"Neck swelling"

Anything else?

I presented at ENT casualty department due to a swelling in my neck area and difficulty swallowing. I was subsequently admitted to ward 35 and after a couple of days of tests etc I finally had surgery to remove an abcess in my neck. I was really terrified when I found out that I had to have surgery as i've had a bad reaction to general anethetic before. The anethitist (sorry if incorrect spelling) was superb, she listened to my worries and put me at ease. She made sure I had lots of anti sickness drugs too, as I usually vomit for about 2 days after surgery.

Anyway, my contact with Nurses, Doctors, Consultants and Theatre staff could not have been better. The staff on ward 35 did everything they could to make me comfortable. I was in hospital on christmas day and the staff did everything they could to make it festive even they were working Christmas day.

In summary, if I have to have surgery again, I would not be half as worried as I was before and I would be confident that James Cook hospital would look after me.

Special thanks to the staff nurse on ward 35. She was very caring, even though very busy, as did the ward sister.