"Their performance was exemplary"

Pancreatitis caused by gallstones blocking my bile ducts.

My GP had been monitoring my bloods for several weeks after I had complained of some pain and discomfort in my upper abdomen. I attended the latest blood test on the morning of a Wednesday mid February, 2025, however the nurse immediately sent me through to my GP as I was yellow in colour. 

My GP took one look, asked me some questions and got straight on the phone to arrange for my immediate admission to hospital. I attended A&E as instructed, where I had bloods taken, got an ECG and was questioned at length about my lifestyle and medical history by a doctor. After a short wait, I was sent for a CT Scan. To my surprise, a more senior doctor appeared after about an hour and a half and informed me that they had the ECG results, and had immediately identified my problem as a recurrence of gallstones blocking my bile ducts. ( I had my gall bladder removed several years before because of this). He explained that I would have an endoscopy to remove the most recent stones. I was admitted and by good fortune only had to wait an hour on the trolley before being given a bed.

Because I was on Apixeban, a blood thinner, the procedure was put back until the morning that Friday. The procedure was carried out that morning. There were a number of stones not all of which could be removed at that time. A stent was fitted to widen a perceived obstruction in the duct and I was returned to the ward. After my bloods were checked on Saturday, I was deemed well enough to go home and was discharged. I will be given a follow up appointment at a Day Clinic in 6-8 weeks to repeat the endoscopy procedure.

I must say that I consider my treatment all the way through was of a very high standard, and astonishly speedy. I was kept informed by my GP and hospital staff of the possible causes of my discomfort and symptoms, and was encouraged to ask questions. Everybody involved (even the porters!) looked after me, with good humour, for the duration of my stay in hospital.

I know that NHS gets bad press, however their performance in my case was exemplary.

Thanks to all concerned.