"Most tremendous holistic care"

I had suffered for years with severe period pain and bowel and bladder problems and had failed to go to my doctor through a mixture of embarrassment and assuming it was just part of a "woman's lot" to endure. I had had heavy and painful periods all my life. At 48 I assumed I was approaching the menopause and this was why the pain had gotten worse but it was only at the point the pain became unbearable that I eventually plucked up the courage to go to my GP in February this year. I was also ashamed that it had taken me so long to do.

My GP, Dr Wright of the Gorbals Health Centre was extremely understanding and made various referrals for me to get an endoscopy, a colonoscopy and and scan. She suspected it may be a fibroid causing many of the symptoms. My scan at the Royal Infirmary showed a 15cm cyst and a 7cm fibroid. I attended Victoria Hospital gynaecology it was established I was anaemic and further blood tests showed that the CA125 reading was high ( a possible sign of ovarian cancer)

My endoscopy and colonoscopy at Gartnavel General came back clear. I then attended the new Southern Hospital for an MRI which showed a shadow within the cyst. At Stobhill Hospital I was informed by surgeon Dr Siddiqui that I would need a full hysterectomy. He clearly explained the procedure in April for an operation in May. Biopsy would be done following the hysterectomy and if positive I would be referred for chemotherapy.

I was put in touch with an oncologist key worker Lynette who was there at the end of the phone to explain things. I was operated on on in May at Glasgow Royal Infirmary where I was a patient for a week. I received my results the next week after leaving hospital which were clear much to my relief.

I had the most tremendous holistic care from February onwards this year at every hospital I attended. I wish I could name every doctor, nurse, auxiliary individually for being so supportive and helpful. Particular thanks go to my GP who contacted me personally to keep my updated and informed, to Dr Siddiqui for performing the surgery and his very detailed personal and considerate approach and the staff of ward 56B of the Royal Infirmary who gave me the most tremendous post operative care. I have made a full recovery and feel very lucky. I cannot thank everyone enough.