Waiting for a Diagnosis

[pinktiger33]

Hi, just looking for some advice. I have been suffering with symptoms of endometriosis and have been seeing GP about it for about 1 year. I have already been for several ultrasounds and been diagnosed with PCOS, then put on a progesterone only pill, however am still experiencing all of the same symptoms so have been referred to a gynaecologist with suspected endometriosis.

I am just wondering what usually happens at a first appointment with a gynaecologist? Will they have all the information from the GP from the past ultrasounds etc, or will I have to go through all of that testing again? How likely are they to suggest laparoscopy for diagnosis straight away? What else might they try before that?

Any advice, information or suggestions at all would be really useful as I'd like to be prepared as possible for the first appointment.

Thank you in advance.

[Xroisinellenx]

Hi, when I went for my first appointment with a consultant he had all the facts but asked me questions aswel, he booked me straight in for a lap but I think some doctors might send you for an mri before a lap. Xxx

[pinktiger33 in reply to Xroisinellenx]

Thanks so much. Do you have any suggestions of any questions I should ask or things I should clarify at that first appointment?

[Xroisinellenx]

I went completely unprepared and forgot half the wanted to say 😂 I would say write down everything that happens and when you feel the most the pain and stuff. Xx

[Purplewitch18]

Hi, when i had mine the first thing she said was to tell her my symptoms. I opened my mouth to talk and burst out crying. Couldnt get my words out! I was so emotional and relieved to finally get somewhere it all just came pouring out. My advice is take someone with you as its a lot to take in. Then she examined me and i had swabs taken and blood pressure and weight. She told me roughly when my op would be and did everything i asked her too.

Hope yours goes well x

[pinktiger33 in reply to Purplewitch18]

Thanks for responding. It's crazy isn't it, I keep tearing up just doing research about it and thinking about how frustrating the whole thing is.

The doctor who referred me told me they would probably want me to try a Mirena coil as a first point of call, and said they usually didn't go straight in with the surgery. Did they suggest trying anything else to you before surgery?

[Purplewitch18 in reply to pinktiger33]

Yes its so emotional, dont be embarrased if you cry, i was a wreck! With me she said she couldnt put me on any hormomal stuff because we are trying for our second baby and have been for over a year. Her goal is to get me pregnant, then i can have the coil or whatever afterwards if i need to. So, thats why they put me straight in for an op as it was my only option and what i wanted because it was also diagnostic though i knew it was that. She said they usually put you on birth control etc first so that would be what they will say if youre not trying to conceive. But if you want to know exactly whats going on in there and want it diagnosed your only option is to have a laparoscopy x

[pinktiger33 in reply to Purplewitch18]

Thanks so much, hearing about people's stories who have been through this is so helpful and makes me feel less alone. I have been on contraceptive pill for a couple of months now and not experiencing any difference in symptoms, and it's driving me crazy not knowing for sure so I think I'm going to stress that I'd really like the laparoscopy to find out what's going on.

Crossing my fingers for you and hoping you are successful very soon! xx

[Purplewitch18 in reply to pinktiger33]

Thankyou, me too! I think thats the right decision because you need to know what you are dealing with before you can treat properly. Wishing you the best of luck at your appointment x

[BlueRedBerry]

Hi! Have you had your appointment? I cant help but notice from other posts thag your in Newcastle, what hospital are you under? Im waiting for a referral appoitment to Gynae so not sure where ill be yet, im aiming for the RVI as ive heard there is a great Gynae consultant there who is great, Tony Chalhoub. I hope your getting somewhere! X