Asking for Referral

I managed to get a GP appointment short notice this morning to ask if I can be referred to a specialist in Birmingham. I feel silly, like they're going to just send me straight home an I can't cope with that rejection because I pinned my hope on this appointment being the start of being listened to and can't handle the thought of not being referred. Any advice? Feels like it's been so sudden I haven't had time to prepare

[Mcfw]

Hi Kate

I wish I had a more positive experience to share. I have had 15 years of pain and bowel issues related to endometriosis. I visited my GP yesterday to ask for a referral to a BSGE clinic post full hysterectomy and bowel excision at the hand of a general gynae. He hadn't even heard of the clinics or that specialist existed. I handed him the details of one not too far from me and it visibly annoyed him. He used the excuse of funding and said I was unlikely to be referred as it would not get passed by the CCGs. I phoned the BSGE clinic closest to me after my NHS GP appointment and the lovely PA explained that they have NHS referrals form CCGS all the time and from all over the country. I've just called my surgery to ask for a phone appointment with my GP to put him straight in the nicest possible way. I've lost everything, my ovaries, uterus, hormones and what was a great sex life at 49 - apologies, I haven't said that out in the open yet but losing your cervix has consequences. I am now in medical menopause meltdown with no help as the general Gynae suggeste no HRT for a year.

So, if your surgery or GP is anything like mine then it's an uphill battle. Be determined early on and don't wait patiently and be polite for years asI have done.

I really hope your experience is more positive.

[Hidden in reply to Mcfw]

Awww bless you! Sorry you've had to go through all that, sounds absolutely awful! I'm in the waiting room now feeling terrified, fingers crossed

[Mcfw in reply to Hidden]

Just be strong and say what you want. I've always crumbled in the past and taken the attitude that my GP must know best. Sadly it is not the case.

[Hidden]

I got reffered! She had no idea and was about to reffer me back to the general gynaeo until I told her about the specialists I'd researched and she's put me through. The appointment isn't unil the end of October but tbh that's better than nothing!