Royal Melbourne Hospital is one of the largest health providers in Australia, providing a comprehensive range of specialist medical, surgical and mental health services, as well as rehabilitation, aged care, specialist clinics and community programs.
Let’s talk about hospitals. No, not the kind where you go to be scared out of your wits by a guy in scrubs and a mask—though I can’t promise that won’t happen. I’m referring to my recent experience at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where I underwent surgery for carpal, cubital, and Guyon’s release. Yes, it sounds like a fancy cocktail, but trust me, it’s all about the wrists and hands. So, if you’re thinking of getting some surgery done, grab a comfy seat (maybe even a sandwich—I’ll explain later) and let me take you through my day.
I arrived at the hospital bright and early, around 8 AM. Now, if you’ve ever been to a hospital, you know the drill: check in, wait, and then wait some more. But here’s the kicker—my wait was met with the warmest welcome. From the moment I stepped in, the staff made me feel like I was checking into a five-star hotel rather than a place where they’re going to cut me open. Seriously, I half expected someone to hand me a fluffy robe and a complimentary spa treatment.
After a bit of a wait (which I was totally fine with, because hey, I was there for surgery, not a race), a lovely nurse came to check on me. You know the type—the kind that makes you feel like they actually care about your well-being and not just about ticking off boxes on a clipboard. She kept me updated on what was happening, which was a relief because let’s face it, being in a hospital can feel a little like being in limbo.
Eventually, I met my surgeon, who was fantastic. He had that reassuring vibe that made me feel like I was in good hands—pun intended. And then there was the anesthesia team. They explained everything so clearly that even I, who can barely understand how to operate a microwave, felt comfortable. I mean, they even told me what flavor of oxygen I’d be breathing. Spoiler alert: it was just plain old oxygen.
Now, the moment of truth arrived. I found myself lying on the operating table, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. I swear, one minute I was breathing in the oxygen, and the next, I was chatting with a recovery nurse. Just like that! It was like a magic trick, but without the rabbit or the top hat.
And can we talk about post-op care for a second? I had some pain, but the staff was on it faster than a cat on a laser pointer. Pain relief was administered quicker than you could say “I should have had that second cup of coffee before surgery.” After that, I was treated to a delightful sandwich and some juice—because nothing says ‘Welcome back to the world’ like hospital food. I mean, it wasn’t exactly gourmet, but hey, it was food, and I was hungry.
Then came the moment of freedom. I was discharged with instructions to come back in a couple of months for a follow-up. Easy peasy! The best part? I didn’t leave feeling like I had been through a war zone. Instead, I felt like I’d just been on a mini-vacation—minus the beach, obviously.
So, to all the staff at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, thank you! You turned what could have been a terrifying experience into a surprisingly pleasant one. If I ever need surgery again (please, let’s hope not!), I know exactly where to go. And for anyone out there contemplating surgery, remember: it’s not as scary as it seems, especially when you have a team that’s got your back—and your wrists. Cheers to good health and great hospitals!
Inspired by: “Royal Melbourne Hospital” (r/melbourne)