Move to Cornwall!

[Schroedie]

Might seem like a daft heading but I've experienced two completely different attitudes to gynaecological problems since moving. In Gloucestershire, it took me 11 months to get to see a consultant, then over a year's wait to get a date for a hysterectomy and anterior repair (which should have been done within 18 weeks). From consultation to date for operation there was no communication (I tried ringing every month to see if there'd been any progress and eventually my calls and messages weren't answered), and I was given no advice on how to cope. I read up on how to live with a prolapse, however, found out about pessaries on the internet, and asked to have one fitted - and that meant I could live a normal life (just about).

I referred the matter to PALS but they said they couldn't discuss individual cases, so I do wonder what they're there for.

By the time I'd waited over a year for a date for an op, we'd decided to move to Cornwall and I didn't feel tempted to have the op 2 weeks after I'd left Gloucestershire or to be bed-ridden for 6 weeks in a new area where I knew nobody and my partner was out at work all day.

I've just been to see the doctor in Cornwall, to have my pessary changed and get advice. The lady I saw was surprised at the above situation - she said they always turn to pessaries as the first option, and the advice I received was that if it's working and all looks well then keep using one. Here you get a pessary change every three months - I wasn't offered one in over a year in Glos - and they're looking into physio to help with pelvic floor.

What a difference. It was nice to be treated as a person, and I feel much happier about the whole situation. So if you see a consultant who wants to get rid of you as fast as possible, doesn't give any advice or options, and doesn't communicate, see if you can talk to someone else: I'm very glad I did.

[suzie44na]

Hi, pals don’t help at all they just sweep it under the carpet and so do the ombudsman in my case, we have no rights. Glad you are getting help now, wishing you all the best

Suzie

[Konagirl60]

Unreal...but I’m delighted for you! Good luck.

[Mae123]

My experience was exactly the same as yours. First doc consultation told to go away and live with it. Second doctor offered a ring pessary but only after I tried physio. That did no good at all. Then eventually got the pessar y fitted. I felt so much better but knew I really should go for surgery as I didn't know how long it would last for and I was getting older all the time. I saw gyno in Oxford and they said would not be able to do for at least 9 to 12 months. This was last September. I called to ask where I was on list but no joy. I then had a call just be for Christmas with cancellation for 16 December. Have had surgery for exactly what you have. Am 7 weeks post op. It's been hard though as had some complications with medication. Am feeling ok now . The surgeon said all went well during the operation so hopefully they will sign me off when I go for my check up. If you are coping well stay with pessary. It's a big operation and lo g recovery time. Don't know if it's all been worth it yet as have some way to go before i can do all the activities i used to. Good luck to you and glad you have found a doctor who will listen.

[Schroedie in reply to Mae123]

Thanks Mae. Hope you continue to recover well. I couldn't face an op just after moving, and as I'm pretty active (I play a lot of table tennis and am trying to find work as a coach) I want to keep going as long as possible. I'm getting on (63 now) and do wonder how long I can use pessaries but I'll ask that next time - just so pleased to have found someone in the NHS that does listen to me.

[Mae123]

Yes, I think that is the best course to take. I have heard of women having the pessary for years so keep on for as long as it suits you. Great you have a good consultant now.