Great care at Royal Blackburn Hospital
Obviously, from the details, it was going to be a painful and sensitive experience. I was offered either a general or local anaesthetic. I opted for the general, but was warned against because of a seemingly previous cardiac condition.
I was informed a local anaesthetic would “numb me from the waist downwards”. Not only was I numbed from the waist downwards, I complained afterwards, but the whole brain was numbed. But as a senior nurse consoled... considering the sensitive nature of the operation, it was better that than no anaesthetic at all!
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdI recall sinking into the induced coma of the anaesthetic, the merry chatter of the surgeon and the nursing attendants around me. Well, if it was for them just a joke, it couldn’t be that serious!
In my coma I became aware of an induced delirium, of a nightmare that resulted in violent convulsions. I was conscious of a distant reassuring voice repeating “I think he’ll pull through”. I was sure I would – confident in the merry carers around me.
And afterwards the precautionary Intensive Care Department, where I was surrounded again by convivial humour and an abundance of the proverbial “TLC”. I recall asking of anyone tending to me: “Can I apply for permanent accommodation?”. But I was transferred to a recuperation ward, where I was equally well cared for. And eventually I was expected to leave. All good things come to an end.
Robin Parker,
St Chad’s Avenue, Chatburn.