"Squint operation - part 2"

Anything else?

Arrived 7:40 at REI Check-in and was told and introduced to a nurse who would be looking after me; this is important to someone with my condition as I have difficulty dealing with strangers/ lots of new people. For the rest of my time in the treatment area I was looked after by a different person who had not even been introduced. I have many times previously registered with the hospital that because of my Asperger’s Syndrome I do not want any trainees present or treating me. Next the Consultant burst in plus two other people they described, when I asked, as trainees, Holding my notes they pronounce that I was to have squint operation on my left eye and marked my left forehead with a felt tip pen. I pointed out that because my left eye was my good eye they had previously agreed to operate on the right. They flustered with my notes commenting that they had not checked, and eventually confirmed what I had told them, rubbed out the wrong mark and put a mark over my right eye. I find situations like this, surrounded by strangers and having to challenge authority very stressful. My Learning Disability Nurse was not present because they late. Their presence would have been significantly beneficial. I then signed the Consent Form and to the consultants surprise, and I suspect irritation, because they were in such a rush, I insisted on reading it and querying their illegible handwriting, irrelevant sections and unnecessary generalizations. I got them to confirm that they personally would be carrying out the operation (not necessary according to the form). I walked to the operating theatre. The initial preparation procedure was very efficient and pleasant and at my request the anaesthetist explained everything until the Propofol took effect. I was woken up in the recovery room by a very pleasant and patient nurse who looked after me for the next two hours until I was taken by wheel chair to Lyhner ward. My Learning Disability nurse visited during this time and took my old spectacles to be mended by the opticians in the REI. They made a very good job without charge - excellent service. Lyhner ward was very nice, staff had time to care and talk. Treatment was on time. Serco cleaning and food was very good, both in choice, portions and it was hot and fresh; well done. The nurse looking after me even gave me a hot malted milk drink in the middle of the night. Saturday morning I visited REI emergency outpatients for additional advice and medication. The lady was very helpful and understanding of my mental condition. All in all, apart for a near miss Never Event, my treatment was excellent and stay very pleasant. Thank you, First impressions are that the operation has been successful, but my right eye is very sore and painful and difficult to use as it is all gunged up. Now it will only get better. Initially very apprehensive and frightened about the procedure but now pleased that it has been done. After five days it is still very painful; not the 48hrs. advised.