Preop appointment🏥💉

I had my preop assessment on Thursday(3rd) I'm not going to lie but I was scared. Dylan was working and he sat with me in the waiting room which was helpful💕 he took my mind off the appointment a bit and made me laugh which helped calm the nerves a bit. I'm so lucky to have him💕  I was then called by the nurse she told me her name was Moira and she'd be the nurse doing my assessment today. She asked me more about what I done as a job and when I told her I was a nursing assistant she replied " oh so you'll know what the booklet I'm about to go through with you is and you'll understand it all well I won't have to explain it all over to you." We done it page by page she just asked questions that she had to ask. We went through my medical history and she wanted to know more about my depression. I was open with her despite it being difficult because I've got nothing to be ashamed about I guess. She was so understanding didn't push me by asking too many questions just the things she need to know about my medications. Afterwards she focused on nursing again and spoke about how I should become a registered nurse. My MSU and blood pressure were all fine so she said I'm fit for surgery💪🏻 Moira was definitely one of my favourite staff nurses I've met when at appointments she was so understanding and sensitive about all this. In all the nurses I've spoken to she has got to be the one that listened to me more and tried to understand how much this is all affecting me. She said depending on how the surgery goes and how I feel after it I may get out later that day if I feel well enough if not it'll be an overnight stay in hospital. I wasn't in the appointment long because we got through paperwork really quickly because she didn't have to explain things and I left with loads of information about going under anaesthetic, laparoscopy and the ward I'll be in.

As I was walking to the stairs I heard my name being called by a woman who I'd never met before. She explained I'd been referred onto her and she was from the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Team and that she was a clinical nurse specialist but also worked as a midwife and a counsellor. She wanted to have a private chat with me for half an hour which I agreed to. I also met Jennifer who was also a nurse and she was so kind she didn't stay with us but I found out she may be with me on the day of surgery. Helen took me into one of the consulting rooms in the maternity area of the hospital and she sat down and told me information about endometriosis and where about in the body it can be found etc and what treatments can be effective. This helped so much because the consultants explained it in far too technical terms and it was hard to understand when in a position as the patient and overwhelmed by the information being given. She then wanted to know more about me and how long I'd been in pain for and about the professionals. She wasn't shocked by the responses which made me think that more women that she's spoken to have been told the same thing about pain being normal etc. It wasn't a scary experience talking to Helen which was weird because I knew she would understand and not reply saying the wrong thing. I allowed myself to open up to her because I know she wants to help. She asked how my mood had been the last few weeks and if my medication was okay and I explained it had been and I'd been doing well the last two weeks despite there being a few blips. She explained more about the surgery and asked if I'd consent to taking part in research and allow them to take some biopsies which I agreed to. She made the treatment options sound less overwhelming and scary. I wished I had met Helen sooner because I wouldn't be in the mess that I'm in just now. I wouldn't have had to fight for so long for someone to listen. I wouldn't have had to suffer through all this. She gave me a few questionnaires to complete and give back to her on surgery day and that her or J would be there to take blood samples from me too. I guess the comforting thing was knowing that a friendly face would be there on the day to reassure me because I'm so scared.