"Short History of a Hysterectomy"

Anything else?

The pre-op appointment was very thorough but smooth, including lung x-rays and an ECG. On admission day I reported in at 8am, but had to sit around till lunchtime before a bed was available - that was the only negative in this history.

The anaesthetist and surgeon talked to me before I went into theatre, both sensitive, reassuring and informative. I had a vaginal hysterectomy under epidural anaesthetic but "somehow" slept gently and naturally until they were clearing things away in the theatre.

I had very little pain afterwards, needed nothing more than paracetamol. My blood pressure was low afterwards, an inherited tendency, but it was monitored every 3 hours until it stabilised.

Before discharge the ward sister gave me and my daughters an emphatic warning about what I could and couldn't do after discharge - she'd read my desire to be independent correctly. I was allowed out 48 hours after the operation.

I have been "good " since, followed instructions and am fully recovered.

My sincere thanks go out to all the staff involved. Their patience, courtesy and attentiveness was endless. I could not have asked for more.

Thank you for your care and friendliness, cheerfulness and sensitivity, and a very successful outcome. I am singing your praises to everyone.