"Day surgery, outpatients Rochdale infirmary."

After the very traumatic birth of my son 19 yrs ago I was diagnosed with PTSD, I wouldn't have been able to consider having any more children if I wasn't able to have an elective c section. Even sitting in the gyno out patients would make me cry (very embarrassing)

I'm not weak in any other area of my life, but you mention stirrups and gynaecologists and I morph into a scared child.

So all my worse fears came to fruition when I discovered I needed to have a hysteroscopy and polypectomy (clinically speaking- simple procedures, to me- a big deal) it was all performed under general anesthetic.

I can honestly say the staff that dealt with me during my two children's births made both experiences all the more traumatic and even though it was many years ago I was expecting the same kind of treatment which contributed greatly for how its affected me all these years, so much so I've avoided smears or any gynecological investigations. (the recent problem was discovered incidentally during an MRI on my lumber)

How utterly releived and greatful I was to find every member of staff that dealt with me today so lovely.

Nobody made me feel silly for what must have come across as disproportionate drama on my part.

I cannot thank them enough for being so kind and understanding, I wish I could let them know how much their empathy, kindness & consideration for my dignity has had such an impact on me. I feel like the weight I've been carrying around with me for almost 20 years has been lifted somewhat.

I have the prospect of further procedures coming up in the next few mths, and after all these years of being screwed up by past experiences I feel I can face them with a bit more strength they gave me today.