Any surgeons about? Why wasn't I wearing knickers?

[ohwerehalfwaythere]

I had laparoscopic surgery for an ovarian cyst this morning. Went into surgery wearing disposable knickers but wasn't when I woke up. It's really bothering me. Can anyone shed any light what would have happened? I'm in England. Thank you

OP, I hope you are recovering and I’m appalled at some of the replies you’ve received on this thread.

I am a survivor of sexual abuse and my underwear during surgery has been a huge issue for me. Infact, on waking up in theatre recently the first words out my mouth were ‘where are my knickers?’. It’s astounding that some people haven’t been able to grasp why waking up without your knickers on could be so worrying and upsetting for some women.

I’ve also noted the mention of uterine manipulators, catheters and suppositories on this thread. If any of these were used on me during my recent laparoscopy then this is the first I’ve heard of it. It’s not good enough to blame staff pressures for failing to fully explain and obtain consent for procedures. Any less could be assault. We can only consent to what we are informed of.

I have requested my notes so will see what the surgical report mentions. If you are able to, reporting how this has left you feeling would be worthwhile reporting back to PALS. I’m sorry that a failure to communicate and explain to you properly has left you feeling like this, it isn’t good enough care.

@Mischance

I am not sure what the concern about this is.

Is it that you might have been sexually abused? If so, it would be witnessed by a whole tram of people so the risk is so small as to be infinitesimal.

Is there something else that is worrying you about no knickers?

Medics have seen it all before and as far as they are concerned you are just a body to be made better.

I am not just a body. I am a person and medics would do well to remember that thank you.

Of course you are a person - no-one has suggested otherwise. That is just silly.

But in theatre you are there for the medics, with their knowledge of the body, to make you better. We are very lucky to have them there - for free.

Every time we go to the docs or accept a treatment we have to put our trust in them.

The NHS is not free. it costs us billions and we are paying for it every day of our lives. the attitude that it’s free and we should be grateful is not only silly but if everyone took that attitude nothing would ever improve. there are massive failings in the system and we have every right to complain if we feel
our treatment has fallen short

my comment that i am a person related to the assertion that medics just see patients as a body to be made better. no one is just a body. they have thoughts feelings preferences and past history and experiences which all need to be considered and given consideration and respect throughout.

@Mischance

Of course you are a person - no-one has suggested otherwise. That is just silly.

But in theatre you are there for the medics, with their knowledge of the body, to make you better. We are very lucky to have them there - for free.

Every time we go to the docs or accept a treatment we have to put our trust in them.

You, yourself said that medics see patients as ‘just a body’

As Allywill has pointed out, it’s not a free service, far from it. It’s not acceptable to use that as an excuse for poor practice either.

Maybe we could concentrate on helping the OP to realise that she does not need to be concerned.

@ohwerehalfwaythere- So, did you ask the staff why your knickers were removed? What did they say?

@Mischance

Maybe we could concentrate on helping the OP to realise that she does not need to be concerned.

see i think she has the right to be concerned. at the lack of care consideration and respect she was shown and at the arrogance of the medical professionals assuming we should just shut up and put up because they know best illustrated by some posts on here.