"I am so very grateful and impressed"

I was first seen by gynaecology 2021 for diagnosis of a problem I’d been ignoring for about 4 years. I was seen on two occasions by Dr Chu at Ninewells hospital. He was so very nice and explained everything to me.

Despite the excellent treatment and advice in relation to self management of a pessary ring, I wasn’t coping with it so didn’t use it. I went through each and every day trying to ignore the horrible and uncomfortable feeling down below, but mentally couldn’t go there.

This ‘horrible thing’ made me feel less of a woman and I was mentally trying to block it out, however it was impossible because every day I could feel it.

My first nurse review at gynaecology clinic at PRI was 2023 and I remember this visit so well. I was seen by a nurse called Pam and her colleague. I told Pam my story and I became quite emotional, telling her I mentally can’t cope with putting the pessary in or taking out for cleaning, and that I felt less of a woman. Pam was so understanding, I felt listened to. She explained everything to me, giving me choices of how to manage my pessary independently or have the clinic do this for me. I felt so much more able to try and manage it myself.

Pam's personalised care, explanation and treatment changed my life, as I quickly seen that once the pessary was in place and that I was independently dealing with it, I could get on with my life and forget about it. I was able enjoy things again like walking, gardening, even dancing (which I love) on a night out because I felt ‘normal’.

I returned to the clinic in 2024 and was reviewed by Pam and Marzi. They greeted me with a warm and friendly welcome and asked me first of all how I was and then how I was managing with the pessary. The care, treatment and explanation I received was thorough which made me feel confident. They told me I was doing everything right which made me feel happy. 

I am in my 60s and have retired from a career in mental health nursing which I was very passionate about. I worked for many years in a general setting until I retired. I seen on a daily basis how physical problems or illness can impact on mental health and how important personalised care, compassion, being listened to and a warm welcome are. I am so very impressed and grateful for the care I have received at the gynaecology clinic.

Thank you