"Informed consent"

I was referred by my GP in early January 2018 to the Rapid Access Gynaecology Clinic. Prior to the appointment, I received a sheet explaining different procedures in the out patient clinic, there was no mention about pain from an Endometrial Biopsy, just period-like discomfort.

I attended an out-patient appointment at Chester-le-Street Hospital in January where I had an ultrasound performed. I was then sent upstairs to see a doctor. I am unaware of their name as they did not introduce themselves.

The doctor said they would examine me and take a sample. They did not explain what they were about to do. My husband was with me and noticed there was something which looked like a plastic straw, which the doctor inserted inside me. Then they asked me to cough and at that point, I experienced a javelin-like pain which was so excruciating, I screamed and nearly jumped off the table. There was no warning of any pain at all.

I am a nurse myself and I am not afraid of pain, but this was totally unexpected and I was unprepared for this procedure. The doctor had to remove the instruments and I bled for the rest of that day.

The following day, I had severe 'cramping pains'. I really felt that my body had been violated. Both my husband and I feel that this procedure is barbaric and I was not provided with informed consent. The risks were not explained to me and had I known what would happen, I would not have consented to this procedure.

We were due to go on holiday to Spain 3 days later. However, I was in discomfort and 5 days later, I developed severe pain and had to attend 2 Spanish hospitals. We ended up cutting our holiday short by 9 days as I was in so much pain.

I have since attended for this procedure under a general anaesthetic, which was not painful.

5 weeks after this procedure, my body remains very inflamed and I have blood in my urine. Today I was informed that my Liver Function was abnormal. I have also now been referred to a Urologist.

Prior to this procedure, I was fit and healthy, very active, working full time, running a community dance group, swimming 200 lengths a week, cycling and walking. I remain in some discomfort and the pain wakes me up at night.

I wish I could turn the clock back and refuse that initial procedure as I was not warned what could happen.