"Gynaecology services"

I was seen in outpatients gynaecology Nov 14th 2013 for on going severe pelvic pain, The registrar put me on a waiting list for a hysteroscopy and biopsy +/- polypectomy. When I enquired I was told the waiting list time would be the end of March 2014. I complained to PALS (patient advice and liaison team) and my Gp as my pain was becoming unbearable. The health commission then gave me the option to be contracted out to another NHS choice and I originally chose Emmersons in Bristol. My Gp referred me back to a gynaecology consultant. The consultant phoned me to say he had since reviewed my notes and he informed me because of a previous procedure hat the biopsy couldn't be performed. I told the consultant that I had had enough and just wanted the pain to go away. The consultant was sympathetic and discussed my options with me and my husband. The surgery at Emmersons was cancelled and I was put on the urgent laproscopic subtotal hysterectomy waiting list as it was considered Ihat I had a lot of scaring from a previous endometrial ablation. It then went to funding panel and I heard no more, despite leaving messages on the bed enquiry waiting list for gynaecology, no one returned my calls. I was in pain despite strong pain killers and was a working mum of 2 children so it affected my work and family life. In the end I emailed PALS again as I didn't know who to turn to. They emailed me straight back and took some personal details. They sorted it out with gynaecology admissions as I was told I would be operated on within6-8 weeks of seeing the consultant and it was now week 6 with no news. I didn't even know if I had funding as it was considered a restrictive procedure. PALS emailed me back saying someone would phone me shortly and they did with a date. It wasn't the consultants fault just the politics of the NHS. Anyway I've now had my surgery and lucky for me I had it done when I did. I required .much more extensive surgery than originally planned. My right ovary was wrapped around my appendix and my ovaries + fallopian tubes and womb were diseased very badly . Endometrosis stage 4. Hence the debilitating pain. I'm just glad I had such a wonderful surgeon . My tubes/ovary/appendix could have ruptured. But they didn't and I'm at home after 3 days in hospital with my husband and children. I think the NHS does have it problems but I think sometimes people forget about the wonderful work that goes on. I have thanked the PALS team and my consultant for their support during a rather difficult time. The consultant hadn't planned to remove my ovaries and appendix but after seeing the photographs I'm glad he did :) I'm writing this to help other women as you read the horror stories and it makes you afraid to have surgery.Yes I've had major surgery but I got through it and I'm taking things one day at a time.