Share review of Mr Adam Howard

Mr Adam Howard 2023-08-16 Person 5 5 0

Following a DVT behind my right knee in May 2020, I began to get eczema on my lower right leg. I was referred to the Dermatologist who examined my leg and then referred me to a Vascular Surgeon. My first appointment with Mr Adam Howard was at the beginning of March, 2023 and I felt immediately comfortable and confident with this young man. After examination and completing a Doppler test on both legs, he explained what he considered to be my best option; he took time to explain a procedure called an Ablation. I was also given a leaflet which explained the procedure and risks that could/may occur. I felt confident in his diagnosis so agreed to have this procedure done under a local anaesthetic. I signed the paperwork at the end of the appointment A few days later I had a further Doppler test with a Technician who confirmed the areas on my legs that needed attention. A letter arrived from Mr Howard explaining what would be involved for the Ablation. Following the second Doppler test, I had a telephone consultation with Howard in April when he confirmed that it was safe for me to go ahead to have the procedure. He also explained that if the procedure was not done, there could be a risk associated with ulceration of my legs which would be hard to treat. This comment galvanised my decision to go ahead with the procedure which was booked for the 6th June, under a local anaesthetic. In preparation, I ceased taking Warfarin 5 days prior to the procedure. On the 5th June I had a Clexane injection. I woke early on the 6th June, had a shower, enjoyed my breakfast and was driven to the Oaks Hospital, feeling both excited and apprehensive as I arrived at 7.45a.m. I was taken to the day ward and given a single room to await the procedure. Mr Howard arrived, chatted about the procedure and then marked my legs ready for the procedure to be done. I was by still experiencing a mixture of emotions but it was time to relax, gather my thoughts and be happy that today I was going to have the Ablation done. A nurse came into the room to ask questions, confirm my name and date of birth etc and then I was asked to put on a gown that been laid on the bed ready for me to put on. I was left at this point, found it difficult to figure out which way I should wear it and how to secure it, so called the nurse. We both giggled when we saw the size of the gown that had been left, it was big enough to cover both of us. She hastily replaced it with a smaller version - much better and comfortable. Later on, I was given a painkiller and asked to lay on the bed as I might feel a bit woozy. I listened to the voices beyond my room as I waited. Then, it was time for my procedure, I was taken by a young man, who was one of the theatre staff, in a wheelchair to the theatre. That young man helped me to transfer to the operating table and remained by my left shoulder throughout the procedure. It was fascinating as I laid looking around the theatre, chatting and feeling relaxed during the time that they got me ready to have the procedure. Mr Howard made sure that I was in the correct position for his work to be carried out, he was also aware if I was experiencing any discomfort so assured he me that he would give me another injection if required. Mr Howard and his team made me feel at ease and during the procedure the young man next to me chatted about living near the sea. Once the procedure was complete the table was adjusted - I could see all the protective dressings that were in place on both legs. I chuckled when Mr Howard said they were wrapping me up like a Mummy so I said, "In my case you will be wrapping me up like a Granny!" Mr Howard left the theatre at this point, so the young man helped me to transfer to the wheelchair to return to the ward. Mr Howard came into my room after a while and said that the procedure had gone well so gave me Post Operation Notes so that I knew when the dressings were to be removed and when to change from surgical stockings to compressions stockings. I lay with my legs elevated for an hour and a half following the procedure - during that time I tucked into a sandwich and some water. I was discharged from the Ward just after 2.00p.m. and collected to be driven home. I slept nearly all the way home. I began to feel a little pain near to bedtime so took 2 paracetamol; I had a 'cat-nap' night as I tried to get comfortable in either my bed or a chair, but eventually fell asleep in bed and was surprised that my legs were more comfortable than I thought they would be when I awoke the next morning. I did my first 'rehab walk', with my Nora Batty dressings covered by trousers, on the 7th June. Those dressings were removed after 2 days; the rest of the dressings came off after 5 days and I was in my Class 2 compression stockings by the 13th June. All of this post operative regime was as prescribed following the Ablation. It is essential, and a courtesy to the medical team, to make sure that we carry out their instructions to the letter and to get advice if we not certain. There is plenty of information available and the post operative booklet has been helpful too. I would like to express my hearfelt thanks to Mr Howard for his expertise and skill. His gentle manner with great ability to explain why the Ablation should be done was very reassuring and informative. I had my follow-up appointment recently - Mr Howard is pleased with the results of the Ablation. Compression stockings and emollient cream for life to protect my skin and support my legs is definitely in my daily routine now. I was extremely surprised and grateful to have the Ablation under local anaesthetic and would recommend it when offered to others. I am pleased to report that I walk daily, even up to 15,000 steps sometimes; my skin has improved, so I am happy with my experience on the 6th June. A big THANK YOU once again for all Mr Howard and his team have done for me. Best wishes, Val (79 years old!)