Disappointing gynaecologist appointment, advice appreciated

[Stellasmithy]

Hi all,

After waiting over a year and a half after my referral (and of course waiting many years to get referred at all) I finally saw a gynaecologist on Tuesday. I’ve had severe abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting, leg aching, back aching, fatigue for several years and horribly heavy periods since the day they started when I was 13 so I was so excited for an appointment with a gynaecologist especially after my doctor told me she could feel a mass in my stomach she thought could be endometriosis. However, after a swift 15 minute appointment the gynae told me I needed to just cut out dairy and wheat as it was most likely just IBS as endometriosis would not cause swelling. I told her I had already done this for 4 months and my symptoms continued to worsen but she told me I needed to give it at least 6 for it to help. She then shooed me off. I felt so upset I just came home and cried. I’m only 25 and I’m worried this will not get help on time. Has anyone else had a similar experience that can offer advice? Thank you in advance.

[yellowfreckles]

Hiya I’m so sorry you’ve been going through this. A very similar thing happened to me - after 6 months of constant abdominal and back pain I went to see a gyno and she said it was most likely not gyno related and probably a non-serious issue with my bowels, such as IBS (despite the fact that I had no bowel symptoms whatsoever). I was lucky enough to be at a new job which gave me private health, so I went to see a private gyno who was the first person ever to suggest endo to me. We ended up doing a laparoscopy last month, which did indeed find endo. So I would say, if you are able, pay to see a private consultant, and if you’re not, you can ask your GP for a referral to a different NHS gyno. Push and ask for it to be an urgent referral - big up your pain to them and say you need to see someone asap. I hope this helps at all xx

[Stellasmithy in reply to yellowfreckles]

Hi, thanks so much for that, nice to hear someone has had the same experience! I dont think private is an option for me financially, but i will certainly ask to be referred to a different gyno. And yes I have had an ultrasound before, they didn’t see anything apart from the polycystic ovaries. Im glad you have finally had an answer i hope you find some relief for it xx

[yellowfreckles]

Also, have you had an ultrasound at all?

[D2KN]

Not sure if you still need advise i had to see a gastroentologost and they did a colonoscopy and asked a diary and also as i have urine issues it all.came.up in my diary it was cyclical in nature the urologist sent a referral to gynae saying it was gynae issue not IBS as it was cyclical and that they strongly suspected endometriosis this is how i got my diagnosis. My legs swell too . And when the did ultra sound the first time they said uterus is ok.but a year later i saw another gynae who is endo specialist the confirmed the scan was not know as i was told and it had clear signs of adenomyosis