"The staff could not of been more helpful"

I was admitted into the EMSU at Antrim Area Hospital with stomach pains.

After a CT scan it was discovered that I had appendicitis.

Later that evening I underwent surgery to remove my appendix and was told that it was gangrenous and quite nasty.

Over the following two days I was still suffering with pains high in my stomach.

I was sent for an MRI and it was discovered that I had gallstones stuck in my CBD.

Unfortunately for me there was no room on the list for an ERCP procedure to remove the stones at Antrim hospital so I had to wait until the following Wednesday to be transferred to Causeway hospital via a Private ambulance company, a wait which felt like an eternity.

I had my ERCP done at Causeway hospital after some confusion as to whether I was actually on the list to have it done.

While I was in the surgical room waiting to be brought in to have the procedure done the surgeon told me that I may have to get my gallbladder removed at some stage in the future which made me a bit uneasy as I told them I'd already had it removed nine years ago, so obviously a slight lack of communication.

I was transferred once again by private ambulance back down to Antrim hospital.

The following day I was discharged, however I was readmitted to the EMSU with a high temperature.

After more tests (CTs and MRCP) I was told I had a collection of fluid around my pelvic area which would need to be drained.

So I had to go back to theatre to have a keyhole washout and a drain fitted into my side. I had the drain removed and finally discharged back home.

Over the course of the time I was in hospital @3 weeks the staff could not of been more helpful.

Too many names to mention, but one in particular -Helen, who recognised that I was in urgent need of medical care and I shall always be thankful to her.

Can't fault the food at all, always plenty on your plate and a good variety.

Wards were spotless and always had good craic with Olly the cleaner who loves a bit of chat.

A huge thank you to all the staff of C3, C4 and EMSU for making my stay in hospital a lot easier, I shall always remember the kindness and care I received.

I would like to finish by saying that I would like to see an increase in funding directed towards more procedures at Antrim in particular ERCPS.

Having to move hospitals in particular to one so far away left me feeling quite lonely and vulnerable especially as I wasn't too well at the time.

I feel that more funding to increase the number of procedures/surgeries in general taking place at Antrim is much needed.