everyone!