"I felt shaken by the whole experience"

Unfortunately I had a very bad experience at a recent gynaecology appointment. 

I had been waiting almost 2 years for this appointment and arrived early, prepared with my symptom list and history (less than half a side of A4 which would have taken less than 5 mins to read over). I understand that there isn't always enough time to read over notes and get a understanding of the patient's full history, so tried to be as concise and specific as possible. My symptoms have greatly impacted my life, I have had to permanently reduce my working hours, made extensive changes to my lifestyle, and my social life has been hugely impacted - so I was really keen to finally have the chance to discuss this with an expert.

When I arrived, the doctor I saw quickly began explaining the type of fibroids I have and how this explained all my symptoms, I did find this helpful. I was then told I would be going for a vaginal ultrasound right away (I had not yet had a chance to speak). I made it clear I had not been informed I would have a scan that day and was confused as I had recently had one (it was not explained why I needed another so soon).

I then offered that many of my symptoms were not mentioned and that I had prepared a full list - as I spoke the doctor didn't seem to be paying attention (scrolled on their computer and interrupted me to ask where my pain was, turning away as I indicated) when they got up to move to the door saying it was time for my scan before I had time to ask the 2 questions I had ready, so I asked the most pressing one (whether my prescribed level of progesterone was safe to take long term) in the doorway and was met with an eye roll and was told that's fine.

During my scan I was asked to make decisions about my care (whether I wanted my coil removed and what type of surgery I wanted - confused and unable to think clearly I said I didn't know - and then offered a knee jerk response so I could leave more quickly), this was very different to my previous scan when all I was asked was whether I felt comfortable, etc.

The doctor also referenced my query as to whether I may have endometriosis in what I felt was a mocking tone, stating they would bet money that I don't, despite not allowing me to fully list my symptoms or explain the length of time I'd had them. To be clear, this occurred during an invasive procedure that due to my having had no time to prepare, the pain I was experiencing during, and tone I was being spoken to in, had begun to feel violating.

The nurse assisting also did not know and did not appear prepared for my having a scan. 

As I said, after a long wait, I was focused on being compliant and getting whatever help I could.  As I got ready to leave I had tears in my eyes and felt utterly humiliated. I was then ushered back into the consulting room and asked to make a decision about whether I wanted my laparoscopy (which I am hugely grateful to have been referred for) and surgery on one of my fibroids at the same time, the deciding factor for me to request both together was based on not wanting to return to this clinic again. I was also desperate to leave at this point.

When I left, I cried in my car before being able to drive home and felt shaken by the whole experience, as I continue to weeks later. 

The main things I would urge this clinic to consider, is that it's really important for patients to know what to expect when attending, particularly when they will have an internal scan. This is trauma informed practice, besides from treating patients with basic dignity and respect. Asking complex questions during such a scan was also highly inappropriate, as was making jokes at the patient's expense. I also add that in my experience patients know the most about our symptoms and allowing even a short amount of time for us to be able to clarify and explain is the best way to fully understand and make decisions thereafter.

I hope reading this will offer insight into my experience and how very simple changes can benefit future patients as I would not wish this experience on anyone else.