My Research Experience

A previous Grampian research participant has kindly shared her experience to help people understand why research happens. You can read her story below.

If you would like to share your experience then please contact nhsg.ppa@nhs.net to find out more information.

My Research Experience

I was asked if I would like to participate in a study about uterine embolisation.¹

I had suffered many years with very heavy periods, fibroids and pain. I was interested in research because I wanted to help myself and others with different treatments for fibroids and heavy bleeding.

I met with a research nurse and she explained what would happen. I was randomised for uterine embolisation or a myomectomy.² I had an MRI³ prior to the procedure and after I had the uterine embolisation.

I was asked to rate my quality of life before the procedure. I am sure I rated 20%. This was because I was in a lot of pain and the heavy bleeding was having a huge impact on my daily life.

After the procedure my scoring changed dramatically. I think it went to 85%.

The research nurse was a great support to me and said I could phone her if I wanted to talk about things.

I felt from taking part in the research that I had a better access to the gynaecologist and was informed more of what was going on in my body.

One thing that stands out to me is remembering being given the consultant’s bleep number because I was having a terrible time prior to the procedure. I was bleeding heavily continuously for weeks on end. It was great that I could contact the consultant when needed, as my life had changed dramatically as the heavy bleeding had a huge impact on my daily life, resulting in me not being able to go out for long periods of time.

The research continued and I was approached by another research nurse to do a five year review. The positivity I received from the research nurse was great for my wellbeing.

Unfortunately the procedure did not solve my bleeding which resulted in more procedures and finally a hysterectomy.⁴ However as I said above I feel that it benefited me in having greater access to the gynaecologist and a sense of pride that I was doing something that might help others in similar situations to mine.

I would definitely do research again to help others and the future of medicine. I wouldn’t change anything about what I experienced during my research project.

1: Uterine Embolisation is a non-surgical method of treating fibroids, by blocked off the arteries which feed the fibroids. This would result in them shrinking. 2: Myomectomy is a surgery which removes fibroids from the wall of your womb. 3: MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging – it is a scan which uses magnetic fields and radio waves. 4: Hysterectomy is a surgery which removes the womb.