"Colposcopy- Wishaw Outpatients"

Attended first Colposcopy appointment yesterday and unfortunately the experience was very different compared to other appointments regarding gynaecology both at my GP practice and the hospital. I have had ongoing gynaecological problems since a young age and have had multiple internal exams including an internal scan done at the hospital and have always had a positive experience.

My smear test which was done by the nurse at my GP practice was an extremely positive experience and when my results came back abnormal although I was nervous, I didn’t have any overwhelming feelings of worry due to past experience however yesterday was not great at all.

I feel there was not a lot of background taken before the procedure started and although I gave details I wasn’t asked to elaborate on different information I gave. I was in a lot of pain and discomfort which is something I have never experienced before so I felt taken aback by why this time was so different compared to the others.

I did voice to the doctor I was in a lot of pain and was more or less asked if I could try get through it as opposed to her changing what she was doing or trying to reassure me. Being told to try relax isn’t helpful especially when my body was also showing signs of being in discomfort which again has never happened before at previous appointments.

I would like to say the nurse that was in the room was lovely and tried to chat to me to obviously help distract me and try calm my nerves but I found it hard to switch off due to the amount of pain I was in. I had biopsies taken and the area cauterised but after was given no aftercare sheet or advice from the doctor. The nurse advised me about bleeding and left me wipes and sanitary towels to use if needed again I cant fault her however I am surprised that after a procedure like that more wasn’t done on the doctors side to reassure me or explain what happens next in terms of recovery as I was only told about wait times for results.

I understand this a routine procedure however it isn’t for the patients going in. Everyone will react differently and have different backgrounds in terms of pain, symptoms and experiences and I feel this needs to be addressed more before the procedure begins to ensure the patient has a more positive experience.

I feel I have always had no qualms about attending hospital appointments and doctors appointments due to always feeling reassured and well looked after however after my experience yesterday I am now extremely nervous about attending the hospital in future and already worried about biopsy results as I do not wish to go back to the same doctor if there is any further treatment needed. I think it’s important to be more aware of each individual patient and especially when a procedure is quite invasive I feel it doesn’t go a miss to be more reassuring and understanding of each persons individual circumstances.