How to ask the doctor for referral?

[Sarahlou23xx]

I’m 32 and over the last few years had lots of problems.

Delayed heavy periods,sharp pain if trying to have bowel movement,feeling like I have a constant water infection,lower backache all month.

Every time I go I get fobbed off,still never seen a gynaecologist..no getting pregnant in 2 years,actually caused me and partner to split.

My doctor sent me for a ultrasound which was fine but no gynaecologist apt.

She offered me anti depressants.

I’m at docs this afternoon,I want to see a gynaecologist..but they’ve refused 3 times now.

[lizzyxx]

Have you looked online for your nearest BSGE nhs hospital? x

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to lizzyxx]

Hiya yes it’s 20 minutes away in Newcastle

[lizzyxx in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

I was in the same position as you are 2 months ago, I'd had enough of been fobbed off so at my doctors appointment I didn't ask to be referred I TOLD them I wanted to be referred and gave them the name of my nearest BSGE hospital and golf them that's exactly the place I wanted to be referred to. Fast forward 2 months and I've seen an endo specialist and I'm currently on the waiting list for a lap. Endometriosis is not a well known condition amongst most doctors and it is very common to be ignored, too common! So you need to stand your ground and demand the help you need otherwise you get nowhere, hope this helps

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to lizzyxx]

Thankyou ..I’m going to say that this afternoon.

I get so nervous before the doctors because they always fob me off.

An ultrasound doesn’t show endo so that was a waste of time.

[lizzyxx in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

I used to aswel until I had enough of being ignored, good luck and let me know how you get on

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to lizzyxx]

Well told her all my symptoms and she said a gynaecologist wouldn’t do anything as my ultrasound was fine.

She said it’s going to be a waste of time but will refer me anyway.

Now I’m thinking the gynaecologist won’t even do anything to check for endo

[lizzyxx in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

Has she referred you to an endo specialist or just a general gynaecologist?

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to lizzyxx]

Just a general gynaecologist..she says not enough evidence to see endo specialist

[emmaquinny in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

You can request which consultant you want to see and at which hospital - do a little research and put their name down at the RVI if that is where you want to go. Nobody told me that at the beginning of my journey but I’ve become wise thanks to ladies on here and I’m now on the right track x

[emmaquinny in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

I have similar symptoms to you, a year older, Teesside area rather than Newcastle and I’m on the waiting list for a lap, despite a clear ultrasound as endo is unlikely to show up on ultrasound. Go to another drs, tomorrow! What they have told you is not good enough. X

[SarahMow in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

Push to be seen at the RVI. I did. From seeing a consultant to getting a laparoscopy it was 6 weeks in total!

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to SarahMow]

She said it will have a few options of hospitals ..I’m hoping the rvi is an option.

I’ve heard good things about the rvi

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Keep seeing the doctors until they listen if necessary change doctors practice.

Can you take someone close to you during the appointment; they are less keen to fob you off with a witness there also the witness will say things you may forget!

All the symptoms and pain should not be ignored and you should see a gynaecologist. An ultrasound is not “proof” all is okay. Such a ridiculous statement from a medic 😆My endometriosis was only visible during both laparoscopys ( mine grew back rapidly after I miscarried we conceived after endo was treated which was 6 years of TTC so get your frustration at TTC)

Good luck xoxo

[Sarahlou23xx]

The doctor said “so what have you come here for today after I said nearly 3 years of trying to conceive and told her all my symptoms and she said those don’t go together to make a illness.

So basically I’m not going to know what is causing my problems and never going to know why I can’t get pregnant

[emmaquinny in reply to Sarahlou23xx]

Read yourself the NICE endometriosis guide lines, I can’t believe she said that 🤭😂

[Sarahlou23xx in reply to emmaquinny]

I couldn’t believe it,thankyou I will read them now.

I just want answers and hopefully help.

[Sarahlou23xx]

If this doesn’t go the way I want I’m going to pay for private consultation

No matter how long I need to save up

[Tortygirl123]

At the moment with COVID I have found what can be quite helpful is a thing called e consult? I don’t know if you guys have that but you can fill it in online and then they ring you back, I find it good because at the beginning it says ‘what do you want from this appointment eg medication etc’ and you can just put ‘a gynae referral’ it’s clear as day for them then what you want but not so awkward xx