"One of the worst experiences"

This is one of the worst experiences.  I found out I was pregnant and having some minor pains.   I attended A+E east surrey with extreme D and V who didn't know what to do. They did a blood test and didn't test for HCG. They left me hooked to an unmovable IV with curtains shut whilst I had to go toilet. Unfortunately despite shouting for someone when I needed tissues and loo (they stopped briefly and told me I could get the tissues myself and they ran quite quickly away) I did soil myself. I was really humiliated and removed the cannula twisty thing myself and took myself to nurses station to remove the rest. I then somehow got myself home.

I attended EPU after making an appointment and figuring out from google that's what I needed to do.  It took me 4 days of calling and leaving voicemails to get one.  At one stage my sister had to call as I became fairly distressed. 

At the first scan they couldn't see a Yolk so they said it could be ectopic, I had to wait for 2 hours in a room to have a leaflet handed to me. 

There was a repeat scan in 10 days.   I attended and the sonographer said I just want to get as many images for the doctor as possible. The pain was incredible.  It was an internal scan and I had to hold my side and grab the bed with my other hand.  They completely angled the equipment from one side to the other quickly, and kept saying I know it's uncomfortable but just hold on a moment nearly done. (I have had bleeding since this scan consistently -it may have been coincidence)

I was told I would need a blood test and was put in a separate room. I waited 2 hours to be given a leaflet on miscarriage without explanation. I was then told I didn't need a blood test.

The doctor called me two days later to say that they could see the yolk but it was faint and I would need another scan in 10 days.

 

I came back in for the scheduled appointment with my mother who works nights to be told my appointment had been moved and they had tried to call me. I explained I had had no missed calls. I agreed to come back in 4 hours. I was seen by a much gentler sonographer who did the internal scan and stated it didn't look good but didn't say much else. I waited to see someone for 5 hours hours after this and was told by doctor covering another ward that the pregnancy most likely wouldn't continue.

 

I went home extreme tired and traumatised. I had watched lots of women come in and out of the rooms and did my best to avoid listening or hearing anything private. There was a lady who had a room who had been left there very unwell for hours and her husband was very upset, I did my best not get emotional and really struggled sitting in reception all that time. 

I was told to come back again in 5 days, during which time I was sure I miscarried. I left messages and did receive a return voicemail advising me what to do. So I followed this. The sonographer at this last appointment was quick to scan and said there was some cysts which is normal and no baby.

The nurse had said prior to going in to wait and speak to them afterwards

Every time the sonographer  came out they kept asking why I was still there.   I had to insert myself into the conversation and say a nurse told me to wait. I really struggled to not break down. They were busy so I waited about 2 hours. I then said I had some issues I was concerned about and they recommended the need to have a swab for infection. I waited 5 hours for this. I then waited 4 hours for antibiotics to be told that because I was allergic to penicillin they couldn't offer me any. 

The only saving grace was the kindness of one nurse. Everyone else was not very helpful. I thought the receptionist was shocking. I frequently watched them avoid the phone and pretend to be doing things and even make mistakes because they didn't understand the situation (the nurse was booking me in for my next appointment and the receptionist was trying to do it at the same time.  I told them what was happening and then they accused me of not telling them).   Everything was very scary for me.  I have never been pregnant before. I'm pregnant again and unfortunately more than likely miscarrying but I have done everything in my power to avoid coming here. Its a last resort now.