"Care after hysterectomy"

Anything else?

My daughter was treated at this hospital for endometriosis. Her initial consultation was impressive. The consultant examined her and gave a very accurate diagnosis. My daughter was experiencing so much pain due to the endometriosis that she quickly opted to have a total hysterectomy. The implications of this did not become fully apparent until afterwards. My daughter, in my opinion, might have been referred for counselling to review her decision. However, after this operation she suffered more pain. She was sent for a potentially dangerous (in the circumstances) test on her colon. The procedure was stopped at her request and because she was screaming in pain. Eventually she was taken seriously. Her bowel had become stuck in scar tissues. So she had a further operation to remedy this. She was distressed when she was often asked could she be pregnant and asked if this could not be flagged on her notes but this was rejected. Also when she had to have a scan the doctor said well, we know we won't find a baby in there!!! After this and up until today she is still in pain. She has a degree in silversmithing,works as a school librarian and teaching assistant both for children and adults with learning difficulties. All jobs require a lot of energy and commitment and I admire her for her robust attitude in the face of daily pain. However I am not pleased with the reponses of the team to her pain. I don't know how a letter could be sent saying that the team hope she feels reassured because she has had tests which apparently show nothing. She has now been discharged from the Gynaecology clinic because 'nothing more can be done'. My daughter is attending a pain clinic where she may have to have injections around the base of her spine to, hopefully, alleviate the pain. I had hoped for a more scientific approach. Obviously there are tests which can be done to show if there has been nerve damage. Maybe an MRI scan does not show anything. Perhaps other tests need to be offered. I have attended appointments with my daughter on 2 occasions. At one the consultant asked if I spoiled her !!! At the last when my daughter asked what would an MRI scan be likely to show she was told probably nothing. The doctor seemed quite defensive when asked about possible nerve damage, dismissing the pain clinic's letter mentioning certain nerves as 'guesswork'. I feel that my daughters treatment has been inadequate and insensitive. I have her permission to write this review.