"I was met with kindness, compassion and first rate care"

I first saw my GP Dr Bigwood at the Glebe Practice, Saxilby in Oct last year with concern over a small amount of post menopausal bleeding & as I was towards the end of my 60s & my menopause had ended about 13 years before, I knew this needed investigation. He made an urgent referral to gynaecology at Lincoln County Hospital.

Within days I was called in for an investigatory ultrasound (mid Oct) & results showed early stage cancer cells in the wall of my womb. I was fast tracked for an MRI scan & other pre op appointments & met Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Flood from Lincoln County hospital by the end of Nov. He explained a full hysterectomy would be needed as a matter of urgency.

There were complications that needed to be taken into account as I have rheumatoid arthritis that is controlled with strong medication plus  I also suffer from peripheral neuropathy. (This means my feet & lower legs are constantly swollen so my walking is slow & sometimes unbalanced due to lack of feeling.)   

I also had an umbilical hernia for the last 8 years but as it had never caused me pain or trouble I forgot to mention this to Mr Flood at the time of our first appointment.  He explained that  due to these complications combined with my being substantially overweight , it would be up to the anaesthetist to have the final decision as to whether the operation could go ahead. I was soon delighted to hear that a date for the operation was scheduled for mid Jan in Lincoln County Hospital &   was to be cared for on Branston Ward which is part of the hospital maternity unit .

I followed all pre -op guidance, working on exercising & fitness  losing 4 kg of weight pre op so  felt in the best possible condition in readiness for my admission. From the moment I arrived on Branston Ward I was met with kindness, compassion and first rate care from every member of the team.

I met with Mr Flood & the anaesthetist before going down to theatre & was so impressed with their attention to detail regarding my other health issues which could have had an impact both during & after the operation. I also remembered to mention my umbilical hernia & although this came as an extra surprise to Mr Flood he said he would try to fix this at the same time! 

So off to theatre I went once again supported by all staff along the way. The theatre team were impressive in their organisation & clearly knew exactly what needed to be done- I am so grateful to each & every one of them for the remarkable job they did for me. I understand the operation was fairly traumatic taking over 3 hrs hours rather than the original hour or so planned- no surprise really with the bonus umbilical hernia repair being done at the same time! 

Once back on Branston Ward the nurses & ancillary staff couldn't have been kinder or more considerate in making sure I was so well looked after. I wasn't expecting the food to be great, but it was, with a good number of choices accounting for those with various food allergies- just brilliant. I was also very impressed with the levels of hygiene maintained by all staff throughout my stay. 

I had been nervous about staying lying down too long given my leg problems so I was fitted with Flowtron leggings for my 4 day stay which helped improve my blood circulation & thereby reducing swelling in my legs! When I got out of bed I found my legs were better than  when I went into hospital. I could walk faster & with much better balance...what a bonus!

My recovery at home has gone really well but I have diligently followed the advice provided my occupational therapist/physio Jenny from LCH & things are going really well for me now. My weight loss of 10kg since November will continue & I feel so much better for it.   

Even better news was 8 days after my op I had a phone call from LCH to confirm that all the cancer cells had gone along with my womb, fallopian tubes & ovaries giving me the cancer ALL CLEAR.  -how lucky I have been ! I saw my consultant Mr  Flood for my 6 wk check towards the end of Feb & he too was delighted with my progress. It really doesn't feel enough to just say "Thank you" to Mr Flood, the anaesthetist, his theatre team, the amazing  staff on Branston Ward & all the Lincolnshire NHS Trust  professionals I have been lucky enough to encounter. 

I can't believe it is only 3 months from my referral to operation completion which was more than i could have hoped for. The support & treatment I have received was outstanding in every way. Be proud of yourselves & A BIG THANK YOU.

A final bit of advice from me- I you have a health concern just see your GP- don't be frightened of what It could be. Facing up to things is so much easier than worrying about what might be and I'm so glad I went to my GP straightaway or my outcome could have been very different.

Kindest regards