"Chronic Gynaecology Pain"

I am a 25 year old woman who has lived with Vulvodynia since my early teenage years. I have tried various treatment options throughout the years, including paying (self funded) for private care in England to have a PRF procedure. I have been under the care of gynaecology, the chronic pain team and physio at various times.

By 2019, my pain was becoming unbearable and I was having to take time off from work. My GP re-referred me to the Gynaecology department in Raigmore (who have seen me previously with little benefit - my current medication plan has been put together by a great GP I once had and the private care team I was seen by).

I was seen in December 2019 by a gynaecology consultant who prescribed creams (which provided no relief. I have tried these creams previously but the doctor insisted I try them again) and advised that a similar procedure to the one I received in London was available in Raigmore that could be of benefit to me if the creams didn't help (which I had already explained were not beneficial).

During this appointment, the consultant openly stated my pain may be as a result of Zoladex injections I received under NHS Highland as a pre-teen - particularly due to a student nurse administering an injection incorrectly. I had a follow up conversation with the consultant over the phone in January 2020 and she advised it would be reasonable to try the procedure discussed. Understandably, the coronavirus pandemic has slowed down treatments however by the summer of 2020, I had still had no response. I have contacted the gynaecology department on various occasions but was met by the response that they 'had no idea' when I would be seen due to long waiting lists. I asked if I could speak with a consultant over the phone as my pain really was unbearable and I was off work sick but I was told it was at the 'discretion of the doctor' if they wanted to phone.

My GP also got in touch with the department to request an appointment for me. This was three months ago and I have not received a phone call or follow up appointment. I have now been living with Vulvodynia for over ten years and have had very little support from the gynaecology department at Raigmore Hospital. They have been dismissive of my pain despite admitting to me that it may be wrongly administered treatment under the NHS that resulted in my life-long pain.

I have been left to 'manage' my pain independently despite there being a treatment available which may help relieve my pain (I am realistic and know it will not cure my condition) and with the gynaecology department giving me no idea of when I will be seen. It has now been 15 months since my appointment with gynaecology without any follow up treatment. It has left me feeling hopeless and dismissed.