"First time colposcopy"

Going to hospital for any appointment can be daunting but especially so when it comes to first time invasive procedures. First I met one of the nurses who immediately came across as warm and friendly then I met my Doctor who was going to be carrying out my colposcopy procedure. I did not get the same feeling, the first thing I noticed was a lack of eye contact instead was looking at the buttons on my dress. This immediately unnerved me as I felt like they were nervous or uncomfortable being there.

Started off by explaining why I had been invited here and went straight into the worst outcome of having my cervix removed. As a 24 year old with no previous health issues regarding my cervix it somewhat floored me to even hear that mentioned, so this then became all I could think about and panic set in. 

Then it came time for the procedure, I got undressed and into a gown. I was introduced to the two nurses and got into the chair. As soon as the procedure started I was uncomfortable and shaking. Out of pain, fear and nervousness I started to cry and couldn’t hold it together. The nurses did well to comfort me and I was thankful they were there as my partner wasn’t allowed to be with me due to COVID restrictions.

My biggest issue with the procedure was the severe lack of explanation I received as to what they were doing inside me at each step. I felt a multitude of different sensations and pains but was never told what was causing it or what was going to happen next. I find being talked through a procedure is much more comforting and wish this had been the case. It didn’t help that the Doctor was very soft spoken so even when they did speak it was difficult to understand anything. I did hear that there was an area of concern and they were going to do three biopsies.

After the procedure was over and I was back in my own clothes I sat back down to go over things with my doctor. They said I did well and explained I’d have to wait 6-8 weeks for the biopsy results. Then spoke about what would happen if I needed further action which of course is a scary thought too. After the whole ordeal and I think sensing my distress, said they were only moderate changes so I probably wouldn’t need anything else done. Why not start with this rather than putting the fear of god into me by opening with having my cervix removed?

Don’t get me wrong I’m grateful for the appointment and even though I found it traumatic I’m glad I had it done. I had just hoped for a warmer more approachable doctor and if I hadn’t been so shell shocked I would have been in a better mind frame to ask questions. I now feel like I don’t actually have any more knowledge or understanding of what is going on with my body.

Staff attitude

Explanations

Nurses

Doctor