by Emma

Hi! I was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, and would like to tell you about my latest operation. I arrived at the hospital at midday on April 29th. I was introduced to my nurse and she weighed me, took my temperature and asked me questions about my health.

She thought I would be nervous, but to be honest, I've had 12 operations and am too used to the overall experience of being in hospital to be afraid!

Later, my mum and I phoned my dad who was at home because he couldn't get time off work. Then we sat in the car and listened to the Archers (boring or what?!) and I texted my friends. They're all so supportive, and I couldn't cope without them!

I watched Holby City and A Life of Grime with my mum, and when I went to bed. The ward was eerily quiet. Except when a baby woke up and started screaming...oh, well. It is a children's ward!

I only started to get nervous the next morning, when the nurse came and put magic cream on my hands. Then the teacher came and wanted me to do my Science AT1 from school - not blooming likely! I came in hospital to escape from schoolwork, not do more!! Anyway, then the porters came and took me down the long corridor to the anaesthetic room. My future awaited me - no more drink dripping down my nose every day! Yay!!!!

I woke up in the recovery ward and I felt really tired, and unhappy. The anaesthetic wore off after a few hours, and my auntie came to visit me. She and my mum chatted, while I slept and watched The Simpsons.

The next day, I was allowed to go home at 10.30am, and spent the next few days chilling out at home watching TV and films. That's the good thing about having operations - relaxing after them!!!! Then, a week later, I went back to school and found out that I could still get water down my nose - but only when I wanted to. It's my favourite trick, now!!!!

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association

Check out www.iface.org.uk – a discussion forum and information resource for young people affected by a skin condition or disfigurement of the face or body.

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