Around 5 years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS. (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It took a lot of badgering my GP to have the initial blood tests done, who then referred me to hospital about my hursutism, acne etc.
My dermatologist was absolutely brilliant and I cannot fault her at all. I met with a consultant who discussed results of the scans done to my ovaries. Despite being a little insensitive when bluntly informing me that I may never conceive, on the whole a very good doctor. I then saw a gynaecologist (I think) who wanted to speak to me about the possibility of infertility, and suggested a dye test (?) In the fallopian tubes which I declined. However during this appointment he wanted to assess my hirsutism, he was not alone and had a nurse present so did not feel in danger of anything, however I found it rather strange as I had already shown myself to a consultant previously. Anyway I decided not to argue as they knew best and showed them my arms, legs, abdomen. I found it hugely embarrassing as it is something I have felt sensitive towards since late primary school when the hair first became noticeable. Much to my shock 3 or 4 more nurses wandered in, pretending to busy themselves but eventually walked over to have a look at me half dressed, followed by two male medical professionals, fuck knows to this day who they were. Junior doctors possibly, I have no idea. But all of theirs behaviour made me feel humiliated and like a total freak show. I just froze on the examination bed, wanting to question why it was necessary to have a room full of people stood around me gawping, why some seemed almost amused by what they saw of me clearly trying hard to keep straight faces and one looked quite disturbed by me. And why the consultant was not telling them to clear off? It made me feel really really ugly as well as uncomfortable to the point I cried as soon as I was out of the hospital. 5 years on I try and avoid my GP seeing me physically if I have any problems as I feel I am being judged.
I know this was some years ago, I am probably just off loading. I am coward that I did not speak up at the time, but as a naive 19 year old all on my own at the time, I had no idea what to say and tried to put it out of my mind afterward. I have also moved away since then but its all come flooding back recently as my youngest sister suspects PCOS too. She is thin as a rake like me but breaks out in acne and has hirsutism. She wanted my advice about getting a proper diagnosis, but when I spoke of my experience it put her right off. She was angry and said they had no right to make me feel that way, and it was highly unprofessional. But I dont know, is it? Or am I just feeling extremely sensitive for no real reason all these years? Do these things happen on a normal basis or not? I am very confused. I am not paranoid about the looks on their faces though, I can quite honestly say they were a picture. I may resemble half human half fucking gorilla but its an illness and something I have had to live with.
If it has any relevance that nhs trust is one of those named inadequate in recent investigations.