Stepping Hill.

[Heidi11]

Hi ladies, I had my first appointment today with the specialist at Stepping Hill and I'm feeling more confused than ever as I was referred there by my general gynaecologist. All that happened today was he asked me about my pain, examined me explained that my cervix was very hard and tender, conclusive of scarring, as was my right ovary. He then explained that he would be having a meeting with the team there regarding removing my ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix, which were all left behind after my subtotal hysterectomy last year and excision of endometriosis and adhesions, he also said he needed to look at my MRI scan which I thought he would have done before I attended today. He then gave me another appointment in 8 weeks time. I'm so confused, I knew they were planning this surgery anyway just feel I've travelled to Stockport for nothing. Has anyone else experienced this with appointments before? X

[Mabes]

Yes! The wheel turns slowly I had referral from one general gynae to the 'surgeon' (who I really didn't like... His attitude was awful). I waited ages to get the appointment to see him... When I got there, it was like you described except he didn't even examine me (not that I minded as I was already really uncomfy with his vibe). He then spent months referring me for various scans - even though he'd said I needed surgery.

I later realised that on some level these pointless appointments and the massive wait times for scans were a great delay tactic while making the patient feel something is being done. So although you need surgery and everyone knows that, while you are waiting for it they kinda stretch out the process/wait time by doing these appointments. That's my theory anyway!

Thankfully I ended up with a different surgeon in the end - so I was actually glad I waited!

[Heidi11 in reply to Mabes]

Hi thanks for the reply, hope this doesn't happen to me he's already suggested I have a colonoscopy which I've already had done at another hospital. There is one thing the surgeon took his time to listen to me and did make me feel comfortable, who did you see? Xx

[Mabes in reply to Heidi11]

If you've already had a colonoscopy and that was recent then don't hesitate to point that out, just in case they missed that on your notes - I'm sure you'd love to avoid another one!

When they listen and take you seriously, it makes such a difference. It is good that your consultant is personable and makes you feel comfortable.

I ended up with an endo specialist who I felt comfortable with - his energy was note positive and kindly than his predecessor. The first guy I was referred to was an IVF/fertility specialist (!) which quite frankly I didn't need - he had a negative attitude... Said he'd probably not find anything! The endo surgeon found plenty and excised it for me and freed my ovary.

The thing that was a bit weird was there were probably women who would want to see the IVF guy and were waiting anxiously to get their appointment... I felt I wasted a day going to see him when I really didn't need his 'expertise' lol!

[Heidi11 in reply to Mabes]

Oh god that's crazy, it does make you wonder! And don't worry there's not a cat in hells chance I'll let them do another colonoscopy if I don't need it lol 😁 xx