"Not 'just another patient'."

From the age of 14, I experienced excruciating period pain which left me unable to function as normal. I was diagnosed with endometriosis at 18 and from that point forward, each monthly cycle was awful. Knowing I had this condition, I did my best just to 'get on with it', recognising my situation could be far worse.

At the age of 40, I began to have regular break through bleeding, and my pain increased to the point I was having cramps consistently, whether I was having my period or not. I was referred to gynaecology to discover I had cervical erosion, and my consultant, Dr Inyang, was saddened to hear of my ongoing battle with endometriosis. Despite my appointment being purely to discuss any necessary treatment for my cervical erosion, Dr Inyang gave me the opportunity to really share how I was feeling. For the first time, I felt like I no longer needed to suffer in silence. I had options, and something could be done to help me.

Fast forward a year, and I was given a hysterectomy which was nothing short of life changing. I had a quick recovery, and felt the fittest I had in longer than I can remember. However five months later, and I had been experiencing pain, bleeding and general discomfort. This was naturally a worrying time for me, and following a GP consultation, I was referred back to Gynaecology for further investigations.

I received an ultrasound scan of the abdomen within two weeks of my initial referral which was wonderful. However the most outstanding part of my care has to be attributed to my gynaecologist, Dr Inyang, who has gone above and beyond from the outset.

I was naturally terrified something was really wrong, to be experiencing this sort of pain and bleeding again. Dr Inyang understood my concern, and rather than having me wait for my results, he called me the following evening, to give me the outcome - which, I am delighted to say, was positive.

The main reason for preparing this statement is to acknowledge Dr Inyang. He is approachable. He is professional. He is caring and compassionate. He saw me as an individual - not a number. Not 'just another patient'.