Addenbrooke's Hospital

I visited Gynaecology from 2015 when I was 47 and had other appointments until 2019 when I walked away from the department. I was diagnosed with a 4 cm posterior left side subserosal fibroid in 2015. Stress caused this, as my periods became abnormal. I was getting heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure pain, muscle aches in the womb, aches in my left hip and aches/nerve pain down my left leg, abdominal swelling, extreme fatigue. It affects mobility and I find it hard to walk far. Medications to shrink it didn't work. UAE in 2017 only shrunk right side very slightly. Left side blood vessels were too small to embolise. I kept saying that I want it removed (laporascopic myomectomy) but I was refused this treatment. I just kept getting pushed to have a hysterectomy which I didn't want, as I am single and live alone. I was told to go to Pain Clinic which is not appropriate, as it is the fibroid causing symptoms. I kept getting pushed from consultant to consultant to get rid of me. The consultants didn't believe me that the fibroid was causing my pain. It is this causing problems, as there is nothing else wrong with me. I was ignored and my symptoms from the fibroid not taken seriously. I was just dismissed. I get the impression that NHS gynaecology departments don't bother treating fibroids in women over 45. Since 2019, I have visited three other NHS gynaecology departments (Hinchingbrooke 2019-2020), (St Mary's London 2020-2021, 2024-2025, (UCLH London 2023 & 2026). These three hospitals have also refused to treat the fibroid and just dismissed me. I am now 57 nearly 58. The fibroid is still 4 cm now calcified and has not shrunk. I don't get bleeding or menopause symptoms and just left in agonising pain taking prescription co-codamol for the past six years. I stopped working in 2015 and have been claiming benefits since 2016. I am still trying to find minimal evasive treatment on the NHS and still want to avoid hysterectomy. Women in their 40s and 50s with fibroids causing symptoms needs to be taken more seriously by NHS gynaecology departments. Dismissive attitudes from hospital gynaecologists need to be improved. The Womens Health Strategy is still not working.

I was treated on ward D5. the doctors and nurses were fantastic I was well informed and treated with respect my whole stay and the catering staff were great as well always helpful and friendly. Thank you all for helping me

Environment very noisy and messy. Professional staff did not acknowmelge coexisting conditions when revewing my case. Consultant seemed very uninteresred in me as patient. Very old fashioned approach to seeing a patient.

The information provided by the consultant was always honest and transparent. Any difficulties likely with the surgery was explained, options were discussed, although there really were not any alternative options! As a parent, I was able to consent to my child’s numerous surgeries with full information having knowledge of the risks, as difficult as that is, I would rather know the risks. My child’s had 6 years of involvement with the same surgeon, continuity of care was important to me. The downside was the aftercare from the nursing staff as internal communication could be a bit lacking. There were occasions when nursing staff wanted to administer medication that I knew was not appropriate, this led to some uncomfortable conversations, only to finally be confirmed by the surgeon it was not necessary. Aside from those few glitches, overall most of the nursing staff were as equally amazing, committed and compassionate as the surgeon, resulting in my son having amazing recoveries, and now he is able to enjoy a fulfilling life going forwards, without his health holding him back.

All the help you could ask for.

Each time I've had reason to visit Addenbrookes I have been very happy with the care and follow ups. I really like the MyChart system and the connection with my GP.

Excellent treatment and care oer a 8 months peiod and omgoing follow up treatments

Was fantastic

Fantastic hospital with wonderful staff, a real example of how the NHS should be run, thank you so much for the treatment and care I received.

It was a pre-op appointment and I was seen by Leo (a sister). Easy to talk to, listened, explained things and both myself and my wife took to her. Anyone who would smile and laugh at my stupid jokes scores highly! To be serious, all round first class. Thank you.