Hospital is not a place we choose to go to but when there we do our best to adapt. I found this out my way. After numerous visits to the doctor and the doctor coming to my home I was referred to a consultant who then told me I had cysts, one had been haemorrhaging and the other was now swelling and leaning on my bladder and causing the pain I was experiencing.
The cyst was attached to an ovary left behind after hysterectomy 12 years ago, so I was surprised to discover cysts can still occur. I did previously have a history of cysts on the ovary and in the womb. I was in so much pain towards mid March that my daughter persuaded me to listen to my body and go to accident and emergency department at the local hospital. After a long wait I got to see the consult on duty and then was admitted to ward 4.
I was put in a side ward on pain management, and bed rest! I saw my consultant every day he came to see me to check on me. I was in there for a few days then was moved to a bay of four beds, which seemed less private but more social able.
I was told that the consultant was going to put me in for surgery on Friday 18th March I was accepting of this because I knew nothing was easing the pains in my back and my right groin area.
The nurses were amazing and really know how to look after you and help in any way they can. The one thing I did notice though when a busy day came about you could see the nurses for about 5 minutes as they flew from one patient to another making sure each one was comfortable and not in wanting for anything.
On the day of my surgery I was up early got a shower and given a gown to change into. I was collected about 10 am for theatre and was wheeled down on the bed to the theatre. It was a very friendly atmosphere within the theatre rooms and was made to feel comfortable in the pre anti room.
I felt extra comforted by the fact I knew the theatre nurse she was a lovely young woman who was once a receptionist. We talked for a little while and then I was wheeled to the anti room by a lovely male nurse Mick He was funny and full of humour, as we entered the room there standing like the 3 amigos where my two surgeons and my anaesthetist waiting for me. I made a comment about them being 3 handsome men waiting for me, and the make nurse laughed asking how much pre op meds I was given, I said none! With in a few minutes I was getting hooked up to monitors and having little heart pads stuck to me and then I was given my knock out drops!!!
Being woken was a very strange and most disturbing experience I felt like when I opened my eyes there was a sea of faces and voices coming at me… I don’t remember much other than seeing my gorgeous surgeon’s face, smile at me. I was then holding my recovery nurse’s hand as she told me certain things to do. I am unable to completely recollect what I was being asked but I do remember seeing tiled walls and a bright light!
I then remember being attended to by Christine my nurse in the evening and she was telling me about the pain button, it was a bright light in green on my chest and that I could press it when the pain got too much. I felt stiff as a board and felt my every move like a knife I just wanted to feel no stiffness. I knew I would be in pain from the surgery but the stiffness scared me more. I slept hazily and my vitals were checked regularly and I was on IV fluids through out the night.
I didn’t want to see my children the day of the operation I am so glad I asked them not to visit. I was through the first stage of my recovery and felt relieved some of the machinery I was attached to was being removed. Two nurses helped me to get out of bed! Oh my it was like no other achievement I have ever felt, every muscle was in spasm and stiff getting my legs out and then standing up was so very scary I cried and shouted but I did it! I was then treated to a full shower and was able to put on my own nightdress, to actually get rid of the smell of the operating theatre from my skin was amazing, I felt refreshed and not so stiff the warmth of the shower water was a welcome touch to my skin. Both nurses aided me and then I walked with their assistance back to my bed. I was put in bed and laid comfortable ready for my visit with my son and daughter and my grandson.
My son was the first to arrive with my grandson, oh to see them both was so lovely, my heart filled up with joy. Rhys was kissing my hand and stroking my hair, I will make you better Nannii, I missed you he kept saying. My son was tearful and emotional and we both hugged as best as I could move to hug. My daughter came in with her best friend who is like another daughter to me. It was so amazing to see them all together. I was very emotional any way and still full of the drugs I was given.
The next two days were traumatic and my arms were getting bashed with canulars being moved from one vein to another my arms were bruised to bits and I was so upset that I had to get yet another canular re sited because my veins had shrunk again. I was full of a blood infection and was getting high dose of antibiotics fed directly into my system. My temperature kept spiking and I felt so sick so I lost my appetite and was on extra pills for anti sickness and other pain medication. I was unable to cope sitting up for very long because I was experiencing dizzy spells so I lay on my bed.
I made a wonderful friend in a young woman who was in the next bed to me she was going through the same discomfort and found that she had a similar condition. We were both a comfort to each other and I know I will be friends with her once outside of hospital. She was from the same area as me back in England and this was such a good connection. We talked about so many things and she did like to laugh I believe we cheered each other up so much. We both had days of tears too, and helped each other cope with our feelings.
I will write the next instalment in a few days time.
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