Similar to another authors experience, I was this week left feeling extremely disheartened and devastated by a telephone conversation with a member of staff at this department.
Having been referred to the infertility clinic in April by my surgeon for investigations due to my previous pelvic surgery, my partner and I had a first appointment with a registrar ( who was lovely and very reassuring) in June. We then had blood and semen analysis and I was given a pelvic ultrasound in July.
Following the results of these tests and an agonizing 5 week wait following a poorly worded letter I finally spoke to the registrar again in August. The registrar informed us that we would be placed on the IVF waiting list and nothing more could be done for us at Crosshouse.
However, we were still both eager for investigations to be carried out as my understanding is that my condition does not, in itself, mean you cannot conceive. The registrar empathised with our situation and offered to speak to a superior.
After much to-ing and fro-ing I finally had a discussion with a doctor. I was called out of the blue at work which took me by surprise and left me feeling unprepared for what turned out to be quite a confrontational exchange.
The doctor insisted that it would be too 'risky' to carry out a the procedure, but could not give me any real reason for this that related to my previous surgery. The doctor also compared me wanting this test to "all these young girls who wanted early cervical screening after Jade Goody was diagnosed with cancer" insisting that there was no medical benefit to me having the test and dismissing the idea that there might be a psychological benefit to me knowing if my tubes are working or not while we are trying to conceive and on the IVF waiting list.
After being forced to practically beg for this test, the doctor finally agreed to carry it out, but then said I would have to wait another 5 months. I was sure the registrar had previously mentioned there would be an 8-10 week wait for investigations and I felt as though I was being dismissed to the bottom of the pile again 8 months after I was first referred to the clinic to punish me for being so demanding.
To be honest I was apalled at the attitude and was so upset I had to rush home from work in tears.
I have taken independent advice from other medical professionals who do not agree that this test would be 'risky' for me and I have now been forced to book into a private clinic for it even although I do not have the financial means to pay for this.
"Experience with Gynaecology"
About: Crosshouse Hospital / Gynaecology Crosshouse Hospital Gynaecology KA2 0BE
Posted by Baglady (as ),
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Update posted by Baglady (the patient) 10 years ago
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