Brad Rozairo, OMI – “It is not a disease but a disorder and a mechanical issue”. This is what I heard from a doctor when he spoke about inguinal hernia. A disorder needs to be fixed, but how it will be done was my concern as I was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia recently. I began a short research on the internet to learn more about it and discovered that a hernia repair can only be done through a surgical procedure. This sounded a bit scary for me as I have not gone through any surgeries in my life. However, having consulted two Doctors I decided to go for a laparoscopic surgery.
Having done a few tests in preparation for the surgery, I entered the hospital the day before the surgery. The following day the surgery was done under general anesthesia, and I was out of this world for a few hours. When everything was over, I woke up and found myself in a room with a saline drip, urinary catheter and a few machines around me monitoring my condition. I was feeling drowsy and could not sleep as I was feeling the effects of the surgery. The following day I slowly got back to my feet though with some discomfort. Since walking was advised after the surgery, I took a few steps in the hospital corridor, where my doctor accompanied me. The way I walked, and my movements made me feel that I had become a patient.
As a young priest, I worked as a Hospital Chaplain in Colombo before coming to Japan. Every day I was in and out of the hospital visiting people with various sicknesses and diseases, but I never fell ill. Therefore, I did not understand a patient’s life in the hospital. But, having come to Japan, I became a patient and was admitted to a hospital in Nagoya. My experience for a few days in the hospital helped me understand the pain and suffering people go through in hospitals. I recalled this experience as I entered the hospital for my surgery at the beginning of this month. No one wants to be in the hospital, but sometimes it is unavoidable due to a physical ailment that may force us to get admitted to a hospital for treatment.
As I complete the second week after surgery, I begin to feel that recovery after surgery is challenging, and it demands patience. Therefore, I need to cooperate with my body by being gentle with myself and accepting the fact that my movements are restricted to a certain extent. As the rhythm of life changes, I also feel the need to listen to my body and slow down a bit to regain strength. Right now, taking one step at a time is the way to go and I believe this will lead to full recovery in the days to come.
Though it was a very short stay in the hospital, I feel happy with the way I was treated. I experienced the kindness of doctors, nurses and a few people who cared for me. I am grateful to God and some friends who supported me through their prayers. It was an experience I will never forget in my life.
