"Womens gynaecologic problems/pelvic floor"

The last two times I have been seen by gynaecologists at the Women’s Day Clinic at ARI and Grampian Sexual Problems Clinic in Aberdeen Health Village, I left in tears. I was referred for pelvic floor problems following childbirth.

At my most recent consultation to the Women’s Day Clinic I was basically told the issues that I have are the price to pay for having a bundle of joy, that I was normal and to basically just get on with it. I tried to explain that the issues have affected my sexual self-esteem and have had a detrimental effect on my sexual function and intimate relationships, but it seems this is not important enough to get treatment for. During that appointment I was assessed internally. Before examining me the Dr left the room to get an auxiliary nurse. I did not ask for a chaperone, nor was I asked if I’d like one present. This made the whole experience so much worse. The last thing I wanted was to discuss Xmas shopping with a nurse while the Dr had their fingers up my vagina. And to make things even worse, they started discussing my issues in front of the nurse. I felt so embarrassed, uncomfortable and completely exposed.

I was also referred to the Grampian Sexual Problems clinic for the same health concern – damage to pelvic floor. I do not know what the clinic is for, as I didn’t get much from it. There was no treatment offered or any plan or even advice to help feel better about my problem.

For stress incontinence, a member of staff at the Women’s Day Clinic said they would recommend taking me off my anti-depressants and replacing this with another called Duluxotine, which apparently treats stress incontinence. I voiced my concerns that I would be worried to do that as I've tried lots of antidepressants and have found a good equilibrium with the one I am on now. I said I'd have to read about it first which I did, and from what I've read, Duluxotine is not a good option for me. One review said it took 2 years to come off of and the withdrawals were like coming off speed. I later spoke to my GP practice and they said Duluxotine was one of the worst antidepressants. So god knows how my mental state (which is low because of all this) would have ended up if I went on that drug.  

So the moral of this story - get a C-section - because, from my experience, there isn't anything going to be done to fix you or make you feel better.

.