"Gynaecology and Urology "

My mum (85 with dementia) has been suffering from premenopausal bleeding since for six months.

The GP ordered an ultrasound of the uterus, this was followed by a hysteroscopy. The result of the hysteroscopy was a bulky uterus. End of story. When the GP wrote to the consultant about follow up (medication), she was told that the gynaecological tests were complete, so the next step was urology.

The gynaecological procedures were carried out at Edinburgh Royal. A uroscope was performed at the Western General. The result was negative so urology recommended a renal CT scan. The renal CT scan showed an enlarged fibroid uterus. Urology contacted the on-call gynaecology at REI who saw no need for further investigation.

The GP then contacted gynaecology again asking for advice. Suddenly it turns out that my mum could have a uterine sarcoma! She has now been referred (urgently - again) for an MRI scan. But it turns out that first a doctor has to approve the scan, then there's a four-week wait for an appointment.

Are these special tactics because my mum is 85? Somehow I hope they are because I would hate to think that a young person would go through this. Seems to me that the gynaecology department could have made a better job of the hysteroscope (no biopsies), or sent her on for further gynaecological tests. Having said that, thank God for the urologists.