"My stay in Newcross Hospital"

I was given a date for tourpet fundoplication surgery, having gone through various invasive tests and reviews. Arrived at my given time and was eventually seen by the surgeon, who asked me what I hoped to get out of this. I replied I rather hope you can tell me that as you are the expert, after informing me this op might not work I was left to decide whether I wanted the surgery or not. No one to discuss, with no signal on my phone and my friend sent home on my admission.

So I sat and thought and I thought and I tried to explain that I was not sure and surely it was not my decision. Surgeon came back in went through the procedure again and again asked me whether I wanted to go ahead. I asked if I needed it and he intimated that the reflux might be cured.

Well trust me my acid reflux is so bad so painful the trade off seems worth it. Not to have food regurgitated for hours on end was almost heaven I had to agree. So following surgery I was placed in a small ward and the first thing I heard was two nurses arguing about who should have done what. Then I heard about a nurse who had just had a meltdown so the only other nurse on the ward felt it her duty to go and comfort her.

I was in agony and my head felt as if it would blow off, I was nil by mouth so had to wait for and injection of painkillers, I was on a drip for fluids and every time I moved it went off (as did everyone elses) the noise was unbearable all night long. At about three in the morning I had just had enough Only two nurses on and all they did was complain about the bosses and how badly they were being treated. Now I know its tough in the NHS, my best friend is a nurse so I know the pressure they are under and I really believe that on whole they are fantastic people. However not my lot, I saw not one ounce of sympathy or caring.

Morning arrived no sleep for the wicked, food trolley came along and I was asked what I wanted, I told them I was Nil By Mouth and they disagreed because according to their sheet I could eat as normal. If only you knew what is was like not to be able to swallow at that point and pain I was in you would fully understand my frustration. Anyway I won and had nothing only when they found another sheet that backed me up.

Later the surgeon came around and told me that the surgery took longer than usual because of liver complications. He suggested I sip water to ensure I could swallow. Later he returned at visiting time and without warning inquired very loudly ARE YOU AN ALCOLHOLIC?

My two young boys looked mortified. I was totally shocked and said no he then reiterated that I needed to diet, ok I need to diet. I was discharged shortly after with no medical advice, no painkillers, no compassion. Now im not a wall flower but I was in tremendous pain and despite that I couldnt wait to get out and get home.

Since being home I am recovering at my pace and I'm starting to feel ok. Best news of all NO Heartburn no acid reflux, that said no food for five days only water, but I'm sure it will be ok.

I will never ever ever go back to Newcross not even if I were dying. The staff and particular the surgeons need to remember bedside manner its the best way for a patient to recover. We don't want to hear the hospital politics it should remain private.