Feeling a little failed

[Dachshundlover1]

Hi guys.

I had a telephone appointment with my Doctor on Thursday. She said she can't refer me to a specialist due to only trying 1 form of contraception (I have tried a numerous amount of pills). She has told me I have to have the coil fitted and see how I get on for 6 months and then maybe she will refer me. On a previous appointment I was told the coil would not be suitable for me, so now I am panicking, even though this Doctor said it is fine? Is she fobbing me off or has anyone else not been able to be referred due to only trying the pill? I am VERY sensitive to any hormones and worried if the coil doesn't agree with me that it will take them ages to address. I understand that things take time. But my doctor couldn't even tell me when I was likely to get a phone call to book me in, let alone when I would actually manage to get the coil fitted. She didn't seem concerned that I have been bleeding over my pill for 4 weeks and feeling faint etc. It is really effecting my day to day life and I don't even want to go to work as I feel so awful.

Please everyone, what do you suggest. I am feeling like a broken, emotional mess at the moment. xxx

[Anna_EndoUK Moderator]

Hi Dachshundlover1,

I'm sorry you're feeling this way! Unfortunately, the waiting times to see a gynaecologist are pretty big at the minute due to covid :-(. Because of this, I would try to get a GP referral as soon as possible. Can you speak to another GP if your current one is not willing to make the referral? You could also try showing them a copy of the NICE guidelines (nice.org.uk/guidance/qs172/.... These guidelines should be followed by GPs. They're fairly long, but suggest that if endometriosis is suspected, you should be referred to a gynaecologist. They might encourage your GP to make the referral. I would also consider making a symptom diary so you can show your GP how much your symptoms are interfering with your life.

Also, you should never feel forced into getting the coil, it doesn't work for everyone (although some people love it) and it's invasive!

I hope this helps, the whole process can be so frustrating xx

[LA_LA]

This is completely incorrect. Get a new GP and push for referral!

[CryBaby91]

Please make a complaint and ask for another doctor! Definitely do not do anything you are uncomfortable with just for their sake, how many different pills you've tried makes NO DIFFERENCE to whether you should have a referral, it's not just a period condition for many people and left untreated can be very serious. Please don't let them fob you off sweet, that's bang out of order.

[Badger17]

Do you have health insurance? I was sick of my doctors telling me I just had to ‘get on with it’ that I just found a specialist online and booked an appointment without a referral! I was seen after 2 weeks then had the laparoscopy a month later. This may not work for everyone but sometimes you have to advocate for yourself! Also they inserted the coil at the same time as the laparoscopy for me. I’m still adjusting to the hormones but endo symptoms are so much better. The laparoscopy is not pleasant, so there’s an argument for trying different contraceptives first. But you’re right - once you have the coil inserted they will ask you to wait for 6 months after to see if it has any effect. First step is seeing another GP - this one sounds dismissive and unhelpful!