"Having a Polypectomy"

My story began at the end of December 2018 when I noticed some slight 'post menopausal bleeding' and mentioned it to my GP. She gave me a 2 week referral to get checked at Grantham hospital. I was given a very quick appointment (by telephone) for a few days time.

This first appointment was sadly disappointing. The doctor said I 'should' have had a scan first (which makes sense now, but I didn't know that, certainly not then, plus this was the appointment I had been given). They said they would 'try and take a sample' but (of course - now I know having had the procedure done later) didn't even have a Hysteroscope in which to perform a (camera) investigation and biopsy, so they actually did nothing (apart from a very quick examination)! (apparently they had also written on my notes that I 'couldn't tolerate the procedure' which made me angry because that was simply not the case - there WAS no procedure that occurred!!) I don't know if the doctor was just placating me given that I was there - but (of course) without a scan they would not have know what to look for or what to have taken a biopsy of!). Not their fault I hadn't had a scan of course - but not mine either. That appointment was 'wasted' time for the NHS and would have been better given to someone else. 

The doctor then said they would refer me for a scan 'within 2 weeks' but (apparently) forgot to do so, so, after 2 weeks I rang to get an appointment for the scan myself, which was then quite quick (and extremely professionally handled). So all of this took nearly 5 weeks from my original GP referral. I then needed a hystoscopy to see what was going on and to take biopsies of my womb (it was discovered I had a Polyp). That was delivered very professionally (different doctor) and all concerned were excellent. I then had a very long wait to get the results (I was told '2  -3 weeks') and 'phoned weekly to chase (at least 8 weeks). The Medical Secretary I called was brilliant all the way through, but it was difficult to get hold of any information.This was the worst part, the waiting and worrying and chasing. It would have been better to set my expectations lower and tell me I wouldn't hear for at least 8 weeks. Finally the results came through (all clear) verbally at first, followed by a letter 2 weeks later and I was advised I needed a Truclear Polypectomy 'in due course'. That letter came through 04.19 and I finally had that little op this weekend on 08.19 (with one weeks' notice by letter. All the letter said was the date, time and location - no information about the actual procedure, but I looked it up myself) - which was a great experience at Lincoln Hospital - the Consultant and Team were fantastic.I can only heap praise on them!

 I would say that my overall experience has been overly long and unnecessarily confusing and worrying. A total of 7 months start to finish, of course I do appreciate that my case was non-urgent (but I didn't know that for a long time), and that I am just a number in an extremely stretched and busy profession. I feel that if I hadn't've been able to speak up for myself and to make the calls I did to get the whole thing moving, I may still be waiting for my scan!

However, when I did get to see Consultants (except for the very first doctor) and healthcare professionals they were all absolutely amazing, put me at my ease and did a fantastic job. So 'big tick' for all the people involved (except one!) and 'thumbs down' for lack of communication and speed. I completely understand the pressure that everyone is under however, so don't wish to sound ungrateful or overly negative- this is simply about trying to provide some feedback (which is mostly about poor communication) but at the same time to recognise and thank the people working through all of the red tape and admin who have been great, and very professional. I do appreciate the people involved.