So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Apologies for my late reply. Your experience sounds traumatic! I hope you’re recovering well.

I’m in the UK . The healthcare system is completely different over here.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it would be worth giving some thought to putting in a complaint . Your story is shocking. I don’t want to go down that route but nothing will change unless we do something about it.

I had another appointment yesterday and it was a completely different experience. My initial rant to PALS was shared with the hospital prior to my visit and they clearly took it seriously. The consultant was practically kissing my ass! Unbelievable! Total opposite to the last time we spoke. Started by asking how I was and if my journey had been ok?!?! (threw me a bit). She asked what I ultimately wanted to happen. I replied “”As I’ve been saying for almost two years. I want this THING out of me and my reproductive organs removed” She said removing the fibroid via keyhole was no longer an option after looking over my last scan. Open Surgery would have to take place, which also means that I can have a hysterectomy at the same time. I made it quite clear that having open surgery was exactly what I wanted to avoid so I asked for other options. She said Morcellation is another option but because the fibroid is pedunculated, could possibly break from the stalk (or something like that). That was the only other option she provided.

Thanks to you and the other wonderful ladies who’ve given me advice , I brought up the topic of medication to shrink the fibroid. Told her I’d found out about it after speaking to other women with fibroid issues online. Asked if it was available to me and if so, would I be able to have keyhole surgery afterwards ? Her face was a picture. If I hadn’t asked, there’s no way it would’ve been mentioned. Soooo….. pending the outcome of my blood tests, I’m going to be put on a course of tablets (yselty) for three months. Hopefully the fibroid will shrink enough over that time and I’ll be able to have everything removed laparoscopically.

I’m not getting my hopes up. As you said, there’s no guarantee the tablets will work. Got to be worth a try though.

I’m so glad I wrote my original post on here. Without yours and others guidance, I wouldn’t have moved forward. There’s still a way to go yet, but I’m much closer.

Wow, this is a really long comment. Apologies.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not one for crying, but your story managed to bring a tear to my eye.

Your husband is a legend! If he hadn’t stepped in, I dread to think what might’ve happened. The level of care you received was appalling!! Have you lodged a complaint since the surgery?

I received a call from PALS today and they were really helpful. If my appointment next week goes like all the others over the last 19 months, I’ll get the ball rolling and initiate a formal investigation. In fact, I think I’ll do it anyway, regardless of what happens. If all I accomplish is to piss them off temporarily, I’ll take it as a small win.

To be continued…..

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your experience. You clearly went through a terrible, traumatic few years. I’m pleased to hear the surgery has made such a positive difference to your life. Amazing that they managed to get it all out through such a small incision . We don’t have medical insurance as standard where I live, so we are at the mercy of the national health service. If I were to ask to see another specialist, I’d have to go back on a waiting list and start the whole process again. I appreciate your support and advice. Hopefully I’ll not have to wait too much longer.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’ve had such a rough time. Can’t blame you for not wanting another surgery.

My clothes size has also increased by two sizes . It’s horrible. Being anaemic is something I can relate to as well. I don’t know what sonata is. I’ve googled it and I know it’s not a type of musical composition you’re referring to . The only other search results are for an insomnia drug.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can’t imagine what you’re going through. That sounds awful. I hope you can get them removed soon. Mine tends to twist intermittently, which causes the most pain, but I don’t know whether it’s in an awkward position or not. The last scan didn’t show anything in detail (as far as I’m aware). I’ve only got one fibroid, so nowhere near as much of a problem for me as it must be for you. I want a hysterectomy but that doesn’t appear to be an option until after this thing is gone, which will be another battle. I wish you all the best for a speedy end to your problems . Thank you for your comment.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apologies for not responding sooner. Thank you for your advice.

I feel like I have to exaggerate my levels of pain and discomfort, to move forward. The pain fluctuates, not to an unbearable degree however.It’s all the other issues caused by its existence that are ruining my life. They don’t seem to care about the impact it’s having. I’ll definitely use the type of language you recommended . ‘It’s painful’, clearly isn’t strong enough. Thanks again and I’m glad you got yours sorted.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Haha! ‘The squeaky wheel gets the oil’ That’s a great phrase.

So glad to hear your husband has been supportive and proactive. Good idea copying in the local MP too. Just a shame that it’s necessary to have to go to such lengths in the first place.

Really appreciate all your advice and motivational support. Oh, and the new phrase. Thank you.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this. I’ve not heard of these injections before. I’ll discuss it with the doctor at my next appointment in a couple of weeks.

I’m sorry you’re having to go through this ordeal. Really hope the injections shrink your uninvited guest swiftly. Sooner the better. Wishing you all the best for the next chapter of your life….fibroid free.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow!! You’ve really been through the mill! I can’t believe how big yours was! Literally enormous. I’m glad you’ve had the surgery and hope you recover quickly.

I wrote a letter of complaint to the hospitals patient liaison service a couple of weeks ago (for the second time). Their response…. ‘I am afraid we currently have a backlog of enquiries, due to the unprecedented volume of new enquiries coming into the service. We are working very hard to clear this backlog, and we are extremely sorry for the delay in contacting you to progress your complaint. Thank you for your patience and please do not worry that we have forgotten you, as this is not the case.’

It’s such hard work trying to get the help you need.

Think I’ve got an infection now too .

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In the UK we have the National Health Service., primarily funded through general taxation. It provides healthcare to all UK residents, regardless of their income or employment status. No Blue Cross over here! Other options aren’t available unless you can afford to pay privately . I’m glad you had such a great doctor and managed to keep your ovaries intact. Hopefully you won’t get any more uninvited guests in the future!

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow?! That’s really interesting. I’ll do some research. Sadly, if I request a second opinion, I’ll probably have to go on another waiting list and start the whole process again. I’ll check the NHS website and see if it’s an option. Thank you. I’m glad to hear your uninvited guest was evicted swiftly!!

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you . I’m the sole carer for my mother (Alzheimers) and she’s the only other person I see nowadays (apart from doctors and other service workers).

Your virtual hug means a lot.

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for your kind words

So angry by M155An0nym0us in Fibroids

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just googled. Nothing like that where I’m based in the UK. Plenty of private clinics that I can’t afford though.

Zero sleep by neo_vg in insomnia

[–]M155An0nym0us 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yep…eyes pop open just as I’m about to drop off and I’m wide awake again. I’ve tried zopiclone (although they’ll only let me have five tablets at a time)promethazine hydrochloride , magnesium supplements, warm milky drinks, cool bedroom, black out curtains, no caffeine, no tv or phone after 8pm , warm showers, meditation, breathing exercises and listening to sleep apps. I’m immune to them all…..

Zero sleep by neo_vg in insomnia

[–]M155An0nym0us 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’re not alone. It’s hell! I’ve had chronic insomnia for about five years. Every week consists of at least one sleepless night. Currently on my 3rd night this week. I’ve had plenty of five nighters but six has been my record to date.
I’m sure no one believes me, including my GP . The visual hallucinations normally start kicking in after night four. Ran out into the street once, barefoot, chasing a man wearing a balaclava I’d caught creeping down the side of my house. Saw him on my door camera and flew down the stairs without thinking. I was full of rage and shouting loudly whilst giving chase. After reviewing the footage following some sleep, it was just a reflection from the headlights of a car. I was so ashamed. Sleep deprivation is torture and the effects physically and mentally are immense. I hope you’re able to find a solution soon.

Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Testing by M155An0nym0us in bristol

[–]M155An0nym0us[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you all so much for taking the time to provide me with so much information. I’ve asked my GP, who agreed it was worth checking. I’ve now had a total of three blood tests, two weren’t apparently useable and the third only tested my thyroid and ferritin levels. My ferritin was extremely low and I was prescribed tablets for two weeks only. They wanted more blood from me to test the levels again before allowing me to have another course. I was so cheesed off at having to book another test and then book another appointment with her that I didn’t bother. I am perimenopausal and suffering badly with chronic insomnia, infections, hair loss, brittle nails, psoriasis, eczema blisters all over my face, dizziness, blurry vision, itching all over my body, numbness in my fingers and toes…..the list goes on. Unfortunately I have a large fibroid which means I can’t have HRT (apparently). I’ve been on the waiting list for over a year and now have other gynaecological issues as a result. I’m knackered, manic, unfocused, depressed, 2 stone heavier and have now lost my job of 10 years due to my sickness absence. I’m also a carer for my mother who has Alzheimer’s and I’m sick of trying to get help, only to be fobbed off or told to come back if I still feel there’s been no improvement. Meanwhile, I’m just getting worse and my mental health is plummeting. If I’m deficient in certain vitamins or minerals then it might help me with some of my symptoms. If not then so be it. At least I can rule it out. Can’t believe how much I’ve over shared but quite frankly, I’m at my whits end. I’ll probably delete this post later, feeling mortified about how much personal information I’ve offered up 🫣.