I've been to see a doctor about all my symptoms but he never gave me a full diagnosis, I'm only 17 and it's starting to scare me

[Enrekay96]

Everyone thinks I'm being a Hypochondriac but they don't understand the pain

[Catness]

Unfortunately a lot of ladies pre-diagnosis feel like that as there is too little knowledge from GPs about endo and they often mis-diagnose you. If I were you I would:

Write a monthly pain diary that details when your period was, heaviness, how it has affected you (did you flood, could you leave the house etc) and each day write in where the pain is, what kind of pain, how long it lasts and ultimately how it affects you on your day-to-day. Is it getting in the way of college or work? Does it mean you don't have a normal social life etc.

I would go and see a different GP and bring that list with you and ask to be referred to a gynae. You can be quite insistent but don't be rude as they will label you as a trouble maker (they did this to me when I was really fed up) but if you don't like what the GP is saying, you are totally within your rights to disagree.

I hope you get some answers soon! Xx

[jfd2013]

I agree with Catness. Could you also try a different GP? Keep going xx

[Timothy31]

Hello, I'm 17 and been diagnosed a month ago with stage 4 endo through a lap. I know what you're going through, I'm still going through it! Ive been told that its all in my head when its actually not, so im glad for got my diagnosis. Ask to see a different doctor and keep complaining about the pain until they listen to you. That's what I did! I know how scary it is, being 17 and told that you might have this. If you ever need someone to talk to I'm always here, just write me a message! I really do hope it goes well for you, wish you lots of luck!xx

[Impatient]

It can take a long time to find the right knowledgeable and supportive GP to see all the clues pointing to endo. Don't give up trying -even if it takes years and years and a dozen different GPs.

the average is still 7 years to get diagnosed, it took me 29 years. I have no idea how many GPs I saw in that time and no one put all the clues together till I moved to the other end of the country, got a super dooper woman GP who realised right away that I had all the signs of endo.

If you change GP or surgery please check if the new surgery has a GP that specialises in women's health.

Alog of GPs hve a specialisation, like diabetes care, or dementia care etc, they won't be likely to be too clues up on endo on the whole, so try and get on the books of a GP specialising in women's health if you can find one.

They re more likely than most to be clued up on endo and support you all the way.

Age has nothing to do with endo, most of us had the clues there from when we started periods at ge 12 or 13 or whatever.

But it is certainly harder for younger people to have the voices heard by the GP. In that respect sometimes it pays to bring along a parent or older chaperone, to make sure that your concerns are taken seriously. It shouldn't be necessary but sometimes having that extra support with you makes all the difference and you're less likely to be fobbed off and more likely to be taken seriously.

Keep on at them.....again and again. and move GP as many times as it takes to get taken seriously.

Definitely do your home work so you can use medical terminology with them as well, it shows that you're serious and committed to getting diagnosed and also helps you to understand endo better and what is said back to you and to counter any excuses and arguments they may give for refusing to refer you to gynaecologist.

Failing all of that, save up about £300 and book a private consultation directly with an endo specialist surgeon who works both private and NHS. If they agree that you need a laparoscopy then explain that you want it done on the NHS.

Yes it is a lot to fork out when by rights you shouldn't need to pay anything, but if your health is really big problem now , and you really are struggling to get GPs to listen and there isn't much chance of switching surgery, then it could be well worth paying for private just to get someone who knows about endo to listen to you and give you their opinion.

very best of luck.

[Hidden]

Please, please do not give up, go to a lady GP and ask to be referred to a gynaecologist. If possible take another female with you. If there is anything wrong with my daughter I go along with her, it is always best to have someone to back you up. Please do not let them fob you off, you know your body best and you should not have to put up with pain, as endometriosis is an extremely painful condition, but can be dealt with.. No one has the right to brand you a hypochodriac, they are failing in their duty to give you the correct treatment you deserve. Make sure you pursue this issue. It isn't fair at such a young age to be ignored in this way, don't let it go, carry on until you get the anwers you need, it's your right. Take Care xx

[josephinerees]

I would definitely go and see a doctor that you feel listens to you! I have suffered from endometriosis since I was 18 (am now 20) but didn't get an official diagnosis until this past January. This was partly as the doctors I had previously did not believe that someone of my age could have endometriosis and simply waved away the possibility. One of the most frustrating things I experienced was having doctors who do not take me or my pain seriously and have learned that it's incredibly important to find someone who listens. My advice is to keep searching - it's your body and you have to do what you think is right. Good luck xx

[cabbage12]

I know exactly how you feel. I am 18 and have most of the symptoms of endometriosis and it has taken me 6 months to even get referred to gyni. I have been diagnosed with suspected IBS, cysts and constipation. The key is to be presistante, you know your body better than any doctor.

In terms of not being believed, my mum doesn't always believe me and says its related to stress, but I am in the best place in my life as i have ever been.

Keep at it and things will get sorted.