GP care

[Daisy0909]

I’ve just had a really upsetting consult and left feeling worse than when I went in.

I have stage 3 endo and adenomyosis and have been undergoing IVF this year which has unfortunately not been successful. I was diagnosed in 2019 and was then immediately referred to gynae/fertility but I have never had a proper consult with a gynae doctor! I have been having increasing pain, heavy bleeding since my baby loss in August and my bowel symptoms have worsened (rectal bleeding and mucous in stools)

I was literally having to explain everything but the whole consult felt incredibly rushed and I didn’t feel listened to. They asked why haven’t you mentioned about the rectal bleeding before and I said that I have been dismissed all my life. Heavy and painful periods blamed on being overweight and just handing me mefenamic acid. I asked about referred to an endo specialist centre but was told they won’t look into your bowel issues and I said but I could have endo on the bowel. Since I lost all of my weight my bleeding worsened, I felt patronised and gaslighted again, I could’ve cried.

I’m sorry for the rambling 😢

[Blue_Sky12]

Sorry to hear you’ve been so dismissed yet again. Just wanted to send some love and solidarity your way, you matter and your pain matters and your concerns are valid. 💕 Your weight has no bearing on your value or the care you deserve. I’m sorry that hasn’t been your experience. Is it an option for you to switch to a different GP? Were you offered any path forward? x

[Daisy0909 in reply to Blue_Sky12]

The thing is she was really caring when I saw her previously after our loss in the summer but today it was completely different. I’m guessing she’s overworked and stressed which is not my fault. I just found her to be not understanding and she seemed to brush over everything. She’s referring me to general gynae and the gastroenterology team x

[Blue_Sky12 in reply to Daisy0909]

I hope that means some positive progress for you soon. I’m sorry for your loss.

[Daisy0909 in reply to Blue_Sky12]

Thank you for your kindness x

[EliH]

So sorry you go through this! Getting taken seriously by the GP is a real struggle sometimes.. I would really try and see a doctor about this... even a different GP.. weight loss and bleeding are quite alarming.. I hope you are ok x

[Daisy0909]

Thank you, I just find it so hard to make myself heard without getting upset and becoming an emotional wreck which doesn’t help. I’m going to see how my next cycle goes and if it’s the same then will try and get an appointment. That’s another thing it’s just so hard to get a f2f appointment these days. I had to send a detailed email to get this one basically demonstrating that I warranted a consult. Trying to hang in there and not let it get to me, it’s just upsetting. Thank you for reaching out to me x

[NW248]

You need to demand to see an endo specialist, they will absolutely consider you bowel symptoms as it could be related to the endo. Sadly many in the medical profession think the body is segregated into departments in the same way as hospitals and the standard specialisms are. They don't seem to understand it's all joined up inside.

Look up BSGE centres on the internet and you should find a list of where they are, the email addresses make it clear which are NHS ones.

[Daisy0909]

Thank you for your advice, do you know if I can still be referred if I’m going through fertility treatment or will I have to wait? There’s one near me in Bristol but no one has ever mentioned referring me as the ivf has taken priority