"Previous notes not read and unsupportive"

As with most patients I was entering the appointment concerned for my ongoing health and the symptoms I was presenting with, worried for the worst but hoping for the best.

On being summoned to the treatment room

I followed the doctor. As I entered the room there was another person sitting in the corner with a student lanyard, who duly said their name. The student was not introduced formally by the doctor or my permission asked for her to be present as has been the case on any previous appointments. 

I was asked about my history, my symptoms are an ongoing issue and have been since reporting in 2018. During the gathering of this information where I was unsure I suggested that the information would be in my notes, at this point the doctor put his hand on my notes and said it would take some time to read my notes. This concerned me as I would expect the doctor to have some kind of overview of my medical history. When I asked questions about other issues, which I was looking to rule out as being part of my symptoms I was promptly told because of the position of my menopause these would not impact me without confirming information or a full explanation.

The doctor explained that due to my history of hyperplasia doing an ultrasound would not be helpful. Although, I had shared during the consultation that I was experiencing extreme pain lower down on my left side and in previous consultations the doctor highlighted the existence of ovarian cysts. 

The doctor then explained that a biopsy would be the best course of action. At this point I began to feel anxious as my previous experience at an appointment was distressing. I explained how I was feeling and asked if the procedure I had on my last visit was a hysteroscopy to which he replied that he did not know as he did not treat me. I’m assuming this would be something prominent in my notes. The doctor explained the biopsy could be done today or with an anaesthetic but there was a waiting list which would take some time and if there was anything untoward there it would not be detected early.

I shared at my previous procedure I received gas and air and the doctor said they could provide this. Although I agreed to the procedure, I did not feel prepared for this as in my mind I was concerned that it would be the same as my experience before. 

The nurse entered to support me and recognised instantly that I was anxious, she reassured me whilst validating my feelings and experience. She calmly spoke me through what was happening remaining with me as there was little interaction with the doctor. She gave me time and I did not feel rushed as well as walking with me from the treatment area to the door. I felt my shock and anxiety did not allow me to explain fully to her either.

After the procedure the doctor was using his voice recorder and I was unsure if I should sit down or leave as he appeared busy. He indicated to sit down and after he had dictated the notes explained that he would write to me with results. 

The procedure was not the same as the previous one and I feel if there doctor had supported my understanding of this my experience would’ve been less stressful. I feel that for future symptoms I may be less willing to report as this experience was not supportive.