"Very helpful and positive experience with a..."

1. Fatigue and persistent yeast infections

2. My experience with the Mirena IUD

3. Why you should never rule out seeing a nurse

I had been suffering from recurrent yeast Infections, mouth ulcers and fatigue for two years, and I was not being taken seriously by doctors in London. Upon returning to Bath to study, I visited a Nurse Practitioner. She was very understanding and more than willing to investigate the underlying cause(s), which had previously not been the case at clinics in London, where I saw only doctors. Unlike the doctors I had seen in the past, the Nurse Practitioner took me seriously and the appointment did not feel rushed. In the previous year, In London, a blood test I had requested showed iron deficiency but was not reported to me. The Nurse Practitioner examined my records and has since prescribed iron tablets and a long-term course of pessary tablets. Together these treatments, along with clear lifestyle advise, have proved effective in treating the above.

I had another very positive experience with the Nurse Practitioner and a female nurse when it came to having my Mirena 'coil' fitted. The experience was professional yet also personal, in that it was fitted quickly and effectively, but they were both incredibly re-assuring and supportive. I had found the fitting uncomfortable and nauseating, as some individuals do, but they knew exactly how to handle the situation. Moreover, I was well informed prior to the fitting and cared for after, so I knew exactly what to expect and what to do if any problems should arise.

Every meeting with the Nurse Practitioner was pleasant, helpful and efficient. It's nice to know that I can find positive outcomes regarding healthcare. I would advise that other patients consider visiting nurses as opposed to doctors where appropriate. It's a misconception that you are always in safer hands with a doctor. Finally, a big thank you to the nurses at The University of Bath Medical Center.