"There is no consistency in my care"

In 1997 I was referred to Good Hope Hospital with anal bleeding at the age of 26. I was told nothing was wrong with me and to improve my diet. This was even after witnessing severe internal ulceration on screens during a sigmoidoscopy procedure. Bleeding continued and my GP requested a second opinion. A second consultant then informed me that because of my age of 27, I should just eat properly.

I withdrew from attending because I felt there was a lack of care and thankfully with the support of my GP and the practice nurses had a difficult but successful pregnancy. In February 1998 I was admitted to Good Hope and told my colon was perforated. It had been blocked for some time. I was given an ileostomy and it was touch and go but successful.

Unfortunately, it took me a while to have any trust or confidence in consultants again because of my experience when I was 27. I was seen by my surgeon for duration of 11 years with lots more operations and investigations. I was diagnosed with Chrohn's Disease- fistulating chrohn's. I think I am a freak internally. I have a pouch called a W pouch- every one else seems to have a standard J pouch. I have had reversals and this went wrong as I contracted MRSA in 2004 after surgery which has left me with severe scarring. I tried to speak to my surgeons secretary recently and had no joy. I contacted Patient Advice Liaison Service and they told me last week my surgeon has retired. There has been no hand over or introduction to continue my care. I feel there is no consistency or best interest of me as a patient. Hippocrates would turn in his grave - never mind Hippocratic Oath more like “hypocrite’s oath”.