"I’m left traumatised; since been referred for emotional support."

GP referral for emergency gynaecology appointment January 2022, (uterine bleeding) - eventually seen in July, by then I was terrified and no matter how many calls made to the waiting list, I was told only cancer patients were being seen regarding Covid back -logs, thinking this could also be me!

I was to see a gynaecologist — and perhaps have a vaginal ultrasound to assess my situation.

I saw a gynaecologist in Stobhill Ambulatory Care Glasgow, who took my history. I gave a thorough history. I have a history of gynaecological issues.

I’m in my 70s, I have no children, previous infertility investigations with prior abdominal surgeries.

I also have a diagnosis of chronic degenerative arthritis with fusions to my lumbar and cervical spine (titanium in neck area) and wear 2 hearing aids and have 2 cataracts.

Shown to a room where I’d a transvaginal ultrasound. I was informed about a thickening and possible growths in the endometrial wall, the nurse repeated this as I couldn’t hear the doctor, (hearing aids removed, fearful of loss, all wearing masks, mask previously caused aids to fall out) – I was terrified.

Because of this observation, it was necessary, to have another procedure. This information was conveyed by the nurse (I couldn’t hear the doctor because she was between my legs and masked (I was lying on the examination table with my legs in stirrup supports, we were all masked re Covid 19 restrictions).

The nurse left and another nurse arrived who was, I believe, familiar/trained with what was to follow. I’d no idea until then that I was to have a hysteroscopy.

Told I would feel mild cramp as the fluid and scope were inserted, the nurse repeated the words. I couldn’t hear what the doctor was saying.

Another nurse at my head-end attempted engaging me in small talk e.g., about my job before retiring. I tried to engage, however this became futile, as the pain began mounting. The specialist-nurse took me through breathing exercises, which although well meant, didn’t alleviate the excruciating pain I was experiencing.

It was commented my cervix was ‘tight’ making examination difficult, by then I was clammy/sweating and thought I’d lose consciousness.

Asked if they could continue. I reluctantly agreed — because of fear about ultrasound findings i.e., something seen, which could be considered sinister.

Another attempt was made, using a smaller scope I believe — I couldn’t hear much.

Nurse asked me to try to breathe through the pain — I simply couldn’t do it and tears began. The doctor spoke, but I couldn’t make it out, and the nurse asked if the procedure should stop. I tried to sit up and said ‘yes’ — I couldn’t endure anymore. I briefly lost consciousness.

Cold compresses were applied to my head and neck, as sweat was trickling.

The doctor left the room, saying that a general anaesthetic would be organised. I couldn’t hear this and the nurse conveyed this information. I didn’t see the doctor again.

Pads were provided for the bleeding, but I felt woozy and wobbly, believing I would fall/faint. I was shown to a recovery area and given hot packs for extreme abdominal cramping. I lay there about an hour crying. I will state that the nurses were attentive, checking on me. I spoke about anything and everything (probably nonsense as I was in shock) to take my mind off the pain.

At no time before the procedure, or during, was I offered analgesia. The only information received was I would feel ‘mild cramp’ and that was communicated whilst I was already on the table in an exposed vulnerable state having just heard something suspicious was seen on ultrasound. I’ve never experienced such agony and believe I am a stoical individual.

No information about what it meant to consent or indeed if I had choices – no prior leaflet.

It was traumatising and I’m shaking as I type about what can only be described as torturous, and brutal.

I was in a shocked, almost dissociative state leaving the hospital. I could hardly walk and continued trembling.

I bled for about a week and because of the table positioning, also suffered relentless sciatica in r buttock and r leg.

I wasn’t aware I could have analgesia; neither informed of any options. I didn’t know general anaesthesia was a possibility until it became necessary to halt the procedure. No discussion or any kind of informative conversation about what to expect. If this action is commonplace, something must be seriously reconsidered.

If it was said, and it was — I’d feel only ‘mild’ cramp, which wasn’t so — why the escalation from “mild cramp” to requiring general anaesthetic?

I’ve had a general anaesthetic since. If G.A. is an option, I would have chosen it 100%.

My experience at Stobhill compared to the Victoria makes me angry — wondering what is going on in Outpatient Gynaecology Stobhill?

It may be a cost cutting initiative, I don’t know, but does it really cut costs? I’m left traumatised and since been referred for emotional support.

So, my appointment at Stobhill was not only agonising and will live with me, but also a waste of NHS time.

I also encountered another woman when attending for Day Surgery and unsurprisingly, her experience at Stobhill was similar to mine. She was upset but didn’t want to complain.

I’m speaking out, I must, I will not be silenced — but how many women are too scared to do so? Likely more than we will ever know, so, such unacceptable and unnecessary painful procedures will continue .

This is certainly, a poor reflection on outpatient gynaecological practice and appalling that individuals believe complaining to be pointless — that no one will listen, nor take them seriously.

I have, since making my complaint, had two responses ultimately dismissing my concerns, but I will continue to fight the acceptance of this barbaric practice.