"Sleep Apnoea Clinic"

I was operated on for bowel cancer in 2010. My cancer was discovered by the Bowel Screening Service and Professor Steele performed a right hemicolectomy and gave me a new lease of life. The care I and support I was given at the time was fabulous. So many departments all looking after me - I was incredibly impressed by Surgeons, Physios, Anaesthetists, Pain Management, Genetics, Ward Staff et al. I have been carefully monitored since my op and had several colonoscopies in the ensuing years.

Towards the end of last year, concerned about my obesity, my GP referred me to Weight Management Services and after an initial meeting with Camilla I was referred to the Sleep Apnoea Clinic at Ninewells Hospital. When my appointment for the clinic became due I was actually scheduled for further bowel surgery. When I attended the Pre-Assessment Clinic the staff there were exceptionally kind and professional and took me painlessly through the procedure and then asked me to meet with the anaesthetist, Lesley. After going through my notes from the previous surgery she then asked me to contact her once I had kept my appointment with the Sleep Clinic. The sleep study showed that I had severe sleep apnoea and my anaesthetist then fast tracked me and I was given a follow-up appointment at which I was issued with a ResMed machine to use at home while I slept.

This morning I returned to the Sleep Clinic where they were delighted with the results. I have been using the machine for approximately 2 weeks and the difference it is making to my life is amazing. My surgery was postponed because of the anaesthetic risks and will now go ahead in the near future. I have not taken a paracetamol tablet since the machine became a part of my sleep routine. I no longer visit the loo two or three times a night. I have stopped constantly falling asleep during the day. I feel so much better. I wish I had taken note of the person who dealt with me at the Sleep Clinic because I cannot speak highly enough of the care, attention, patience and professionalism she showed.

Most of all I am so grateful to the NHS Tayside for the joined up care I have been given throughout. I cannot express how fortunate I feel to live so close to Ninewells Hospital. My care has involved almost the entire service from GP to surgeon and a myriad in between.