"Stress of misinformation"

I went to my GP for HRT symptoms which were hot flushes, low moods, itchy skin. They said I needed an ultrasound and transvaginal, no idea why but was told by hospital I’d been referred for scans for heavy uncontrolled bleeding and abdominal pain, which I had never had.

Was called to GP surgery for a non-urgent appointment to be told the scan showed I had a wee polyp and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. I already knew I had PCOS, I’d been diagnosed with PCOS years ago. They said I’d need to have a quick appointment at the hospital  to look at the polyp but it was nothing they were concerned with and it would just be a few minutes to look.

I only found out how they looked at them and what a hysteroscopy is through google and due to previous medical trauma and other trauma. I was terrified. I spoke to another GP who confirmed I would need a hysteroscopy but given my past agreed general anaesthetic would be best for me.

I got appointment for pre op and 3 different staff all wouldn't give me information and details on what all was going on. I looked at my file when one had left the room and seen it said about urgent biopsies and 2week wait pathway. Again, google was relied on to tell me what the 2ww pathway was. I then called the hospital and asked why I was on it only to be told not to worry and it’s just because they put anyone getting general anaesthetic on the urgent list.

Got surgery date but had to be delayed due to illness. 6 weeks later I get called to say I can get it done in three days time. I asked if I could call back after I checked my job could arrange cover. I was told to call back on this number, but that number did not accept incoming calls. I then had to go through switchboard and several different lines trying to track the person back down. Would have been easier if I’d had any paperwork, letters etc of them but I did not and I didn’t know who my consultant was.

I was then told to be there on the allocated day. When I asked where, I was told the hospital...I had to tell them it’s a big place and ask what ward do I go to, who do I say I’m coming to see. I also asked again for information  about procedure etc and was told they'd  email it all to me, but all I got was an email saying my appointment date and time  and was told my scan never said they found a polyp at all.

I arrived on the day and was so terrified, confused and anxious I was shaking from head to foot and had my head stuck in a sick bowl. I was left sat in a hard plastic seat for 4 hrs before anyone came to speak to me. Eventually a nurse seen the state I was in and asked if I was ok and when I told them I was due surgery but had no clue what was actually going on or getting done she seemed horrified and got the surgeon to talk to me.

What my original GP said about my symptoms was incorrect. The scan had showed something that could be a polyp but they did not know and it needed investigated for possible cancer under 2ww and a biopsy. The surgeon was lovely. They were open and honest about everything , they told me my results will be 2-3 weeks , although another person said 8 weeks.

There’s no way I’d have ever gone through that awake with a paracetamol. I did get a very informative 4 page leaflet on the procedures from the hospital but I got it with my discharge letter as I was leaving after it was done.

I don't know how anyone can give informed consent when they are not informed. My mental health has suffered appallingly with the stress and misinformation and lack of answers. I feel like I’ve been treated like a lab rat and past traumas all triggered. I cannot fault the nurses on ward and my surgical team, but the communication has been appalling. I’ve felt not listened to and fobbed of and patronised and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever trust doctors again. I'm hoping my results are clear and not an 8 week wait so I can finally hopefully get the HRT for the symptoms I originally reported.