"After care needs to be managed better"

What I liked

this was my first stay in hospital so i had nothing to compare it with however the standard of care was good and nursing staff caring.

What could be improved

Was not given tramadol when I left hospital although it was listed on med form fortunately I had some at home.

I have been in a lot of pain, sleepless nights etc and phoned Kingfisher ward twice for advice on what I could do to alleviate pain, Dr was helpful in so far as no. of painkillers to take told me to speak to surgeon at follow up appt.

I made sure I kept up with physio as online blogs advised this would help with pain the most, in fact the best pain relief was when I went to the local swimming pool and did exercises in baby pool. Feel this should be something physios should push.

By the time of follow up appt did not have to use crutches but still having sleepless nights because of pain which is far worse than before surgery.

At follow up appt with consultant on 2 April he did not look at my knee at all, he looked at the x ray taken 1 day after surgery said everything ok, he was very dismissive . He did not want to know about any residual pain said pain will be managed by GP and continue with physio, I did not have a chance to ask him about the Bakers cyst behind the knee which is still there - he said you will not be seeing me again goodbye - I was not given the opportunity to ask any questions and I don't think my GP is an expert on knee replacements - so I am very disappointed in the after care

To cap it all today I have received a copy of a letter sent to my GP from the consultant stating op was a success and no problems, he reached that conclusion because I walked into his consulting room unaided - to my mind pain is a major problem and should be taken seriously. I don't know if I have other problems with my leg presumably my GP will deal with this.

Anything else?

Catering - person who appeared to manage this was very rude, she definitely needs some customer care training