"In pain: Lack of compassion and not taken seriously"

I was referred to Gynaecology at Leighton due to ongoing problems because of poor suturing following childbirth. Living in constant pain, dealing with bleeding and infection whilst looking after a new baby, I was relieved to be getting help especially as you hear so many women saying they suffer for years with things like this and are often too embarrassed to speak up.

Now I can honestly say that I can understand why a lot of women suffer in silence. After waiting months for an appointment, I was given probably a 5 second external exam for the consultant to diagnose me with mild asymmetry and say that no treatment was needed. I was absolutely distraught as my symptoms were affecting my day to day life both physically and emotionally. When I explained this it was turned around on me and the consultant went on to imply that it was mental health related which it certainly is not.

A letter was then sent to my GP explaining this leaving me no where to turn to be taken seriously and no access to pain relief. A midwife who examined me postnatally agreed that something was wrong as did the perineal clinic which is why I was referred in the first place. I have since been able to negotiate a second opinion with another consultant at Leighton who was a lot more compassionate as was the the person who accompanied them. The second consultant has referred me for minor surgery but unfortunately I am still unsure whether my injury has been fully understood and due to the diagnosis of the other consultant, feel that I have been labelled as a nuisance so am finding it impossible to be able to discuss my concerns before surgery.

I have now been trying to get hold of the second consultant since the beginning of August but keep getting told they are unavailable. I am also made to feel guilty as I am told there are many cancer patients waiting for treatment. Of course, I do not feel that my situation can be compared to someone with cancer however I am still suffering greatly and cannot work, exercise, go for a walk, sit comfortably or sleep at times so still believe I deserve to be treated. Some days are complete torture whilst looking after my baby who I cannot really take out at the moment.

I have also since got another private opinion who has recommended a different type of surgery which I agree would be the right thing to do but this would cost me around £6k with follow ups and medication. I also do not want to go back to my GP to get referred to a different hospital and go to back of the waiting list. To summarise, I am completely shocked by the way I have been treated and cannot understand how it’s even allowed to happen in this day and age.