First in person appointment with specialist on Thurs - what to ask/expect?

[gettingusedtoendo]

Hello,

I have my first in person appointment and examination with an endo specialist on Thursday. I was wondering if anyone in this lovely group has any advice on what to ask and/or expect, maybe in hindsight of your own appts? I am v conscious that these appts are usually rushed but my confusions are exhaustive! I’ve thought about being really annoying and taking a pen and paper and a list of questions.. :/

I’ve had one telephone appt with this dr and found it all a bit rushed and confusing. The letter I was cc’d into after had many inaccuracies about my symptoms and the order/findings of my MRI and ultrasound which made me feel I wasn’t listened to. I also want to find out why he wrote that I did not fit a typical picture of endo when in fact my MRI showed adhesions between urerus and rectum and multiple cystic areas... I also want to find out why he isn’t super keen to do a lap

I was wondering also if anyone could tell me what to expect when the dr says he will ‘examine me to exclude deep infiltrative endometriosis

Many thanks!! Sorry for the long post

Lauren

[thara9643]

Make notes. Get as much as possible.

[GrittyReads]

Take copies of all results you have, so far , particularly of the ones that he has misquoted in the letter that you were cc'd into. Also, type out a dated history of your experience of pain, as well as all consultations (with who, and when, and what was said and done): plus, give the details and results of any tests done as a result of (or in spite of) these tests and consultations. Point out that this is the correct version and take a copy of the letter you were cc'd into with errors marked.

Plus, have a list of your questions.

You are not being annoying, and any Medic who thinks or says so is an idiot.

Don't let him rush you: if he goes too fast ask him to repeat; if he says things you don't understand, say so and ask for an explanation. However, stay calm, polite and pleasant, but don't be fobbed off.

Definitely ask what he means by saying you don't fit the typical picture of an endo sufferer (one look at this site shows we are all very, very different).

I'm not sure about the 'examine you' comment. Does he mean there and then in this consultation? I wasn't aware anything would be obvious from a physical examn, there and then. Hope others can answer this better than I can - maybe he means at a future appointment or examination. Above all, I would appear, cool, calm, confident and well-prepared ... and 'yes' take notes!

Some years ago, I was lucky to have wonderful appointments/interviews with one of the UK's leading consultants (about a different condition): I was terrified, but I had researched my condition and all the biology and the problems involved. I managed to stay calm, ask my questions and also question him on his responses. So many of us can be unnerved by these learned, superior men (and women), but ... sadly ... a lot of women (still) don't know much about their bodies and the details of operations and procedures (I used to be a biology teacher - briefly - and am horrified now when friend's daughters and grand-daughters don't seem to know much about their bodies and how it all works!)

Try to get a good nights rest, stay calm, arrive early so as to calm yourself and read your notes and questions, and don't allow yourself to be talked over, or down to.

Remember, if it wasn't for all of us, all these Gynae men wouldn't have jobs!!

[gettingusedtoendo in reply to GrittyReads]

Hi GrittyReads, thank you so so much for taking the time to write me that reply. I feel a bit calmer already. Really helpful, thank you.