Doctors not taking my concerns seriously

[cj6538]

Hi everyone,

I haven't actually been diagnosed with endometriosis but I have severe period pains. When I'm on my period it feels like a constant stabbing and I struggle to stand, I also vomit whilst I'm on due to the pain. It's not always been this bad but for the last 3 years it's unbearable. Normal painkillers don't take any of the pain away and stronger painkillers like co-codamol and tramadol only make it a little better although I still can't walk properly. I've been to A&E a few times just to be sent home with paracetamol and be told its natural pain. I know these aren't normal period pains as I know what normal period pains feel like. I apologise if its insensitive to post in this forum considering I have no diagnosis yet but I need tips on how to make the doctors take me more seriously when I tell them the pain is unbearable?

[Zoe3103]

Hi, I have been in the same position but for 15years, I decided to go private, I had my consultation last week and having my first laparoscopy next week, it's Alot of money but the fact I know I'm not going crazy and making the pain up and to know hopefully the pin will be reduced is worth it, I would recommend getting health insurance and going privately

[Thompson36]

Hi

You really need to push your GP for an urgent referral. If you can afford try a Private gynaecologist who is attached to a NHS hospital often you will just pay for the appointment and then they will see you in their normal clinic. You can self refer if you need to. Not sure where you live but Derby and Bham have Endo specialists.

[Christin_a]

Hi.

If you gp is being difficult try seeing another one. Most gp surgery's have multiple GPs and all to see one of the others and see if they will listen to you it's also worth checking with the reception of any of them have an interest in gynecology. That's how I managed to get my referral after Dr's not listening.

Also worth bringing up that you think endometriosis might be the cause. You can gauge their reaction and also it means they don't need to dig out the info in their brains about painful periods as they have so much info in there it can't help to offer a possibility.

[Christin_a in reply to Christin_a]

P. S. This forum isn't just for those who have a confirmed diagnosis but also those trying to seek one. So you can get guidance and how to be seen, what should happen, who should see you etc.

[Pondering123]

Hi,

I'm in exactly the same position - I vomit, sweat, shake etc and can't stand/eat/talk/read when it's really bad. Time off work too and I work within the NHS so i feel so awful and guilty when im off. I've had it for 10 years + though (I'm 29).

I think we know when something isn't just 'normal pain' and I absolutely feel your frustrations <3

Crying and telling the GP this is ruining my life seemed to make them listen. I'm now having a transvaginal ultrasound next week. I'm not sure this is going to show everything from reading this forum, but it's a start. I think going in and saying exactly what you think might be going on and what you want to happen is a good idea.

Xx

[veneerofclass]

Hiya there, I’m sorry that you’re going through all this and that your doctors aren’t properly looking into it at the moment. Before I had my diagnosis two years ago I was in the same situation so I more than understand how distressing this is.

As others have advised I think changing doctors would be a good thing to do if you can manage that. In my case it was the best thing, after 7 years of being told “it’s normal” to be screaming in pain, having to take a week off work (I have a very understanding manager thankfully) once a month, my new doctors surgery listened straight away. They were brilliant and fast tracked me getting seen by specialists at my local hospital and have continued to do what they can for me. I think the main thing as again others have said it to really express how much this is affecting your life, there will be a doctor that will listen and have to refer you even if it takes a few goes.

And it’s not insensitive at all you posting here, as a community we’re here to try and support each other, whether we’ve been diagnosed or not. Please always feel welcome to ask questions or vent about it if you need to. Whether it’s endo or another pelvic pain condition that’s affecting you, you don’t need to be in the dark about treatment or to feel alone in this.

I hope that you find that doctor who will listen soon, and that you get the answers you deserve and treatment you need. X

[Tori3]

I was recently in a similar situation. I’ve seen four different GPs, went to a different surgery and this time (though it seems odd) I barely mentioned my period, just said I have a localised pain and nausea that gets worse while I’m on my period. Went through the usual blood, urine and stool tests, ultrasound everything normal. (If you haven’t already you need to get blood, urine and ultrasound. You shouldn’t need to push with this, it should be the go to when you present with abdominal pain at the GP to check for infection or cysts), At first they were just going to repeat in a few months but then I asked if I could go on the pill to see if it changed anything and they just said “oh I think it might be endometriosis then”. She was also the first female GP and quite young so that was also a factor. I think GPs don’t like being told what you think it is. If you’re on the pill maybe ask about changing it or if you’re not, look into going on it with your GP.

I hope things get better for you.

[Crispy69]

Hi sorry to hear you’re in so much pain. I experienced the same thing (I have deeply infiltrating endometriosis) but found that if I take Naproxen everyday and then when the pain is bad take Tramadol every four hours (without exceeding the maximum dose), I can get on top of the pain. You should google PMD. If you don’t have endo, you might have this.

Good luck

[Crispy69 in reply to Crispy69]

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)