Group gynae physio for prolapse

[mamaslatts]

I have been referred to physio for prolapse and had a letter saying first appointment was a 'group' appointment. It states you won't have to disclose intimate information but you sort of have just by being there.

I asked If I could have an appointment by myself but was told no, first appointment was always a group. I'm upset to be honest. Partly because I don't want to have a bloody group appointment about something so private, also someone always insists on bringing their bloody partner despite being told they are not supposed to and also I don't think there is any chance whatsoever if men had a problem with prolapsed balls or similar they would be expected to go to a bloody group to discuss it.

Has anyone been to one of these at all? Not sure whether to cancel at them moment.

Doesn't this breech confidentiality? I wonder if you can insist on an individual session?

Oops, bold fail.

Thanks for the info Afonavon and Branleuse

Its a little reassuring. Although I will feel less aggrieved if there's a man's group for swinging ball sacks.

Maybe your GP could refer you ? It's self referral where I live.

I've had one of these! It's just an information session about what is available and how it works. It will be about an hour long and is in no way intimate or inappropriate!
You will get a fluids diary to fill out and another appointment with just your physio. Good luck x

Dame I asked but was told the first session is a group session.

Cross post!

It’s not a question of what is too much to ask for- they have to ration. Or not provide the service at all.
You can choose not to accept it and not get treatment.

Think of being an inpatient- how much private stuff happens (using a bed pan/having a bed bath/discussing your bowels) and how private rooms are very much what is needed- but there isn’t the money to staff and provide them

I get how you feel but your choice is this or no treatment so I’m suggesting you alter your mindset if you can and be brave and go for it.

Thanks Era does wine count as fluids?

Think of being an inpatient- how much private stuff happens (using a bed pan/having a bed bath/discussing your bowels)

With bed curtains drawn to retain privacy!

Honestly? I’m a private person. I would wear a hoody and a big scarf.

I’m a gob on a stick but some people are naturally shy and would find talking about their bodies absolutely excruciating.

stiffasaboard - I'm a nurse so I am familiar with the problems with the nhs. I do protect my patients' dignity but not all HCPs do and I think the lack of resources can sometimes be a bit of an excuse for this to go out the window. It really shouldn't be.

We run 'group consultations' at our GP surgery for things like Diabetes, asthma, various physio things. There is a trained facilitator in charge and a clinician (doctor/nurse practitioner) on hand. It is made very clear that it is absolutely NOT a therapy/counselling/sharing or talking group. No one shares stuff, it's all about giving education to 10-15 people at a time, which saves a lot of clinic time. And it's only for patients, not loads of hangers-on.

These sorts of groups have proved to be really popular and patients are learning more, understanding better and are more likely to follow advice. (A bit like your kids taking more notice of a class teacher than learning stuff at home from an education website!)

Hope it goes ok

I could be wrong but is this more like a triage/ gateway thing?

When I was pregnant and had severe SPD I had to go to a group physio before I could get a one to one appointment... it was totally crap but I just went through the motions and booked my appointment when I left.

Sorry if I've misunderstood....

redbedheadd I'm not sure as I have very little info to go on. It may be although I think it is more as notanother describes in terms of group info judging by what other people have said. I'm not against these as a concept (went to antenatal classes for instance) but I guess I'm just feeling pretty delicate that I have this. I feel pretty old and clapped out if I'm honest

Oh @mamaslatts --- sending you love, poor you ☹️

It's awful but hopefully you just sit and listen to a nurse give a mini lecture and you don't need to input or say anything about yourself... then book an individual appointment as soon as you leave.

It's very insensitive of them

Although I am sympathetic, I do feel that it would be beneficial if prolapse was more widely talked about, which might lead to better awareness of how to manage the condition, how to access care etc. I suffer myself but am very open about it with other women and it's been an eye-opener when I do talk about it how many others open up and admit to problems but also how little most women know about care and treatment. This in turn allows it to remain low profile to the medical community (and other relevant professionals such as fitness instructors). I really don't think this is shit care, but a way of showing women they are not alone (even if they don't want to talk) and getting very important information out there. Having said all that, a one to one appointment should be available to those who really can't face the group, but I think offering the group option first is not unreasonable.