"My hysterectomy journey"

I had a full hysterectomy at the RAH in Paisley under the care of Dr Naheed (cervix, womb, tubes and ovaries removed).

The journey to get to this point was very much supported and informed by the wonderful Dr Naheed.  

I had been bleeding very very heavily for many months following life changing HRT commencing to manage some many unpleasant symptoms.  I was referred to Gynaecology and my first appointment was at the Vale of Leven Hospital. A doctor there decided to do a hysteroscopy and fit a marina coil.  The doctor was unable to proceed as they were unable to get through the cervix.

I was then sent for a hysteroscopy and for a marina coil as a day patient to have it done under general anaesthetic.  This time I attended as a day patient to the RAH hospital in Paisley.  When I came around from the surgery, I was very lucky to meet Dr Naheed, who was my surgeon.  She took time to carefully explain that the operation had been unsuccessful, as they had been unable to get through my cervix.  She was very calm and knowledgeable and put me at ease,  taking time to ensure that I understood what had happened and why, and what my next steps were.

Dr Naheed arranged an MRI SCAN and telephoned me to go through the results in detail and to discuss my options, again making sure I understood all the options going forward.  I was then booked in for a full hysterectomy under the care of Dr Gupta, but with Dr Naheed as well.

I went into the ward the week before to meet with Dr Naheed and sign the consent papers.  Again, she gave me her time and made sure all my questions and concerns were answered. 

After the operation I saw Dr Naheed and she spent some time explaining the procedure and what had happened - she also showed me some photos which I found really reassuring.  My specimens have been sent to histopathology and Dr Naheed will write to me with the results when they are known.

DR Naheed is an exceptional doctor.  She has many skills, but I wanted to especially mention her absolute skill, empathy and the rapport she builds with her patients.  It's something you cannot learn, you have it or you don't, and she has it in abundance.

I felt completely supported throughout the process and as a result was able to make informed decisions around next steps.  I was so very lucky to meet with and be supported by Dr Naheed.