By Gracelyn Cassell
About a month ago, April 10th to be exact, I ended up at Glendon Hospital for emergency surgery. I left four days later and friends are astounded when I say that I actually enjoyed the experience. I’ve had medical issues for years but kept hoping that the new hospital would be in place before things came to a head. That was not to be.
Glendon Hospital
So there I was on Tuesday evening April 10th, listening to the Nurse on duty in Casualty telephoning the many persons needed for my surgery. As each person arrived, I quickly apologised for ruining plans for the evening. I felt particularly bad that Dr. Braimah Kassim, who, after a full day of surgery, would not have the pleasure of a break. Everyone, however, hastened to reassure me that it was okay, it was all part of the job. Blood had to be drawn for testing, x-rays taken and other unmentionables done in preparation. I discovered that my recent manicure/pedicure would present a problem for monitoring during the operation, so the polish had to be removed. I must admit that being surrounded by seasoned nurses like Sister Noleen Meade, Nurse Anaesthetist Brenda Daley, and others who prepared me for theatre, actually helped me to relax.
It is funny how in life we take so much for granted. Sister Icilda Stanley, a former schoolmate, took charge of my personal belongings, and I realise now that I would not have had that level of comfort in an overseas facility. In fact, immediately after I was back on the ward just before 2 am on Wednesday April 11th, I noticed my bag waiting for me near to what would be my bed for the next several days. My cell-phone was registering the concern of relatives and friends who needed to know how the operation had gone.
Fortunately, my brother Joseph, the first person I recognised once the anaesthesia wore off, and who I had instructed not to wait around, answered all of the queries. It was really nice to wake up and see him! He explained to me later that I was complaining about being hungry and in pain but I only remember being very calm and collected. So, it’s good that he was there as a witness to the true state of affairs. I do remember being offered a cup of bush-tea and that was like music to my ears. I also received a pain injection and that was it.
I slept soundly until late afternoon when, my youngest brother, Norman, came and without my knowing, took a photo of me which was sent to the family ‘whatsapp’ group. They found that photo most reassuring but now seeing Kate Middleton all bright and glowing after giving birth to a third child, I realised that I should have included a make-up kit in my hospital bag!
However, the team that came to check on me the next day didn’t seem worried by my lack of makeup. They explained what had transpired the night before and seemed happy to see me awake and in good spirits. I shared a vague recollection that I might have been protesting at some point and they laughingly told me that when I was returned to the ward and placed in bed on my back, I made several attempts to roll on to my side complaining that “I always sleep on my side!”
I was placed on a liquid diet which I actually enjoyed because there were interesting items on the menu like arrowroot porridge which I had not had in years. The plantain porridge reminded me of my student days in Jamaica when I first savoured banana porridge prepared with coconut milk. In fact, once I was allowed to move to a more solid diet, I actually refused to leave the hospital when Dr. Kassim gave the all clear for me to be discharged on the Friday. I told him that the menu on Saturday was far too interesting to be missed. So I went home after supper the following evening. Little did I know that a hot meal was waiting there for me!
My fears about the post-crisis, makeshift hospital which has no private ward were not realised. I always felt that noise and light would prevent me from resting but I had the best sleep that I had enjoyed in years and many visitors kept saying that I didn’t look like someone who had undergone surgery. Once I got home, however, I was thrown off schedule with both rest and medication because I’ve never really liked alarms! I actually missed having the nurses wake me up when it was time for meds. And of course, at home, you end up doing all kinds of things which get in the way of sleep or taking meds!
But I can hear you asking – How was this a good experience? First of all, I am deeply appreciative of all that was done by doctors and staff to facilitate my surgery and make my stay comfortable. They work daily with many challenges. I am impressed that the team includes nutritionists who have incorporated local produce and traditional dishes on the menu. This assures me that once there is cheaper electricity, if the geothermal project ever comes on stream, there are people who will ensure that the many many seasonal fruits and vegetables that now go to waste, will be put to good use. I also feel strongly that the proposed hospital plan, developed with the input of this dedicated staff, will be the best for Montserrat. I sincerely hope that someone will dust it off and make the business case for its implementation. Medical tourism could certainly provide an income stream since I am sure others would love to have my experience.
I was really touched by the many persons near and far, friends and family, who went out of their way to demonstrate their love and caring during my hospital stay and after. I had all kinds of offers: to do my laundry, prepare meals for me, get me fruits, coconut water and jelly, do my shopping and more. This outpouring of support also contributed to my very positive experience. To be honest, I am trying to resist the temptation to prolong the recovery period. My sincere thanks to all and kudos to the staff at Glendon!
Gracelyn Cassell
Head
The University of the West Indies
Open Campus Montserrat
