Any light at the end of this long ‘waiting’ tunnel?

[Guitar1986]

Hi everyone , I was just wondering how people have found getting back on track after the Covid thing. I have had a nightmare so am just getting it all out of my system in what might come across as a long whining post ( apologies if it sounds like this) - I have had numerous symptoms that I have struggled with for years - I am 34 and have 2 sons aged 5 and 7 and sick of unpredictable niagra falls every month and a ton of pain finally bit the bullet ( I am quite shy about these things) and had it all checked out- abnormal US scan found what they think was a ‘suspected polyp’ in October and other ‘things’ which they never really explained. Just told over the phone it was abnormal and I had a urgent referral to the hospital to discuss them in detail.

When I went to the hospital the next week for results ( and basically pooping my pants) I didn’t even manage to meet my consultant I was placed with when I went to get results which they wouldn’t discuss on the phone ( all I was told was it was an urgent referral) as he was unavailable I got a another doctor who asked all the same questions as my GP and put me on the list for a laparoscopy - she didn’t even know that I was there for the scan results until I asked - and this is when the polyp was mentioned alongside her suspicion of endometriosis so I was scheduled for a polypectomy and laparoscopy and put on list in the October with the hope of removing whatever they found and investigating/ eradicating anything else - this was scheduled for April and was cancelled 2 days beforehand because of Covid - I was gutted! I had had my pre-op the week before and everything.

I am just worried as I have bladder and bowel symptoms and a lot of significant pain (for me to admit pain is a big deal ‘ family mentality about not being soft’ - but this pain is getting increasingly worse- they couldn’t confirm 100% if it was a polyp just said they thought it looked like one- I have heard nothing else with regards to what they are doing and when I rang up the consultant and waiting list last week receptionist just dismissed me with a ‘ you aren’t a cancer patient So you aren’t priority 1’ ( btw I am in no way saying this isn’t right in terms of priority- just not knowing what it is is becoming a bit scary).

(Sorry if tmi but now have pain for 3/4 weeks a month- really stabbing the two weeks before it is due. I am starting to get sores on my tongue?! Recurring whenever I am on my period and the week before, I feel like I am pooping razor blades whenever I am on my period, I have migraines with aura for about a week before which affects speech and sight now so these are getting worse and are deffo hormonal as follow a pattern - all I am recommended is to use painkillers etc... )

I’m just feeling a bit frustrated with it in all honesty- I haven’t even had any information , never met the consultant - wondering if anyone else has had anything similar and if there is any signs of light at the end of this long tunnel.

[Moon_maiden]

They really shouldn’t have said that about priorities, it wasn’t very fair. If you feel up to it, try calling again or get in touch with GP to find out what is happening. They can contact the gynaecologist through their system, but they don’t tend to get quick replies without being chased up.

I know how you feel about what you’re going through. Let us know how you get on.

[Simo7]

Sorry that you’re having such a tough time. It’s the not fully knowing what’s wrong that adds to the stress isn’t it, which is the last thing that you need for any gynae’ condition. I have had endometriosis removed from my bowel and that caused sharp stabbing pains before & during my period. It’s started to return again, but all I can suggest is to keep up fibre/water to make things a little easier. In regard to waiting for your laparoscopy & poloectomy I think there’s not much else that can be done except maybe changing/upping your painkillers at this stage or maybe you could ask your GP about hormone treatments, that may help if you have to wait a longer time for your operation. I’m on tramadol and have pain profusely during my period and ovulation. The other days there’s pain but i can get out of bed etc. But like you, I also suffer from migraines. Though after my last excision surgery they did reduce drastically. Also, this will sound strange but my nose gets really sore when my stomach and left rib are inflamed from the endometriosis, maybe your mouth is the same? Look into teas that have any inflammatory properties, turmeric etc?

It’s hard with a little family too, I’ve also got 2 children they’re 9 & 11 but they’ve had to put up with my endo since they were little too. Go back to your GP & explain how frustrated you are with being in pain all the time, see if she/he can suggest anything else to help. Good luck xx

[Guitar1986]

UPDATE: still no news - I have rung the waiting list every month. Now back at work and travelling on feet all day due to ‘ social bubbles’ so can’t even hide/ sit down in my room on flare up days. Have seen GP who has given me codeine. Anyone having any better luck with waiting times?

[Guitar1986]

Update - thanks so much for the advice - turmeric and water really worked and have found an aloe mouthwash called Aloeclair. It is amazing! In case anyone has something similar. I finally got a letter last weekend and due for a period on Friday and my op 3 days later - just praying I get the all clear so it can go ahead! Hopefully will get some answers but bricking it now that it is actually happening. X