I was referred to gynae last year due to ongoing dyspareunia after a brief period of care with a doctor in Bradford. First I saw a doctor who examined me and diagnosed vaginismus and told me that I needed dialator treatment. I tried to explain that I wasnt having trouble with spasms or cramping up during sex but it was more of a stinging pain but the doctor just ignored me and insited on the diagnosis. I felt that I wasnt listened to. I went along with the treatment but I had no little problem with the dialators as I do not have vaginismus!
Went back and saw a different doctor - a first year doctor (which I learnt from the doctor's ID badge rather than them introducting themselves before giving me an examination) on a training placement who said that this sort of thing "just happens" sometimes and did not listen to my concerns that my diagnosis may not be correct and that the pain was the same. I asked to have an appt with one of the senior doctors.
Unfortunately I arrived 10mins late to my appt with the consultant and I had not been able to call ahead. When I arrived the doctor had their coat on and was about to leave. Throughout the appt I got the impression that they were quite disinterested and was more concerned about getting an early finish. The doctor told me that the first doctor who had examined me was actually a GP on a training program so both the doctors I had seen and had examined me were not even specialists!
The doctor then told me in quite a dismissive and insensitive way that my problem was probably 'psychological'- although there is no good grounding for this and I had not had any investigations or treatment instigated by an actual gynaecologist! The doctor then said they were discharging me from the clinic and left the room. The nurse came in and found me in tears and she must have persuaded them to give me a follow up appt which I never booked anyway as when I left the dept, prior to 5pm, the shutter over reception was closed and when I telephone over the next week the phone just rang out.
I felt humiliated and frustrated by my experience with the gynaecology dept at SJUH. I was given intimate examinations by people who did not introduce themselves or explain their role in the department. I was not listened to and felt that I was dismissed. My difficulties remain the same but I feel that there is little point in returning.
"Humiliated and frustrated by my experience of the gynaecology department"
About: St James's University Hospital / Gynaecology St James's University Hospital Gynaecology LS9 7TF
Posted by Paper Cup (as ),
Do you have a similar story to tell?
Tell your story & make a difference ››
Responses
See more responses from Sharon Ombler-Spain