"Total Hip Replacement"

I attended the hospital on July 25th 2014, for the first of two total hip replacement operations. When meeting the surgeon, I was acutely distressed, as I have a severe phobia regarding general anaesthetic. Initially I was offered the chance to defer the surgery, but once I explained that I would still have the phobia, and needed to proceed with the surgery, we moved on. The surgeon was very understanding and sympathetic, and the consultant anaesthetist listened very carefully to the reasons behind my fears, and tried very hard to explain the procedure and help me calm down. He agreed that I could have the surgery with a spinal block, and offered me a sedative as well, to help me calm down. The staff in the room where I was prepared for surgery were all very pleasant and cheerful, and despite the difficulty in finding a suitable place for the spinal block injection (I have an arthritic spine so gaps are hard to find), the anaesthetist persevered and eventually (not too long I hasten to add), the injection was administered very successfully. The anaesthetist then administered a further sedative, (which I referred to as 'snoozy juice') to induce a 'twilight sleep', which I coped with very well. On waking up, I had none of the distressing side-effects I have usually had following a general anaesthetic, and bright and cheerful. Staff offered me a cup of tea, and I was then taken to my room on Amesbury Ward. I cannot fault the staff on the ward, for the care and attention I received. Nothing was too much trouble, they always found time to chat and explain things to me, and responded very quickly when I pressed the call bell as I had severe cramp in my leg. I wish I could remember everyone's name, as I would like them to know just how appreciative I am of the care I received from the moment I entered the hospital, to the moment I left. I have to return to the hospital in a short space of time, to have my second hip replacement surgery, and whilst it cannot be said I am looking forward to it, I can honestly say that my fear of the whole procedure is vastly reduced, thanks to all the staff involved. Follow up care from the OT department has been very helpful as well, answering my questions fully and putting y mind at rest about the after-effects of the surgery. I would just like to say that the surgeon and his team have provided the best experience I have ever had for a surgical procedure, and I will certainly not be as fearful when I return for my second surgery.