First gynaecologist appointment

[GreyGirl91]

Hi,

I’ve got my first appointment with my gynaecologist this week, and I was wondering if there’s anything that I should ask. I’m 26 and have been having endometriosis symptoms consistently since March last year so I’m aware that I’m at the beginning of the process of a definite diagnosis.

I was referred by my GP, who has said that all of my symptoms fit with endometriosis.

Any advice would be much appreciated,

Thank you!

[PossiblyMaybe]

Hi Grey!I’m similarly near the start of this long process too. I went to my first gynaecology appointment at the start of December and I’ve since had a scan and a second gynea appointment.

I think it’s really important to be clear about what you want and make sure you’re listened to: this is easier said than done. I tried to bring someone in with me to help, but with Covid they wouldn’t let me. If you want someone to come with you then try to arrange this beforehand.

I wrote things down for the appointment, so if it would be helpful to have notes or be able to make notes if the doctor says anything then make sure you’re prepared.

My overall experience (and this may not be your experience) was that if it ‘looks normal’ on an internal exam then they don’t care. I was sent for an ultrasound but told point blank by the gynea that it would find nothing (it did end up finding something, but that’s another story all together) in my experience and that of friends ultrasounds are standard so ask if one isn’t offered. They will probably try to fob you off with the pill or the coil if they find nothing on your pelvic exam. If this isn’t what you want then be clear. It’s your body and your health so you can make this choice for you: don’t be pressured. You can always take some time to think before making a decision as well.

If all else fails you are entitled to a second opinion on the NHS. You can ask the gynea you see to refer you on or go back to your GP who can do it.

I hope this is of some help and doesn’t make you anymore anxious. If you have any other questions I’m happy to help or someone else almost certainly will! Good luck x

[GreyGirl91 in reply to PossiblyMaybe]

Thank you! Had a phone appointment this morning. They’ve put me on the waiting list for a laparoscopy, and I’ve been told to try the injection before my next appointment in 3 months xx

[Moon_maiden]

I wrote down history and symptoms and took that with me. I just gave it to him to read, he asked a few questions, did exam, then said endo.I would suggest an MRI, I wish I’d had one before lap. I do get why I didn’t.

Endo UK site has great advice for consultations and a symptom diary.

If it’s a telephone appointment, have someone with you on speaker, they can take notes and a second pair of ears.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[GreyGirl91 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you, had my appointment today over the phone. Took your advice and took notes about what they told me. I’m on the waiting list for a laparoscopy and have been told to try the injection to relieve symptoms. I’m really unsure about it as I had a bad reaction to the mini pill last year x

[Moon_maiden in reply to GreyGirl91]

That’s great it went well 😀 was the consultant nice/ friendly?If you mean injection like Zoladex I think it’s different to the pill, have a chat with GP, it will vary with experiences still.