To need these questions answered before my hospital procedure on Wednesday?

[RedPandaWanda]

I have been having gynae issues for years. I have awful heavy periods which have now made me very anaemic. I feel crap most days as a result of this and dread every period as I am housebound for 4-5 days per month.
I have recurring uterine polyps. They have been removed 4 times over the last 7 years but months later they are back and I have to go through the process again. I must have unbalanced hormones which are creating this? I am 49 next month so probably perimenopausal?
The last time they were removed during a hysteroscopy procedure the gynaecologist said I could have a uterine ablation.
Two months later (November 2021) a consultation with a gynaecologist came through. I thought it was to discuss in depth the ablation but she seemed perplexed as to why I had an appointment with her (when I checked her out later she seemed to be more involved in obstetrics than gynae procedures) she said the previous gynae should have just booked me straight in for the ablation, it was a very rushed appointment, she didn’t seem at all interested. I later found out I should have seen the actual gynaecologist who performs the ablations.
Anyhow, fast forward to now and an appointment came through a couple of weeks ago for this coming Wednesday, for the ablation (it’s being performed under a local) There was no information with it, just the appointment letter. I rang them and asked for some more information and was sent just the generic Novasure leaflet, no info about whether I should eat/drink before, if I could drive myself home, how long I would need off work, what would happen with the polyps etc.
So, I emailed the secretary and said I had a list of pre procedure questions, would someone be able to answer them for me? She emailed to say no gynaecologist appointment available but she would get a nurse to call me. The nurse called a day later but could only answer the basic questions and said I could ask the other questions on the day of my procedure!
I am getting a bit nervous now as some of these questions are quite important to me and I would have liked them answered before the day. Looking online and on some support groups there are women like me who were told they were fine to have this procedure but due to their history of polyps they were in fact NOT ideal candidates and went on to get post ablation syndrome which apparently a very, very painful condition and had to have emergency hysterectomies.
I have emailed the secretary with the unanswered questions but no one has got back to me.
AIBU to want these questions answered before the day? I know the NHS is under so much pressure right now but I feel a bit like I’m on a conveyor belt and going into this blind.

You will be asked to sign a consent form on the day. Take your list of questions and make sure you are happy with all the answers before you sign. You could write the answers down if you would feel more reassured.

I will definitely take this list. I just wish I was able to sit down at home and make the choice without feeling rushed.

This is bad practice no patient should turn up on the day of operation without understanding what they are having done, yes they will gain your consent on the day and go though risk/ benefits. They really should have booked another app with the right surgeon. So you have two options postpone the surgery until you can be seen in clinic or go on the day with a list of questions but be prepared to say no I don't want this, if your not happy

Call your gp and speak to them (urgent apt if you have to). They'll answer most if not all your qs and be able to make thr calls to light a fire under those whose let you down

Of course YANBU, but it seems like they are giving you no choice but to turns up with your questions and decline to proceed if you aren't happy. Please don't feel pressured to making a decision you aren't happy about.

YANBU.

Take your time on the day and do not be rushed. Don’t worry about the operating list or how many other people are on it. Focus on yourself and do not be rushed.

Thanks everyone. I am not the most assertive of folk and worry I’m making a fuss especially with the state of the NHS and the pressure they are under but the truth is that I am unsure and don’t feel that I have all the informed choices to make a definite decision.
Doesn’t help that dh says I’m making a fuss and I should just get it done and worry about any complications if/when they happen! Ok for him to say that but post ablation syndrome is no laughing matter and I really need to know if my recurring polyps put me at risk of this.
Susu49 Ive tried the GP but she was as much use as a chocolate teapot.

@RedPandaWanda oh that's disappointing, I'm sorry they didn't help. But agree with others that you shouldn't feel pressured at all. Take your time on the day. I'm like you and not v assertive so tend to go with quiet determination.

Hope it goes well

Thank you Susu49

I've had an ablation. At the appointment with gynae to discuss I was required to have a biopsy of womb lining to check for suitability in order to have the procedure. It was also performed under general anthestic. Theres no fucking way on gods green earth I'd have it under local.
I had day surgery and was very surprised by how much much pain and localised bruising/ grazing I had from the instruments. Also there was more post bleeding than I anticipated.
I'm glad I had it done but I was fully informed/assessed beforehand and wouldn't be happy in your situation either.

I had an ablation last year. I also had a pre-operative consult to discuss the procedure, risk factors etc, and to ask any questions I had. I specified I wanted a general anaesthetic -- surely you should have had similar? On the day, I also had time to talk to a gynae resident.

I was fine afterwards, and the bleeding hasn't returned.

Can’t help with the questions but Yanbu at all to be concerned

Write down all your questions for when you arrive. I’d also take someone with you if allowed.

@HereLiesBetelgeuse

I've had an ablation. At the appointment with gynae to discuss I was required to have a biopsy of womb lining to check for suitability in order to have the procedure. It was also performed under general anthestic. Theres no fucking way on gods green earth I'd have it under local. I had day surgery and was very surprised by how much much pain and localised bruising/ grazing I had from the instruments. Also there was more post bleeding than I anticipated. I'm glad I had it done but I was fully informed/assessed beforehand and wouldn't be happy in your situation either.

This is what worries me the most. I was scheduled to have an ablation in day surgery, 6 years ago. The gynaecologist had agreed to do it under a local but on the day the anaesthetist looked at my records and said no way would he agree to it under a local as it’s so painful. However, they now say they are one of the only ‘Centres of Clinical Excellence’ for the ablation under locals and its performed in the hysteroscopy clinic. I keep thinking what the anaesthetist said that even under a general the women’s blood pressure always shot up when they performed the actual ablation!!

Leighcloon no, no consultation with the person who performs the ablation, no chance to ask my questions face to face other than me emailing them last week. I’m starting to worry now!
Frazzled2207 I will ask if my dh can come in with me, not sure with COVID but I will ask.