This topic is about someone who had a sudden and severe episode of abdominal and back spasms, leading to an emergency hospital visit just before they were scheduled for surgery. Here's a breakdown of their experience and some advice they received:

- The person experienced intense pain and, after trying to manage it at home, called for an ambulance. They arrived at the hospital quickly but had to wait a bit before being seen.
- In the emergency department, they were given medication that helped with the pain, but there was a long wait to see a doctor.
- They were admitted to the Surgical Assessment Unit within the hospital's target time but had to wait several more hours without food, drink, or pain relief, which made them feel worse.
- A doctor examined them late at night but struggled to understand their complex medical history. An X-ray showed no blockages, and a senior surgeon suggested the pain might be related to back issues.
- The person ended up self-medicating during the night and decided to leave the hospital the next morning, feeling dissatisfied and exhausted. They later found out their ostomy pouch had come off while they were sleeping.
- At home, they are dealing with bathroom renovations, which means they have to use a commode in a shed for now.
- They are also preparing for another hospital stay for a planned surgery later in the month.

Advice and insights shared by others included:

1. Offering sympathy and understanding for the difficult experience.
2. Encouraging the person to rest and recover as much as possible before their upcoming surgery.