Should this have been picked up before now? Medical

[wintercandle]

Name changed as it's personal. I went to the Doctor for a gynae check a few weeks ago due to bloating/pain. I told her I had previously had surgery for issues and she went back through my notes.

She brought up the last letter from the hospital which gave details of the procedure I had done (prolapse repair) back in 2009 and in the letter it said 'fitting of Mirena Coil'. This was complete news to me, I've never had a coil as far as I know and certainly never had one removed.

She carried out the gynae check and thought she could see the ends of very short strings which she tried to grab with an instrument but couldn't get hold of anything and wasn't sure if they were actually there. I've been referred for a scan to see if there actually is a coil. (Lady GP was lovely btw and has even rung to see if I've had the scan yet)

My AIBU is, surely if there is a coil it would have been brought up before now, I've been with the same practice for 15 years and been back and forth for pain, bowel problems (had a colonoscopy), pain during sex, mental health issues, back pain, smear tests etc.

In 2011 my marriage ended and I found a new partner, we used condoms and I took the MAP once (from the chemist), he ended up getting a vasectomy as I didn't want to go onto hormonal contraception due to bad experiences in the past, so I definitely didn't know I had a coil.

Anyone have any opinions on all of this? (scan is in 2 weeks time)

I don’t think it’s the GP surgery to blame here - it’s the hospital for fitting a coil without even discussing it with you

The issues is the Hospital fitted it without your consent. The GP surgery assumed that it was fitted with your consent and that you were aware of it.

You would have signed a consent form for your prolapse repair. If they were fitting a coil, it should have been written on there.
You should have a copy of your consent form, if you don't you should request a copy of it from your notes from the hospital.
If it turns out you have a coil and it wasn't on your consent form you should make a complaint with PALS/PILS.
If they fitted you a coil they should have also provided you paperwork from the coil packaging also.

I've been using Mirena's since I was in my late 20s (initially as a trial) but I've never once been reminded about getting another fitted or having it removed past the trial version. They are supposed to give you the leaflet and put the dates on but as far I'm aware, the onus is on you to sort it out. I had one in for 7 years once before having a lightbulb moment about why I was having periods again.............

Thanks for replying, would there be a record of me giving consent to the hospital? I'm wondering whether to request my records if there is a coil. The letter states a coil was fitted, should this be noted elsewhere on my records? I went in 2011/12 with my partner at the time due to pain during intercourse but nothing was mentioned then - I'm just trying to remember things over the last 10 years

Sorry cross posted - I'll check with the hospital if it turns out I have one fitted. Bit worried about how they'll get it out if there is one in there somewhere - just glad I wasn't trying to get pregnant anytime over the last 10 years!

If they fitted one it should be on your consent form. But it will definately be written in your operation notes. If you request notes you can state the date you want to have access to. I think it makes it cheaper than requesting the whole lot as they will be photocopying them.
It is however possible that they had just written it in error on your discharge letter.
Wait and see what the scan shows first. If it turns out you do indeed have a coil, then request your notes from that particular date

That was my thought too. You could have been TTC during this time. Its a huge error if they have indeed fitted one.
You'll have to be referred back to gynae if there's one there that the GP can't get to as you'll need a hysteroscopy and coil removal (you don't need a general anaesthetic for this. Can be done on an outpatient clinic)

Thanks @StarlitTrees fingers crossed it's an error on the letter and there is nothing there - I'm sure I've had a scan in the last 10 years. Although I'm half hoping there is one and as soon as it's removed all of the pain goes away