"Inguinal Hernia mesh repair 26 March 2019"

What can I say except an unbelievable service.

13-3-19,

Appt to see Consultant at Montagu Hospital. Informed I required a Inguinal Hernia mesh repair, given all the facts of what could go wrong but only option was to have it repaired. Appt made for repair 22-3-19 pre-op 19-3-19.

19-3-19, Pre-op consisted of usual tests, BP heart rate and weight, also bloods and ECG.

22-3-19 At hospital for 07:30 along with several other people for opps on the same day. Eight beds on the ward and it was like a scene from Mash. Usual tests, measured for op socks and given what appeared to be a child sized gown to wear (leave your modesty at home). A word of warning, at this stage have a wee because it may be your last for a few days. Anaesthetist visit to check all ok to go and warns you should not have any loose teeth, crowns or fillings, also warns teeth may be damaged during the anaesthetic procedure.

08:45, Walked to operation Theatre (2 I think), back of gown opened and asked to climb onto trolley. at this point four people are working on you, one attaching monitor wires, one holding oxygen mask above my face, two telling me I would feel a small scratch as the cannula was inserted in the back of my hand.

This was the magic part, I was informed my wrist would go a bit cold (which it did) as they injected the anaesthetic and then what seemed to be in the same second I had my arm being rubbed and told to wake up it was all completed!!!!

Around 10:45 back on the ward and talking rubbish due to the anaesthetic (you need someone with you to take note of what you are being told). Visit from Consultant, given thumbs up and informed all went to plan.

12:00 Given painkillers told not to bend leg at hip and sent home.

Later that day no real pain, still out of it, unable to pee or poo.

23-3-19, Anaesthetic effects seem to come over you in waves making you dizzy and feeling a bit sick, (take the stomach pills you were given on departure) no real pain still unable to pee properly, just a dribble but painful when trying, no poo (taking a laxative).

24-3-19 Pain now seems to be quite intense after standing for about five mins, seems like something is pulling inside (might be the mesh but I am no surgeon), Pee is getting better and an explosion in the poo department. Keep taking the painkillers and stomach pills.

25-3-19 Bad night, sweats and pain. Pain now worst since the operation after standing, however it quickly subsides when you lie down, pee still getting better, no poo.

26-3-19, first good night's sleep, removed dressing and had a shower, pee and poo almost back to normal, can stand for a bit longer before the pain comes, definitely on the road to recovery. keep up the pain killers.

So would I recommend this procedure, Damn Right, a few days of discomfort for the rest of your life back.

These people are the real heroes of the NHS changing real people's lives and giving the NHS the real reputation it deserves.

I remain forever in your debt

Regards

Gerard Phillips