"I went for a consultation as I ..."

What could be improved

I went for a consultation as I have fibroids which are making my day to day life horrendous. I could constantly go to the loo as they are causing pressure in my abdomen.

I was although there may be other options, the only one for me would be a hysterectomy as if they tried to remove the fibroids I may experience heavy bleeding and have to have the hysterectomy anyway.

I was asked if I would like to keep my ovaries and was told this then may or may not be possible.

I asked about a cyst on my ovary and was met with a totally unrelated answer.

Within 20 minutes I was back in my car having been told I would be booked in for a major operation (possibly a two month wait) a very vague estimation.

I was not told how it would be carried out, how long I might have to take off work, how long I might be in hospital or anything at all for that matter. I was shell-shocked. I knew hysterectomy was an option, but also assumed the consultant might at least explain why other options were not available to me.

Having read that hysterectomy is now the last resort I was totally unprepared for this outcome and was actually left reeling.

I now feel that having an operation at Northwick Park might be a very frightening experience. If the consultant is so blase then............

I do not want to delay my treatment as i am in a state of constant need to pass water. My hands have become dry and sandpapery from constantly washing my hands. However I am now very frightened of the outcome here.

Susan Speak