Admission desk, friendly clerk, day surgery pointed out, my husband informed of my floor number before he said "Goodbye," anxiety showing even as he smiled at me. More questions, I.V. started by a warm-hearted nurse who then suggested I might read one of the magazines and "Above all, don't fret!" Karen, the chaplain, came in, talked and then prayed with me, and I knew she would be praying on and off all morning. Wonderful to see her friendly smile and concern, I needed that prayer to settle my fluttering heart, although I was not really worried. By the time I was wheeled to the pre-op room I was calm and peaceful and relaxed, as I told the doctor, when asked how I felt. The anaesthetist checked once more that I still wanted spinal and not general anaesthetic, and briefly retold me what to expect.
Into THE ROOM of the unknown. Busy nurses, preparations done, doctor called, spinal infusion already taking effect. Soft music started to float over me as a CD was turned on, adding to the whole surreal world I found myself in, like a sci-fi play being enacted! Dedicated and skilled surgeon and staff, unrecognisable in masks and hats, all intent on what was happening to my nether regions!!
At last, recovery room, nurses hovering, checking, smiling reassuringly at their new patient, treating me as a person. An hour or so later, room assigned, once more wheeled down corridors, up in elevator and on to a bed which would be mine for the next few days. Nurse leaving her desk to come and supervise my new place of care, giving me a drink, Vaseline for my lips, pads in place and then drifting off to sleep. In the distance a disembodied voice -- "I told your husband, when he phoned, that he could come in any time." I saw him at odd moments, as I tried to keep heavy eyes open, to let him see for himself that I was really OK, only time needed for healing and the body to readjust.
First day, everything too noisy, even people's voices. Next day, feeling more human, I welcomed another visit by Karen and her peaceful presence. First, drinking a lot, a fluid diet, next a little light food added, lastly a general diet before I was ready to leave. Accomplishment? Learning to negotiate the stand with I.V. and catheter and slowly walking to bathroom or down the hall. Nurses inspecting, doctor probing to see if all was well. Sleeping, visitors, meals, chit-chat and laughter with roommates, occasionally reading. Days passed, doctor's last visit, permission to leave this "world apart" and return to everyday life once more, strength gradually renewing, life normalising. Friends visiting, gifts of home baking, body's mechanism improving, hopefully, after that "week apart."
I believe I'll become a more understanding visitor for the Pastoral Care Team now that I've been in that hospital bed and seen, with new eyes, all that a patient experiences from "The other side"!
Thank you nurses, doctors and all staff who work at the General Hospital. Your real caring and concern made all the difference to my time with you.