"Prostate Surgery"

I dont normally do reviews of anything, but I know how worried I was about this episode so I write it in the hope that others in my position will take heart. On 11th November 2013 I had total urinary retention, and a foley catheter inserted by A&E. I was placed under the care of my local GP to await a consultant's appointment which I had on 28th January 2014. I was placed on a very long waiting list for a TURP (its quite popular at the moment I understand!!) and was told not to expect treatment until the autumn. Its a shame about the long wait but I had offered to come at short notice if there was a cancellation, I got a call on 2nd September and asked to attend the Freedom Unit in 2 days time. Saw the anesthetist and the surgeon who both explained in thorough detail the procedure, the risks, the benefits of both the surgery and the anesthetics. I was a nervous patient, but mightily reassured by a very caring team. The op was completed and I was transferred to Braunton Ward for my recovery. As I had a spinal, plus a bit of general anesthetic as I understand it, (as I said I did not wish to be around during the surgery,) I had no post op pain whatever as i was numb from the waist down. I expected some pain when this wore off after about 3 hours, but apart from some discomfort from the temporary catheter used to clear away any blood clots, that was it. I wont go into all the details of the recovery procedure, but at all times I was dealt with care, compassion and dignity by all of the staff at Braunton ward and I cannot speak more highly about them. The catheter was removed 2 days later and I was told that providing I could "perform" to a set standard then I could go home, which I did later that day. Throughout all of that I had no pain whatever - apart from minor discomfort when the catheter was removed - about 3 seconds! I stupidly had symptoms of an enlarged prostate for 30 years (!!) and even more stupidly waited until the very last minute when i had full retention. May I therefore suggest to all blokes who are considering should I , shouldn't I, just jolly well go and get it done - there is not a lot to fear! The NHS has had bad press recently and continues to do so, but I honestly think that the treatment I received at the Freedom Unit and the Braunton Ward could not be bettered anywhere. Thank you Derriford.