"Left me with chronic pain"

I had coil embolisation for varicocele at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, which was described to me as a low-risk, non-invasive procedure. It left me with disabling and chronic neuropathic pain in the most sensitive areas of my body - i.e., genital and pelvic.

I have been given diagnoses of pudendal, genitofemoral and ilioinguinal neuralgias. I’ve lost everything, including my job, my savings, my health, and my parents need to look after me (I am in my thirties).

I feel that trusting Lister hospital has been the worst decision I have ever made. Consent was gained minutes before the procedure, the risks barely highlighted, definitely not chronic pain. I can’t walk, sit, stand, drive or do anything without triggering severe, stabbing pain.

In my view, the embolisation ruined my life, leaving me in chronic, excruciating pain. Of course, I never heard from them again following the procedure, despite requesting support and a post-surgical report several times.

I have had to arrange surgery privately to remove the coils, as the NHS refused to do it. The procedure cost me 25k.