Private consultant appointment- what information should I take?

[NalaVC]

Hi everyone

After much time I've finally managed to get my health insurance to agree to cover me for a private gynaecology appointment, essentially as my NHS gynae gave up on me because I am 'awkward' (!).

They've asked me to bring insurance details to the appointment which is fair enough, and my doctors referral letter. I was also thinking though that I should take details of what's being going on. I'm thinking along the lines of main symptoms, and previous treatments and surgeries. I was just wondering if anyone else has experience of this and can suggest any information I should be taking that I haven't mentioned- history of how the condition has developed maybe? I want to get the most out of the appointment but I also don't want to waste time on what might be a lot of irrelevant information!

Any advice gratefully received.

[Brownlow]

Make sure your appointment is with an accredited endometriosis specialist and not a general gynaecologist. Check here to find one bsge.org.uk/ec-BSGE-accredi... Choose one on the list and get your GP to write a private referral. The insurance company will want this. Not all endo specialists are equal so do your research and try to find a good one and be willing to travel!

Sometimes it's better to start afresh and just tell your new consultant your history. I recently did this but I typed out my chronological history in bullet points in really short sentences e.g.

- Jan 2015 diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis via laparoscopy; pouch of douglas, bilateral endometrioma, uterus adhered to bowel

- Mar 2015 endometriosis removed via laparoscopy

- May 2015 pain returned to pre-surgery level in same locations i.e. ovaries. Occurs every day. Worse at period and ovulation. 8 on pain scale.

The above is not my history, just an example. If you have any reports from MRIs, ultrasounds or surgery take them too.

[IggiePiggy]

You could fill out this info and take it with you to give the gynae the history endometriosis-uk.org/sites/... good luck

[Snad]

I had a private appointment with accredited endo specialist and it was really useful

His secretary asked me before my appointment to send her every info I have about previous surgery, scans, medical records so the consultant can have a look and keep what is relevant

I also completed the questionnaire that's IggiePiggy suggested and that is great use.

Good luck for your appointment. I am sure it will go well. Consultants are a lot more relaxed and don't rush you during private appointment

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