"Such different opinions to the same symptoms"

I was admitted recently, following an ultrasound which took place same day, revealing a cyst that was on my ovaries at a length of 50mm. This has previously been scanned at a size of 13mm less than a year prior and at the time, was instructed to monitor this and would hear follow up. Needless to say, the follow up never occurred and I had to attend on my own accord when issues became unbearable.

I was admitted to Ward 24, Victoria Hospital and apart from a lovely staff nurse, the medical team above her were not helpful in the slightest and appeared to have little knowledge or empathy for my circumstances.

On the night I arrived, my discussion with an amazing Registrar who was very caring and explained in great detail that they had concerns of the size of the cyst being at 50mm and that it was haemorrhaging. Their plan was for me to be fasted in the morning and bloods would be taken again and they would discuss my symptoms and if they remained as they were or got worse, it would be likely I would be operated on.

The next morning, I was in immense pain, my symptoms had not improved and I did not sleep much at night. The nurses had explained in detail to the consultant that I had a bad night and that I was in pain.

During the doctors rounds, I was spoken to by the consultant and two other doctors. The consultant led the conversation by asking how I was and I explained I had a really bad night and that the pain relief was not working. I explained I had been in a surgical ward in July last year where a separate ovarian cyst had ruptured and I was prescribed oxycodone as required during an 9 day admission which really helped with the pain and did not give me any side effects. I explained this to the consultant who disregarded my comment right away and stated I would not be given this as their main concern was that it is addictive.

I explained that no addiction issues occurred previously so they suggested Tramadol instead which I have had previously and caused really bad side effects, however this was again disregarded and for a second time, I felt like I had no say or opinion and was not listened to.

The consultant asked if I was taking certain medication which had no relation to me, before showing me a scan photo which I did not recognise. The consultant then realized they had the wrong notes and apologized for this but again this reiterated my impression of this consultant on their lack of detail or attention to her patients.

I got very upset at this point and the consultant just walked away from me and did not wait to hear the questions I had. A nurse arrived shortly after and provided me with some support. At this point I felt extremely let down by the consultant and I was tired, in a lot of pain with no knowledge on a solution to an issue which I am continuously being admitted for.

It took the extremely helpful nurse, to convince the consultant to come and see me. The consultant soon returned and provided me with information on a plan that I would return to their clinic in three months for follow up and if the cyst was the same then it would be looked at being removed. They explained the surgery would not be happening at this time. due to my age and that every time they operate, the ovaries will be damaged.

I explained about the previous situation regarding a cyst that ruptured as it was left untreated. I also explained how the pain was just the same as when I came in but I felt like this was disregarded. I also explained how I work long shifts as a nurse myself and due to the pain and with the current medication not working but again, I was completely ignored and was given a poor answer before being told I was to be discharged.

Despite also being told to fast and then told I was getting discharged, I was not offered any food after given this news. I was offered to stay another night but they reiterated that I would not be getting any additional pain relief so I decided I would rather go home where I have now had to seek advice and prescription from my GP for the desired pain relief.

I felt extremely let down by the consultant's plan and compassion, I am baffled that a registrar can be so helpful and convincing of providing urgent care plans for me, yet the consultant the next day has essentially disregarded all of the information at hand and told me of a plan completely different from that of the Registrar.

It is worrying how two medical professionals can have such different opinions, knowledge or empathy to an issue less than 12 hours apart where the symptoms are the same and have not improved. I have contacted my GP on this and will be seeking a second opinion as I am not satisfied with my care thus far. Once again, it seems to go home, self medicate and see what happens is a solution to an issue that I am constantly returning for as I am stuck within a recurring pattern of anxiousness and worry on what will happen next.