Calderdale Royal Hospital 2016-12-23 Person 4 5 0

BILATERAL LABIAPLASTY I experienced discomfort, lack of sexual confidence, and physical pain with my labia for over 9 years. Other doctors I had seen about this problem had never taken me seriously before because it "looked normal", but the Calderdale staff were exceptional. From my first appointment to my surgery, everyone was incredibly professional. The way the staff handled my aichmophobia was great and they always made sure I was comfortable and barely felt a thing. I went to seek advice about my labia and what to do about them, very comfortable with the idea of surgery. I was incredibly lucky to have been squeezed into a last minute surgery slot at the original consultation. On the same day I completed my pre-assessment, and within a week of my first appointment I was in surgery! I cannot praise the doctors, nurses, surgeons and anaesthetists enough for their compassionate care and helpfulness. My surgeon ensured me that my labia were very normal and healthy upon inspection, and when I explained the issues I was having he was very empathetic and also made it clear that it was entirely my choice whether or not I was to go on with the surgery. A week later on the day of the surgery, he made sure to ask and double check with me that I was still happy to go ahead, and of course I was incredibly keen and happy to proceed. After an hour-long surgery, I woke up happy and feeling great (albeit a little drunk on anaesthesia). The only pain I felt immediately after the surgery was a small burning sensation akin to a UTI, which disappeared after an hour or so. I made sure to keep on top of my codeine dose if I felt any pain, but none of it was unbearable. It is now day 2, the swelling has gone down significantly, and I'm not in any pain as long as I waddle carefully and ensure I don't pull on any stitches by sitting in the wrong position! I was expecting to be in a significant amount of pain but I've felt great, zero nausea throughout any of this. Thank you so much. **(If you can afford to, please support the NHS as many people unable to afford essential treatment will fall gravely ill without it.)**