Alice Kingdom
My Experience - UK Bariatric Client. Professor Mohamed Abouzeid - Perfect Health Clinics
FRIDAY
I am due to travel from the airport this morning. I feel excited but anxious. I’ve not travelled on my own for a while. I’ve chosen not to bring my husband, as I am assured I will be well looked after. I also know that he will probably get bored! He is also providing childcare while I’m away.
Sitting in departures, I’m thinking,
‘This is the point of no return, am I actually going to do this?!’
I got a little tearful when I saw messages from my kids, but I have done my research and I know I will be in the hands of a very very experienced surgeon. He consultant and a teacher of bariatrics at a university hospital, with over 6000+ procedures. Written books, peer reviewed clinical data and great data. Member of the Royal Collage of Surgeons
I board the flight, it’s not too far, taking just under 5 hours to Cairo - and the hospital is so close to the airport
Cairo airport is small, and wasn’t very busy. We had to queue to show our coronavirus tests, then onto passport control. You need a visa to travel into Egypt. There are signs at security reminding you that you need one. A Visa can be purchased from the clearly marked bank kiosk just before passport control for $25
I’ve been communicating directly with Professor Abouzeid, and Heba one of his coordinators was waiting for me just outside with a sign with my name on it.
Heba was warm and welcoming. She tells me she has had surgery herself and we chat on the way to the hospital (just a short 10 minute drive from the airport). I’m impressed when we arrive at the hospital, which is clean and modern. I’m told that the Queens Royal is the preferred hospital for overseas patients, because the doctors office is also located there. Lots of ‘well to do’ Egyptian families choose this hospital for private surgeries. There are numerous modern operating theaters, and a well equipped ICU. Blood tests were done by a very gentle man. These only take a few hours to be processed in the hospitals own lab.
I then meet with Professor Abouzeid to discuss surgery. Although we’ve already had a virtual consultation it was nice to have a discussion again. I feel as if I know him already, even though this is the first time we have met in person. At this point I feel very reassured!
Then I was seen to my private room. It’s spacious, clean and air conditioned. There are 3 or 4 chairs, and a sofa. There is a walk in shower and wc, a kettle and a fridge. There’s a large LCD TV, and WiFi. I’m pleased I had earplugs, as the with all modern cities they can be loud and busy. I was bought a light dinner, and after that I settled for the night.
SATURDAY - Surgery Day
Slept surprisingly well. Still unsure if I’m making the right decsion. Everytime I think of my husband and the kids I start to get a little worried about what I am doing. But I keep reminding myself that I have done my research and know I’m in good hands.
Professor Abouzeid messages me and I’m told that we will start in around half an hour. It’s so nice to have personal contact with your surgeon! A nurse comes to prep me in a disposable gown, and brings a theatre bed. When professor Abouzeid arrives he comes to see me to tell me they’re preparing the theatre, and that he will see me soon. He is calm, kind and reassuring
They come to get me! EEeeeek!
I am pushed along the corridors, I can feel my heart beating fast. We reach the operating room everyone is so friendly and quickly puts me at ease, making light conversation & we even share a few jokes. Again, it’s modern and clean - just like you would expect. The anesthetist speaks perfect English, has also worked in the UK, and is so lovely - he tells me to close my eyes, and I’m under....zzzzz
I wake up back in my room, I have some discomfort mostly in my chest, and nurses are taking my observations. I have a little button on my wrist which I’m told I can press when I’m in pain... this works great and I am very comfortable within a few minutes. I must add that I am a total drama queen with pain! So for me to be comfortable is really nothing short of a small miracle!
I sleep on and off for most of the day, nurses popping in all the time to check on me. Most speak brilliant English, language was never a problem
In the afternoon, I’m helped to get dressed into some clean Pajamas and we walk the corridors- I’m a little dizzy and I’m tired after a couple of laps, but it’s surprisingly ok. Walking helps your recovery, and is encouraged
The professor comes by to see me, and in the evening one of the other surgeons who works there popped in to see how I was, and we had a nice talk about England, and the NHS!
My pain level is minimal, like zero really, and it’s reassuring to know that I have my little button to press should I start to feel uncomfortable....but I don’t
SUNDAY
Another brilliant nights sleep. I’ve been so comfortable in my room. I’ve been offered to stay here another night if I prefer or to move to the hotel tomorrow. Either would be fine, but I’m looking forward to a change of scenery. I have been so comfortable so far that I’m not worried about being in pain. The hotel is just minutes from the hospital and I’m confident that I can leave and if I need anything I’m only minutes away.
The Hospital manager is doing his rounds, and comes in to see how I am - I have zero complaints, I am being looked after very well. They have lots of foreign patients, but those from the UK are a novelty as it’s not where the professors marketing has traditionally been directed.
Nurses pop in and out to do observations, and check that I am ok. I have a little wander down the corridors now and then as have been advised that it’s good for circulation.
Professor Mohammed comes to see me again to check I am ok - I have zero complaints! He suggests I try no pain relief, to get ready for my discharge to the hotel tomorrow.
The nurses bring me apple, and pineapple juices to drink. I have apple and pineapple juices and fruit teas to drink, and I’m more than content.
MONDAY
Professor comes to see me in the morning, to discuss my ongoing diet plan, and give me notes to take away with me.
I’m discharged and taken to the nearby PCR drive through test site, which the coordination team will collect the result for me
We arrive at the hotel which is beautiful. I get settled into my room for the night.
TUESDAY
I have had another really comfortable nights sleep, without the pain pump and just a sachet of the pain reliever given to me in hospital - but I don’t think I really needed it.
Had a cup of tea by the pool, relaxed in my room, read a book.
Had a foot massage in the hotel spa, which was really lovely.
WEDNESDAY - Fly home
Awoke early, the coordinator Heba, came to collect me from the hotel to go back to the airport.
Cairo airport is relatively small and easy to navigate. It sort of feels strange being out and able to take longer strides as I walk than I have for a while. I feel a little light headed, but nothing that was in manageable. Being in a car moving at speed seems weird so I’m glad I am close to the airport.
The journey home seemed long! But I wasn’t in any discomfort, or pain. Just keen to get home!
It was the best feeling every seeing my husband and children. Professor Abouzeid messaged me to check that everything was ok, and that I was home safely.
THURSDAY
Great nights sleep in my own bed. I took some paracetamol before bed, but I don’t think I needed it.
Chilled out around the house today, really difficult not to ‘do too much’ as I’m feeling really good.
Had some clear broth, which tasted like absolute heaven compared to the fruit teas, and water I’ve been drinking the last few days.
FRIDAY
Seriously- aside from the diet plan I feel very ‘normal’
Looking forward to what the weeks ahead will bring!
ONGOING
At the time of writing this I am 7 weeks out. Really pleased with my decsion, and happy to shout from the roof tops about. Professor has stayed in constant contact, and is following my journey well
..............
My packing must haves
Pack light - hand luggage is plenty!
Shoes that slip on, so you don’t need to bend down
Stretchy waist trousers/skirts/ dresses
Light dressing gown/cardigan to put on when walking corridors
Extra long phone charger cable
iPad/ phone with downloads on
Dry mouth spray
Thermal cup
Lip balm
Face/ body wipes
Flannel
