Need advice, doctor being dismissive....

[ARandomSparkle]

Hi everyone, I just need some advice on endometriosis. I've always have very painful, very heavy periods and over the years I've controlled them using various contraceptive pills, the injection, the implant etc. A few years ago I decided to not take any hormonal contraceptives in a bid to get to know my body and my cycle in its natural state. The last 2 years I've been quite unwell, I had problems with my lower back (doctors seemed to think it was my kidneys, although I never got a proper diagnosis) and passing urine was painful. I've also had problems with my digestive system, suspected gluten intolerance but tests showed that wasn't the case. Symptoms seem to come and go, and vary in severance. I've also suffered from depression and anxiety, so the last few years have been pretty rubbish!

I've read that endometriosis can affect things like this, and the more I read about it the more it makes sense. I'm really trying not to self diagnose via Google, but I can't shake the feeling that I might have endometriosis. I'm not sure if this is related, but I often have a lot of pain after sex and a few years ago I had an ultrasound scan to check my uterus and ovaries, everything was ok but the nurse mentioned that I had polyps on my ovaries. I've also been told I have IBS in the past, but I don't think this is the case, the symptoms come and go and don't match up with diet patterns etc....it just doesn't make sense. I saw my doctor today and as soon as I mentioned the word endometriosis he just said 'you don't have that!' and just prescribed painkillers instead. He was so dismissive - how can he just know that?! Im wondering if it's worth getting a second opinion, or if I'm barking up the wrong tree. I'm fed up with having to convince people that my period pain is worse that a 'normal' period pain, I'm taking time off work and it's getting to be a problem. Any help/advice/similar experiences would be gratefully received, and sorry that this is a bit of a rant....I'm just so fed up!

[Hidden]

Definately get a second opinion. I can't stress this enough. I was in a very similar position to you - years of difficult periods and bowel symptoms, GP dismissed it as IBS. Told me I was menopausal at 37 and that's why my periods were lasting 10 days and were so heavy I couldn't leave the house. I asked if it could be endo and he said 'no, you don't have the symptoms.'

4 months later I ended up in A&E in pain crisis. They initially thought it was appendicitis, but ruled that out and suggested that it was gynaecological. It turns out that I have severe endometriosis and bowel endometriosis and my GP was talking out of his backside.

[Hidden]

Hi it sounds very similar to me I was also told I had IBS. My scan came back as clear too. I have just been diagnosed. I got referred to the gynaecologist who has been great. At least I have answers to the problems I have been having. I would get a second option x

[ARandomSparkle]

Guys, thank you, so so much. I've been going round in circles with this, and my family/friends have had to support me through all my past medical problems (which i suspect are related to this!) it feels like they are getting fed up of me being ill. I'm scared to talk to them in case I get the usual eye rolling, what's up with you now attitude. I'll certainly be looking to get a second opinion - would I ask for this through my doctor?

I'm based in Lancashire, in answer to your question Lindle. I think the services round here are pretty good, although if my doctors attitude is anything to go off I can't be sure!!!

[kagz in reply to ARandomSparkle]

I no the feeling with the fambo an eye rolling, people just dont understand, u might look healthy on outside but inside is a different matter,thats why this site is great,lots of Support and very educated people on ere who no alot about endo x

[Hidden]

Your first step is to go back to your GP's (ask for a different GP, a nurse, anyone but the one you've been seeing) and ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. If you google BSGE endometriosis centre it will give you a list of NHS hospitals that specialise in dealing with endometriosis - you can ask to be referred to a centre/consultant of your choice, you don't have to go with one the GP chooses as they may suggest referring you to a general gynae, and they don't always know enough about endo to be able to help. In theory, the BSGE centres are meant to be for women with severe disease (I am being seen at one) but anyone can ask to be referred there.

[kagz]

If u mention bleeding after sex an pain the doctor might just listen just a thought, an refer u,wot ive read is polyps can cause pain and heavy periods, I would persist with it, coz as u no the docs just like giving pain killers out like smarties

[Hidden in reply to kagz]

I wish that were true - I first started bleeding after sex at 22 and it was dismissed by the multiple docs I saw about it and wasn't treated until I was 36, when I was sent to colposcopy to have an ectropion cauterised. Endo wasn't mentioned at all. It took me another 2 years to get a diagnosis.

[kagz in reply to Hidden]

Sorry to hear that,wot was ur diagnosis?

[Hidden in reply to kagz]

Took me another 2 years to get my endo diagnosed, sorry! The bleeding after sex they said was a cervical ectropion, not linked to endo, harmless but annoying.

[kagz]

Its quite strange aswell but many of us also have ibs