Tuesday 8 th July, 7.20 am, Ward 10, Heartlands Hospital.
I thought I should try to recapture these last few days, since entering hospital ; I have left it till now for no other reason than my inability to write, brought about by frequent bouts of stomach cramps and general nausea.
Add this to the difficulty of sleeping, in what is a very quiet, 6 bed room on Ward 10, it is as near to mental , physical and emotional exhaustion as I have ever experienced…This is not lay the blame anywhere, there is no one at fault…only the hand life has dealt and trying to deal with it.
However, shifting the mood, I have so much gratitude to MR Ibrahim, my Urologist-Consultant and the team that worked with him , during my 9 hour, marathon operation,Thursday,3 rd July.I believe there were at least three surgeons present, including a Mentor from Stoke-On -Trent, plus anaesthetists.
The procedure before the surgery was straightforward – an enema for starters, followed by a walk to Theatre.
There I sat on the operating table, whilst an Epidural was inserted Into my spine, where it remained for 3 days.
Next, I was put to sleep and came to 10 or 11 hours later in Intensive Care Unit, or organised “Bedlam”at times.
Only permitted infrequent “sips” of water.
MR Ibrahim and one of the anaesthetists were there,when I came to, telling me of”success”.
Sleep was a roaring canvas of images , all ending in strange patterns engraved in the earth.
When awake again on Friday morning, I became aware of numerous leads and tubes, attached to my body.
Observing the activity in the ICU, was bewildering, with staff hurrying to patients, responding to bleeps and alarms from the variety of life supporting
monitors, writing down details of every temperature taken and urine passed. Rachel looked after me and she told me had done six months and had learned a great deal to enrich her nursing skills but it was not for her in the long term.
I don’t comprehend working 12 hour shifts in such highly skilled intensity, but we are greatly indebted to the NHS, that such dedicated people can be found.
To my relief, on Friday evening,I was transferred, eventually to Ward 10.
This was to prove to be a much calmer environment, but on in which, I was to undergo post-operation trauma…
( will take break now – need to both retain my objectivity and keep my emotions in check)
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It is so lovely to “hear” from you, all at HFS have been praying for a speedy recovery,and I for one can’t wait to see you up and about again. Take care,behave;) and make the most of the “rest” , I am sure your list of jobs are piling up. Lots of love Ali xxx
Glad to hear of your out of icu and on a ward. Take the rest while you can and listen to the doctors and follow what they say they are the experts. Take care Dawn xx
Thanks for the report on your progress John. I’ve not phoned Barbara as I didn’t want to trouble her. I’ve spoken with Damien on the phone. Prayers and good wishes are with you.
Dermot