"Emergency surgery for umbilical hernia"

I went to see my GP about swollen ankles and just as I was leaving I mentioned that a small umbilical hernia had got bigger and for the last few days had become quite sore.

My GP checked it and said I needed to go to hospital. She rang and I was told to go to A&E with the relevant paperwork and state I had to see the surgical RSO who my GP had spoken to.

When I saw the RSO she ordered blood tests and xrays and then asked her superior to look and then he asked his superior who tried to push the hernia back but failed. I was informed I could see if it settled down or choose to have it operated on. I chose the latter and was admitted.

I was operated on the following day and was told that the hernia was strangulated so it was a good job I had the operation. I was discharged the following day.

My care from staff whilst in hospital was second to none. I was told everything that was going to happen and nothing was too much trouble.