Why I Chose Shouldice Hospital?
After living with my hernia for 3 years. I decided to take matters into my own hands and have corrective surgery, which meant having to go private. When deciding who and where I was going to have it done, here at the NHS in England, I wasn’t even on a waiting list! I saw a private surgeon but wasn’t keen with the use of the controversial mesh.
After researching on the Internet, I discovered Shouldice and their alternative and superior technique. I filled in the questionnaire and within 5 weeks had an offer for an appointment I couldn’t refuse.
With the hernia being an inguinal groin hernia and in a very vulnerable area, the most important concern for me was having a surgeon who knew exactly what they were doing, who had the highest skill level.
And here at the Shouldice, that’s exactly what you get. Doing only hernia corrective surgery day in and day out, you can imagine the expertise they have, along with the pioneering technique they’ve done for a very long time now.
So I was more than happy to travel a considerable distance to Canada.
My Surgery Experience at Shouldice Hospital
As soon as I arrived at the Shouldice Hospital, I knew I had made the right choice. The main outside building is quite impressive, along with the surrounding grounds—very welcoming and calming.
I immediately felt that I was in the right place as soon as I entered the reception. 100% professional. Plenty of polite staff assisting you and getting you booked in and sorted straight away. Nothing was too much trouble.
This was on Monday, and after a quick medical check, financial matters, etc., then off to my room. A little while later, I got examined by my surgeon Dr. Simmons.
What I will say is going to the prep room the following day before surgery was very relaxing and calming. There were several other patients there at the same time. Everyone’s details were checked again to make sure of who was getting what done.
Big screen TV, comfortable recliner, warm water-filled rubber blanket, and I’m sure I heard classical music playing in the background! The next thing I remember is waking up in bed after surgery.
Within several hours, you’re encouraged to take part in your recovery by getting out of bed and walking around a little, which increases over the next several days, along with videos and daily rehabilitation exercises in the lounge.
There are no televisions in the bedrooms. You are in there to get away from that. The lounge areas are where you can go to relax away from your bed. Play pool, use exercise equipment, and watch TV—a place where you can enjoy the company of friends and family visitors.
There are meals downstairs in the dining room, which are not brought to you—only on the one occasion, the day of surgery. It’s not what you would find in your typical general hospital.
Neither was the high standard of the dining room and food. You have the opportunity to eat anything and everything you want. After my surgery, all I was thinking about was the high bran breakfast cereal and prune juice—and lots of it too.
My first bowel movement came after 3 days and thank god it went well. Since my surgery my bowel movements have been more regular, and I always was anyway.
There were lots of opportunities to interact and talk to other people from every part of the country. You are never alone at Shouldice and are in great company.
It’s all very personal and interactive. That’s the human touch!
Over the next several days, you are well looked after by the nursing staff, who are there 24/7 for all your needs. You’ll need some painkillers along with your recovery, so don’t be shy in asking for them.
The surgeons come round to check on you and discuss anything you may want to ask them. I didn’t have any complications or problems after surgery or during my time in the hospital, which is where my regular keeping-fit and healthy home regime came into play.
This is a very important factor in the recovery process. So you yourself, play a very big part in your healing.
My Discharge Experience at Shouldice Hospital
Then it was Friday, time for me to get my things together and check out.
As my flight back home wasn’t until much later that day, I stayed in the lounge area and also had my meals after vacating my room. They are in no rush to see you go and send you on your way.
You’re taken care of right to the last minute until my taxi to the airport arrived. I spent 5 days in the hospital, then travelled and flew back home.
In retrospect, I would have taken another week off in Canada and booked into a hotel for another week to rest up. I was lucky and got away with not overworking the surgery too soon.
9 Weeks After My Hernia Surgery at Shouldice Hospital
As for going back to work, if you have a physical-type job like I do, I would recommend at least 4 to 6 weeks off if possible. You’ve had hernia surgery! So take it easy and protect your investment in you and your health. So that has been a concern with me over the last couple of months, hoping that I hadn’t undone anything the Shouldice had done.
It’s about 9 weeks now after my surgery, and I must say I’m quite amazed at my recovery and how well it’s all gone. I’m still a bit nervous and numb down there, but it’s improving, getting less and less.
The first several weeks are uncomfortable, but then it gets easier. Everything is working the way it was before.
My surgeon, when he examined me, said that this type of surgery can damage the testicle on that side of the hernia. The other would compensate and that it wouldn’t affect your hormones, but it was very unlikely to happen here. He checked me on two occasions to make sure after surgery, which is why I wanted the best doing my hernia operation.
My Overall Thoughts About My Surgery at Shouldice Hospital
At the end of the day, everyone will be in agreement that any surgery of this nature is a tricky business as everyone is different. Nobody wants surgery, and it’s unfortunate that people get hernias.
But having said that, Shouldice made the whole experience as tolerable as possible. The standard establishments can be very clinical, confusing, and daunting. But with Shouldice, it’s all personal and the human touch, and I would recommend getting it done before it becomes an emergency.
I’ve come away with a very pleasant and memorable experience, especially with my surgery doing so well. I’m so glad I did my research and chose Shouldice. I put myself right into the best possible hands.
Finally, I would like to wish you and everyone there at Shouldice my very best.
Shouldice Hospital: the only constant in an ever-changing world. Excellent. 5 stars.
— By a 2025 Shouldice Hospital Patient
FR 
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