Brave and selfless to the end ❤️

In 2008, I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease which was largely maintained by medication. In February 2018, following routine scans and procedures, a cancerous tumour was found on my bowel. Following successful surgery, I remained (or so I thought) well for over two years. This year I became seriously unwell. I was admitted to hospital several times over the Summer of 2020. To cut a very long story short, having been seriously jaundiced, my stomach began to fill with ascites fluid. I needed stomach drains where over 10 litres of fluid were removed each time.

The stomach drains were difficult and with a lack of imaging, some drains took three to five attempts on each occasion which were painful and distressing.

Having been a complex case, on my next drain appointment, a senior medical registrar was asked to perform my drain procedure. I was surprised to see him arrive with a portable ultrasound machine which he had 'begged and borrowed' from a different ward. He did his own ultrasound scan, picked his spot and successfully fitted the drain first attempt. The portable ultrasound machine was hurried back to the ward it came from. I asked the nurses why Hutchings Ward did not have it's own ultrasound machine and I was told it was 'due to funding'.

I cannot put into words my surprise at this news. Stomach drains are so important and difficult to perform, there is always the possibility of clipping the liver, spleen or bowel in trying to insert the drain and these doctors carry out these procedures semi blind. If Hutchings Ward had their own ultrasound machine, each drain procedure would be safe and successful first time for every patient. They could also use it in order to find veins for blood tests where patients have 'hidden veins'. I have suffered from this and sometimes it has taken three attempts to find just one of my veins.

I have had five successful drain procedures now with this particular doctor and on each occasion he has had to 'borrow' a machine. As a frequent flyer to Hutchings Ward, I know how stressful these drain procedures are and most have not been as lucky as I in having the benefit of the ultrasound, remember I am only lucky as I am so complex.

I would like to set up this Go Fund Me appeal so that Hutchings Ward can purchase their own ultrasound machine and to recognise the amazing work of the medical team. Particular thanks go to my consultant Dr James Neale who has been at my side through my long journey, to my drain doctor Dr James Nott whose skills are superb, to the Ward Manager Rae Beeny who has been simply fantastic in organising my drains and supporting me each time I visit and to the nurses who are all angels, especially Sally, but not forgetting Nicky, Lizzie, Karen and Kelly. The picture is of me half way through a drain with Rae and Sally. That day I was drained of 9.3 litres.

I need to raise £18,000 and whilst this looks like a big ask, it is such a small amount of money for such a vital piece of equipment for a ward that provides such specialist care. I know my timing is not great what with Christmas on our doorstep but please spare what you can, this is such a worthwhile cause and I will be making a significant donation to ensure that I hit the target.