"Hospital stay"

I was admitted into the RAH in Paisley, for the reversal of my stoma and the repair of a parastomal hernia - I had been waiting over a 1 year before getting a date for this surgery.

The procedure went without complications and the wonderful surgeon who performed the operation explained what happened after the surgery. I was admitted into HDU for 24 hrs in a lot of pain but nevertheless followed the ERAS plan for me to exercise by walking around the ward on the first day of recovery. My blood levels became high and I was in more pain but didn't (in my opinion) get pain relief in a timely manner. 

This I feel is a very important matter and needs more clarification for the patient before they enter the hospital eg at the Pre-Assessment stage. As I understand it, opiate type drugs can only be given if the patient asks for them, however I was not aware these drugs existed or that I had to ask for these drugs, and often the round of paracetamol came late and I was in pain for over 6-8 hrs instead of every 4 hours . The following day my ERAS nurse at my request put a note on my file to remedy the situation.

In every other way the staff and Doctors were exceptional and friendly, effective and professional. I especially feel my ERAS nurse was a great help had more time and past experience to be able to help and inform me on a day to day basis, she was very supportive and motivated me to continue with showering and walking every day.

Thank you one and all for helping to look after me and get me well enough to leave hospital.