After the usual Pre-Op Assessment, I went to Worthing Hospital to have the small lump surgically removed.
I had been told that I might not need to stay overnight but to bring my things in case.
I arrived early in the morning and expected to be early on the list, but ended up being last.
I encouraged myself by listening to a favourite worship song, Firm Foundation:
First the anaesthetist came to see me, and I explained that when I wake up from the anaesthetic, I get the shakes! He said he would try and give me something to help.
Then Mr Moore came and had a chat.
Eventually I was taken down. The two anaesthetists were very nice. They referred to me as a frequent flyer, which I think means that I kept returning to the hospital!
One of the anaesthetists was from Myanmar. I told him that I had visited Myanmar and that we had lived in Thailand. The other anaesthetist then said that he had just returned from a holiday in Chiang Mai.
Then they gave me the injection. I was amused that there was a picture on the ceiling like a portal into outer space. I started to feel woozy, so I checked myself out of the conversation saying that I had enjoyed chatting.
Next thing, I was waking up in recovery with no shakes! Apparently, it was pethidine! I asked for a little pain relief, but really felt quite good.
I soon felt hungry and asked if I could have a sandwich. I was taken to another area and given a sandwich and a cup of tea!
I did killer sudoku for a while and eventually was taken back up to the ward and allowed to go home same day!
I had to go to the surgery to have the stitches removed, but they couldn’t get it out. So, another trip back to Worthing and a junior Dr managed to pull it out!
I recovered very quickly, and thanks to my new secret weapon of dried prunes, I didn’t suffer any aftereffects of the anaesthetic!