What to say to my GP?

[kfairbairn]

Hi all. I am new here. I am four years into investigations for abdominal and shoulder pain and horrendous IBS like symptoms. My GP has ruled out a whole host of things and now thinks I have endometriosis. I have done absolutely everything that the GP has suggested over the four years and have had what feels like hundreds of tests. She now wants to send me for an ultrasound. I had one two years ago and it didn't show anything. My understanding is that endo won't show on an ultrasound. I feel at the end of my tether with this further delay before finally (maybe) being referred to a specialist. Is it reasonable to say that I would like to be referred now?

Thanks in advance

[TennisAM]

Hi, you're right, unless the sonographer is very experienced or you have obvious endometriosis (such as an endometriosis cyst) it won't show up. I would still take the ultrasound as a lot can change in 2 years. The ultrasound could now show other issues that are causing symptoms too.

They can send you for an MRI too to see if you have any deep endometriosis. This isn't always accurate (as not all Radiologists are skilled in seeing endometriosis) but worth trying to get the referral.

If I were you I'd insist on a referral to gynaecology. If you have symptoms that suggest multi organ involvement (severe endo) then you could say that you should be referred go the local BSGE endometriosis centre (this is set out in the endometriosis NICE guidelines). Hopefully you have a BSGE centre nearby(this can be checked on their website). It will take some time to get an appointment, you've already gone through 4 years of issues, no need for the diagnosis/treatment to be delayed any further.

Always remember, it's your body and your health, the doctor isn't in charge - you are. They shouldn't have taken 4 years to realise you may have endometriosis, so if I were you I'd put my foot down.

If you're interested in natural things that help feel free to send me a private message.

Best wishes

[kfairbairn in reply to TennisAM]

Thank you for your reply. You are definitely right - I need to be more assertive with my GP. Will be asking for a referral. Thanks again

[Moon_maiden]

HiDefinitely get a referral, ask them to do it as urgent if you’re in a lot of pain. You’ve gone along with everything for a long time, they need to go along with you 😀. An MRI might be better, although no scan really shows Endo, guidelines say they shouldn’t be used for full diagnosis. I think ultrasound is on their initial checklist

Hop you manage to things sorted soon 🙂

[kfairbairn in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you 😊