"Thumbs up for PAH"

Following the traumatic experience of a ruptured ectopic last summer, I was thrilled to discover I was pregnant again in late January, though also worried about the potential of another ectopic. I received two early scans at PA during which staff were extremely kind and I found both experiences very reassuring. My 12-week scan was scheduled for next week but earlier this week, I started bleeding slightly, so asked my GP to refer me for another scan, which was scheduled for two days later. As I was in London for a work event the day before this scan, a friend encouraged me to go for a private scan before heading back to Southampton. I agreed, thinking that if everything was ok, I could save the EPU some extra work and just go to the 12-week scan the following week. This scan showed a 'silent miscarriage' had taken place a couple of weeks beforehand which of course was devastating but it was the overall experience of the private facility that upset me - despite being given a specific appointment time, I had to wait for over an hour, discuss private details with a consultant in a full waiting room, only a the threat of leaving, was I ushered through to see the consultant who was still dealing with another patient, very little compassion or information from the consultant, and then taken straight to an office for payment (£155!) whilst a secretary (again, there were other patients and staff around) said 'as you've had a miscarriage, you'll need to wait here until the consultant types up his report', By contrast my appointment the next day at the EPU could have not been more different - I was seen straight away, all the staff were so kind and well-informed about the next steps, and I was booked in for an operation the following day. This procedure at the Day Unit yesterday again was as good as you would want it under the circumstances and I can't thank the staff enough for their kindness and care. Here's hoping that we will be luckier next time and that I won't need to return to the EPU beyond an initial scan (to rule out another ectopic) but if that's not the case, then I know that I will be in excellent hands in PAH!