Late post op haematoma and poor support from Gynae CNS

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I had a hysterectomy 12 weeks ago for stage 1A grade 1A . Other than a week at home with a catheter my recovery has been straightforward . Three weeks ago the weekend after I started a phased return to work as a hospital pharmacist I started to experience the symptoms of a UTI -urinary tract infection. Two sets of antibiotics bring me to New Year’s Eve with severe left sided pain  and pelvic pain . The GP thought I might have a kidney stone but the specimen showed blood and white cells so started me again on broad spectrum antibiotics.

On New Year’s Day I had a vaginal bleed through my clothes . I am a hospital pharmacist working in the hospital where I had the op so I emailed the gynae cancer nurse

A gynae nurse called me back on 02/01  and was not that sympathetic. She did say that I needed to contact GATU -gynae acute treatment unit . They weren’t concerned after a call saying that I was 11 weeks so likely to be nothing. 
it seemed to settle but started to ooze on 03/01 so left work taking a half day leave .Continued with vulval pain and ooze Sat and Sunday 4th and 5th

i went home and had to call them as I had a major bleed . I was scared that an ambulance wouldn’t get to me in time . My haemoglobin stayed up so not a total disaster . They admitted me . On Monday I had 2 scans which  showed a 4.5cm probable collection of blood -haematoma . Three consultants were 95% sure this was just a collection in the vault but the radiologist wanted to do an MRI just to be sure nothing sinister . I was discharged Monday pm and my surgeon said she would call me . No sight or call from the gynae specialist nurses . 
I went back last night and had the MRI 

The radiographers said to me that the radiologist would have this reviewed  today . No call today I did email the surgeons secretary and she said she would leave a message for the surgeon. She said to email the gynae nurses . I have done this .but they have been no support at all .

If they call you they talk at you . They are really there to communicate with patients to save medical staff time . They talked at me  They did not tell me the pathway. I had to work that out myself . The only thing they said on the first call  “ You are only at the start of your cancer journey “ What does that even mean . Any information came from social media . They don’t use open questions. 
I had an emergency admission this weekend and I have not heard from them. I was due an end of treatment meeting this month so they sent me the documents . Included was instructions for Kegel exercises 3 months too late . 

I will feed all this back . I just needed to get it off my chest 
if you got here I am very grateful 

  • Hi Aoife, if you press on my name and you will see my bio regarding post care but also lack of response from the cancer nurse specialist, unfortunately I had a rubbish one that certainly opened my eyes to some nursing practices as my brother in-law had a great nurse specialist, at my consultant appointment after my surgery I didn't hold back on what I felt regarding nursing care towards the ward I was in and informed the Consultant that the work done by the medical team was great but the ward and the nursing staff on the back shift left a lot to be desired and that I wouldn't go back there no matter what as there basic nursing practice was definitely non existent just like his cancer nurse specialist who lacked in good communication skills unfortunately the day shift and back shift were two very different teams and that the back shift were nothing short of a disgrace to other nursing staff who's basic care when above and beyond.

  • Hi Aoife

    I am so sorry that you have gone through this and are not getting the support you need.

    I wonder if it is worth contacting your GP today? Every time I was seen at the hospital, paperwork was sent electronically the same day to my GP. I wonder if they could look at your notes and give some clarification. 

    Jane

           

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