www.rfay.com.au

I am a 49-year-old woman who recently had a laparoscopic hysterectomy performed by Dr Roger McMaster-Fay. An Ultrasound revealed I had a significantly enlarged uterus due to eight uterine fibroids, some of which were quite large and causing heavy bleeding. This had left me severely anaemic and in pain 80% of the time.

It became evident after the ultrasound that a hysterectomy was my only option. I was told by my treating gynaecologist at the time that abdominal surgery was the only safe method due to the size of my uterus. It was suggested the risks were too great to use a less invasive method. I was adamant I would not agree to a hysterectomy due to bad experiences from previous abdominal surgery, and fear associated with medical intervention. The above factors had resulted in me neglecting my situation until it became critical.

As this news was so devastating to me I was not prepared to agree to hysterectomy without reviewing the latest literature. It was during this research that I found Dr McMaster-Fay’s website on laparoscopic hysterectomy. My experience has been nothing but positive from the first contact with Dr McMaster-Fay to my post-op follow up visits, and just over three months down the track I am feeling better than I have felt for several years.

Below are examples that highlight the care and excellent treatment I received:

I emailed Dr McMaster-Fay’s website and received a personal reply within 24 hours (and on a weekend) suggesting I could be a suitable candidate for this type of surgery (this I found extraordinary given the God like status often assumed by surgeons).
On ringing Dr McMaster-Fay’s rooms the following Monday, my call was expected as my information had been passed on, and it was clear I would get an appointment regardless of how busy Dr McMaster-Fay was. Unlike my experience with my other gynaecologist where I was put off for appointments and was told on more than one occasion that she couldn’t possibly see me any earlier (these things are so important when you are facing something that is causing significant fear and stress).
My appointment was equally as refreshing with Dr McMaster-Fay spending considerable time explaining things and answering my questions. While I still felt understandably fearful, I also felt much more confident on leaving his rooms.

Following surgery

While the first 24 hours are not the most pleasant, which is to be expected, by lunchtime the following day I was progressing in leaps and bounds. Apart from the morphine given at the end of the surgery, the only pain medication I used post-op was digesics. and these were taken at a much lower dose than was recommended by the nursing staff. I had no catheter when I awoke, my drain was removed the day after surgery, and I was up and moving around with bodily functions working on day two. In total I was in hospital for two nights. Once home I was driving in just over a week and returned to work after four weeks.

There are many factors that have made the difference in this experience. Dr McMaster-Fay is clearly passionate about his work and is highly skilled in advanced endoscopic surgery. He takes photos of the surgery as it is being performed so you can see what has been done and why, and you are given a copy on post-op visits. There is a clear focus on informed consent and you are treated with respect and dignity.

A hysterectomy is not a procedure to be taken lightly, and it is difficult to convey my appreciation for the lack of trauma associated with my procedure in Dr McMaster-Fay’s hands given my previous experiences. The value of his work is evident in my experience and is even evident in the staff who work for him. They exude a confidence and respect for his skill and they demonstrate a genuine caring for his patients.

This experience has restored my faith in the medical profession.

The patient's name has been withheld to protect her privacy.