"Medical emegency that started on Christmas Eve"

I was taken to Bunbury Hospital on the evening of Christmas Eve, after developing sudden severe right sided pelvic pain and vomiting. I was eventually seen by a doctor in E. D. and assessed as having either a 'gastro' bug or a severe UTI. I was given medications and my symptons settled. I was discharged into my husband's care early on Christmas morning. My husband took me home and put me to bed. I began vomiting again and the severe pain also developed again. My husband continued to check on my physical condition and monitored my symptoms throughout the day (he is a retired specialist Obstetrician & Gynaecologist). My husband decided to take me back to the hospital at 6.00pm of Christmas Day. I was seen by an E. D. doctor and my husband confirmed his concerns that it might be a bowel obstruction as I did not have the symptons of a UTI and too much pain in the right side of my pelvis. I was reassessed more thoroughly as I was a second presentation in 24 hours. I was still wearing my hospital wrist band. 

I was eventually sent for a CAT scan, which revealed that I had a bowel obstruction. 

The medical team decided that I required emergency surgery. I was prepared for theatre (including receiving a nasogastic tube and an indwelling catheter) and my husband was informed. Dr Nikhil performed the emergency surgery at 3.00am on Boxing Day morning. The scan showed that some of my bowel had slipped into a hole in my broad ligament, causing the bowel obstruction. Dr Nikhil removed 5cm of my bowel that was 'dusky', restitching my bowel back together and sewing up the hole in my broad ligament. 

When I woke up from my surgery I was on the surgical ward. I was most unwell for approximately 8 - 10 days, with persisitant vomiting and allergic reactions to a number of the narcotic medications. During that time I was fitted with a PICC line which assisted in medications being directly given to me and also for blood to be taken. I received a supplement diet through the PICC line as well as for contrast when I had CAT scans. I received an enima which finally assisted in my bowel starting to function, towards the end of my hospital stay. 

During my time on the surgical ward (15 days in total) the nursing staff cared for me with such care and empathy. They cared for me whilst I vomited so much, draining my nasogastric tube bag and helping me to go to the bathroom.

Dr Nikhil was on leave during my hospital stay, but I was seen by other general surgeons including Dr Jacinta and Dr Vindia. The senior registrar and doctors visited me every morning, reviewing my condition and results from my bloods and other tests. When the doctors saw me at other times on the ward, they were very encouraging.

I had a lovely visit from a pastoral visitor Carol, visits from the physio and dietician, cheerful staff who served refreshing fluids and cleaned my room, a wonderful careful PCA Stephen taking me to my scans. All the staff assisted with my recovery. 

Despite the length of my stay I felt so cared for and I am so grateful that I live in Western Australia, and my local hospital is Bunbury Hospital.