Still waiting...

[Simba95]

Hello,

I'm 20 and have been suffering with endo since I was 14 years old. After a while and failed attempts with the pill, I was given a laparoscopy but was told that it probably wasn't endo as I was too young. As you can probably guess, it was and the consultant removed all she could find- endo was found in pouch of Douglas and around bowel. 2 years later I began to have the same sort of symptoms and was given a 3 month course of provera tablets. These worked whilst I was on them but not long after the symptoms came back. I was then advised to get the depo injection in the attempt of stopping my periods altogether and hopefully getting rid of the other symptoms. It did stop my periods for a while but I was still suffering with terrible pain-especially during sex. Went back and was told that it couldn't be endo because I had no periods so was given medication for IBS, was referred for Physio and was told to keep a bladder diary. Still no luck with any of these and went back again. Was also bleeding every so often, and suffering with blood in stools. Saw the consultant that performed my first lap and she finally gave in and suggested that she thinks it may be back. I have now been referred for a colonoscopy first and then she will decide whether to continue with a laparoscopy also.

However, I am having problems with the colonoscopy appointment and I'm not sure what to do next. Was referred by gynae consultant on the 26th June and have still not heard about colonoscopy. Saw a doctor and was told that I should chase this up as this is unusual and something may have gone wrong with referral. Rang the gynae department a few weeks ago and they said that they have sent a priority email as I have a follow up appointment with the gynae consultant in late October (to discuss whether to go ahead with lap). Still haven't heard anything so I rang the endoscopy department today and they have said that due to the consultant being on leave, clinic space is limited and I am on a waiting list. She said that due to this I will probably have to rearrange my October gynae appointment as I may not have had the colonoscopy before then. Should I just wait it out or should I push in the hope of receiving the colonoscopy before my October appointment? Like most people I feel so worn down from all the pain and other symptoms and I was really hoping to get the ball rolling again so I could get some answers!

Thank you in advance for any help!

[Simba95]

Thank you so much for your reply! I have found your posts to be very helpful and have made an appointment with my GP.

[Iafay]

Hi there,

I too had this problem - my advice would be to not push the gynae appointment back as this will just delay everything and drag it out for longer. If your hospital has a PALs department contact them and explain the situation and they should be able to get this sorted for you. Good luck!