"Delayed gynaecological surgery"

I am a 52 year old woman who has been attending my GP, gynaecologists, nurses and physiotherapists over the last seven years with my pelvic floor and bowel problems. I have been advised that I need surgery yet I am continuing to live with stress incontinence, UTIs, constipation, lower back and abdominal pain. I have been prescribed fybogel, laxido and other various laxatives which are at times ineffective. These medications also have unpleasant side effects. The mental health impact associated with my current condition is one of constant fear as I am concerned that I will pass urine when I cough or sneeze which I have no control over. It is embarrassing as I work in the public sector and recently, due to a chest infection, I have had to take several weeks sickness absence from work as I was unable to control my bladder due to coughing. I am struggling to deal with this situation as I have not been given any date for surgery and therefore there is no hope in site to resolve my current condition.

Prior to these events I was fit and healthy and loved going to the gym with friends and participating in classes, this has now been taken away from me. I am also apprehensive when socialising with my friends and family in case I have an accident. I am feeling isolated.

Despite being in regular contact with my GP and also my gynacology consultant, I am trying to ascertain why it is taking so long to have this necessary surgery. I have provided a timeline below to give some insight into how long and debilitating this whole process has been for me.

Timeline

•I attended my GP in 2015 as I had concerns regarding my pelvic floor, I had a dragging feeling and a heaviness and was referred for a gynaecology review

•In April 2016 I was reviewed in gynaecology at the QEUH and was advised that no intervention was necessary at this time however, my symptoms exacerbated and I was experiencing bladder incontinence and once again I visited my GP for help

•In 2017 I attended the SPHERE bladder and bowel service who provided support and exercises which initially helped to a degree

•In 2018 my incontinence symptoms returned and once again I sought help from my GP who referred me to gynaecology at QEUH in November 2019

•An appointment referral with gynaecology was made in November 2019

•Due to Covid my first face to face consultation at the QEUH was in May 2021 and at this time it was believed that there may be bowel involvement and therefore I was referred to a colorectal surgeon. Also referred to urodynamics for investigations. I attended clinic a week later for review

•In July 2021 I attended The Emergency Department at The QEUH with significant rectal bleeding. I had been bleeding for seven days continually, five episodes throughout the day. I was reviewed by the medical staff who did not perform a PR examination or even a visual review but misdiagnosed a UTI and I was prescribed an antibiotic- Trimethoprim, which I am allergic to. Following this visit I attended my GP once again

•On 5th November 2021 I had a colonoscopy and EUA at GGH which identified pockets in my bowel with delayed emptying and with my urinary incontinence I suffer from UTIs and constipation

•I have contacted on multiple occasions since the above procedure to ascertain if my surgery is imminent and explain that I will go anywhere within NHSGGC

As I have previously said, I have been advised by letter, that I require a colposuspension and repair of my posterior vaginal wall as they have identified a pocket which is making it difficult for me to defecate properly. I believe that I have been identified as level four priority and therefore unable to provide a date for my surgery but I am aware that it will not be anytime soon.

I have been suffering for seven years and my condition remains untreated. Why has this taken so long? I am also requesting a date for surgery in the near future to alleviate my symptoms and distress.

In early January 2023 I had a consultation at the New Victoria Hospital and they apologised as my operation would not be proceeding. Apparently all surgeries have been suspended and they had no idea when my surgery will happen. In fact, I was advised to contact my MSP as apparently their hands were tied.