22 Oct 1944, Diary of George Gerrard in Stanley Internment Camp Hong Kong

On Wednesday 18th October at 9.30 am I was carted away on a stretcher for the operating table. Prior to this I had of course received castor oil, salts and finally an enema. Dr. Birwell applied the ether and was very delightful in his side talk until I passed out. Evidently they trussed me up like a fowl and then pull the whole anus inside out. Prof. Digby told me that he found four haemorrhoids but that he only cut out three as it wouldn't be necessary to do the odd one as it will come all right by and by of course there was a lot of carving to be done on the outside as well.

Well I arrived back in bed at 11 o'clock (1 1/2 hours on the table). It was not only a difficult job, but a very necessary one and later I should benefit greatly and hae nae bother at all. After reaching consciousness about 6 o'clock at night, I couldn't pass urine and it became later necessary to apply the catheter tube and draw off the urine, next day this was necessary on two more occasions. I couldn't pass water in the bed not for anything and the Prof suggested standing up which I managed all right once or twice and then I was pleased to be able to do it in the bed, but this ideal didn't last long. It is now over four days since the operation and I should have my first stool probably tonight or tomorrow morning.

Today unfortunately I developed a fever and Dr Begbie has taken a blood test. I have also been well tested in my body by Prof Digby and Dr Berwell. Dougie Taylor who is in the next bed has been very good to me and treated me greatly.