A packed bag

 

My journey began at 6.45am on 7th June 2025, although in reality it really began back in October 2024 in Croatia.

It's been at times, a frustrating 8 months, but finally the day dawned  when everything would be sorted.

This time, no mad dash to a first aid post in a National Park, no talk of helicopters, no transfer to mainland by car ferry. This time Fin picked me up and  dropped me off at Woodlands Hospital in Darlington.

I'd be lying if I said I was fine, my legs were shaking so much I could hardly walk in.

However, walking into the calm and serenity of the building and being whisked off to my room was enough to calm some of my fears.

The first thing I noticed was the quiet, everyone went about their duties without loud voices, or clanking trollies.

A perfect backdrop  to calm you.

My room was at the back of the hospital, to be honest front or back your view wasn't great, Morrisons or the Beefeater/Premier Lodge  or other random businesses.

I wasn't here for the view.

Sadly there was no champagne to greet me (maybe a suggestion??!!), but the'ward hostess' was taking my orders for food after my op, in no time at all. And then the big guns arrived.

First the nurse who would be looking after me.

Second the anesthetist, who imparted more on my heart, and  low potassium (again).

Third my consultant/surgeon, who I have had total faith in since day one.

I was due to be first down at 8.30am but was moved down a slot.

10am came round very quickly, a relief really as back to back 'Bargain loving Brits in the sun'  was getting on my nerves.

Having been issued  some 'sexy hospital lingerie' (or netty knickers as my nurse referred to them), and my socks, I walked down to the theatre.

And here's were the real fun began.

The canula that was inserted into my hand was quite painful, they adjusted it, and administered the anti sickness drug.......which promptly showered all three of us.

So everything was started again.

I went off to sleep and knew nothing until 12.20pm when I opened my eyes to see the smiling face of a nurse. She told me it had been keyhole, but I'd not been too good through the op, however I would be going up to my room soon.

For someone with wild blood pressure at just the smell of a hospital/doctors surgery, it had crashed. However here I was, minus the pesky gallbladder and all done keyhole.

Back in my room I still really had no idea what day it was, remember me wandering around Dubrovnik off my head on Tramadol?, well it was like that occasion on 10 x Tramadol.

I uploaded a pic on Facebook (absolutely totally off my head), and then Tracey phoned. Ive no idea what I was saying but hearing a friendly voice made me feel better.

My consultant came to see me, apparently the pesky gallbladder put up a fight, obviously not wanting to be removed, but he got it out eventually.

He really is my hero.

Tracey and Steve came and so did a chicken salad sandwich, I think I inhaled it.

I had been on a liver reduction diet for 2 weeks and then hadn't eaten since 6pm Friday evening, so seriously this was the best sandwich I'd ever had.

I seemed to be in a lot of pain coming back from surgery, however 3 cups of peppermint tea eased that completely (just gas).

I am not really sure of the rest of the afternoon, I do know that my blood pressure was improving from the 105/50 reading when I got back to my room.

I still wasn't allowed to get up.

My consultant came round again and said that I would be able to go home later, as all things were looking good.

And I was dressed, loaded up with a bag of drugs and home, (well Traceys house) by Saturday evening.

Sunday morning saw me with a bit more colour and no pain, I took 2 paracetamol just in case and that's all the pain relief Ive had.

Every day I felt better, of which the thought of not having another attack has to be helping.

I have been absolutely spoilt rotten and cared for impeccably at 'The Bateman Santorium' ( or Tracey and Steves house as it is commonly known)

It's very exclusive, It's only taken in 3 patients in the last 3 years to my knowledge ( me being one of them)

I'd give it a 5* on Trustpilot and that's just for the breakfast in bed!!!

Some great cricket on TV (and radio), zero gravity sun loungers, and wonderful food have all played their part.

I've had surprise visits from my work colleagues, lunch out, and a trip out for a facial. I have just been spoilt so much that I've been goggling 'squatters rights'!!!!!.

It's hard to believe it's only a week, I feel like a new person, its made me realise  how much impact  that malfunctioning little organ had on my life.

Im still on the road to recovery, but Im doing good.

And Woodlands Hospital? 5* in my book,  after a trip to visit a friend in Darlington Memorial on Wednesday evening, with noise and chaos, that lovely little private hospital, tucked away on a retail park gets my vote.

And now?

Well shower, hair wash and get ready to watch cricket, I could get used to this recuperation malarkey