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A Previous Patients Story. . .

Hi, I am 15 years old and in Year 11 at school and getting ready to do my GCSEs. I came in to Ward 10 for my operation in November to have my aortic valve and artery replaced.

I came to one of Jo's meetings in May, when I got to look round the ward and intensive care unit.

What did I think? - Well the meeting was good in one way because I got to see where I would be and to meet some of the nurses who would look after me, but I did find it scary when they told me some of the things that would be happening to me. I asked quite a few questions, but sometimes you don't know what to ask. My Mum didn't. Though we both felt it was good to hear and learn about others situations.

Looking around, I felt half and half - half of me felt it was good to see the place and the people and the other half said, "whoa, do I want to know this? I don't like hearing it" Having said that, the nurses were reassuring and you got to see the funnier side of things.

I was pleased to see there were adolescent rooms away from the younger children, and the TV, CD player and computer were a definite bonus.

When it came to the day for me to be admitted to the ward, I felt nervous and at first I didn't want to talk to anyone. I was a bit mardy and stroppy (let me go home!); but as different members of staff came to talk to me, I began to relax a bit. And quite a few people did come to see me, such as nurses, doctor, physio (on how to huff and cough!), anaesthetist, surgeon (arrgghhhh). I didn't exactly enjoy hearing the details of my op, even though I knew it was important for me to know. ( Can I go home now?)

On the day of my op. I had a pre-med and I was apparently quite giggly but I can't remember it at all.

Next thing I remember was wanting a cup of tea in intensive care- difficult as I had the breathing tube in my throat at the time! No wonder everyone was laughing - I spelt it out in the air with my fingers!

After the op. I felt pretty groggy and had some pain. After a few days, things began to look up. All I wanted to do was feel like me again and go home (did I mention that?)

As I had an artificial valve fitted, I needed to be on Warfarin and needed my blood checked regularly. Being a mega Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, I renamed the doctor "vampire" ( but with a soul like Angel).

Thinking about my scars - I am not too self conscious about my looks and am more concerned with what I can do. I did wonder what it would be like, I was amazed how neat and narrow and clean the main scar was once the scabs had gone. I have a boyfriend and I wondered if he would freak. I wondered what his reaction would be when he saw me with all my wires and tubes. I'm glad today he's fine about it. He was worried about me and is really glad I am well now - but he doesn't know his own strength or how though I look and feel 100%, ribs take a while to heal.

I found out I needed a second op., to have a pace maker fitted (hello - I want to go home). By this time I was feeling fed up. This one was minor though compared to the "biggie" and I recovered much quicker demanding a Burger King fries by tea time.

It was only after this op, and recovery that I was allowed off the ward. Mixed feelings again - wanting to be away from the ward but after all that had happened, felt a bit unsure at first. Then the shop and stalls downstairs and Burger King saw a few visits from me.

After a life time (or nearly four weeks) I was allowed to go home. I have never been away from home so long before and couldn't wait to go. Mum had stayed with me ( in a parents room) all the time, apart from one weekend, but now we were going together and I would at last see my cats, my room, my home and more of my friends. Hooray! Hallelujah.

I have been home a couple of weeks now. I am healing well and my scars are even beginning to fade a bit. It was traumatic and stressful, but I needed the operation. Its great not to get out of breath like I did. I am looking forward to the future now. Watch out world - here I come!!

Updated Mar05