"My consultant's approach to my care"

I was referred by my GP to the breast unit at the Western General in Edinburgh. I had a several physical examinations, 2 sets of mammograms and an ultrasound.  

I was then told I would be going downstairs for a biopsy and that I would be having a local anaesthetic. 

I had expected the consultant to run through the results of the investigations I had already had and give me some feedback.  I wanted to discuss them with those closest to me before deciding how to proceed. 

I explained that I preferred not to have a biopsy that day and that it would help me if they could share with me their reasons for recommending a biopsy.

I thought this was very reasonable question, but they seemed to be incensed by it. I was astonished by how angry they looked. They then stood up, strode to the centre of the room, started waving their arms and said: No! we'll discuss it after the biopsy

I didn't really know what to say, I was stunned. I took a deep breath and said I was just trying to get a better understanding of the situation.

They looked agitated, waved their arms again and said I would have surgery, be given tablets. And then I would be able to live a completely normal life.

I chose to make arrangements to be treated elsewhere as I felt that if they were so erratic when I was awake, I didn't want to be rendered unconscious and have them anywhere near me with a knife in their hand.

This is only one part of my experience of this consultant's behaviour.

Having made the choice to remove myself from the situation I was shocked a couple of months later when I started to have nightmares and panic attacks. I was very lucky that I knew how to access appropriate support to resolve the issues.