Ultrasound next week - how to appropriately push for further tests if all is clear?

[CaledoniaSloth91]

Hello ladies ☺️

As the title says I’m due an ultrasound on Thursday next week. Thank fudge! I’ve been waiting since November for this, and have had days where the pain is extremely uncomfortable. Just yesterday I had a shooting left hand side pain which left me reeling with dizziness 😢 it’s not been fun.

However I know that ultrasounds aren’t exactly the best for endo. When I went to my new doctor about the pain flare up in November though and told her I’d had an ultrasound years ago for pains, she admitted they’re not the best and I might need an MRI. Sooo ... maybe on the right track with this GP, but how to push for the MRI? I’m a very anxious person who hates to push for things, but this pain has been plaguing me for years. I’m going to fight this ... somehow 😅

Any stories or help would be great thank you all 💓

[MelaniePhoebe]

Hello! I hear what you are saying. I also suffer with anxiety as default and so trying to get this pain sorted has come with challenges and I’m sure they’ll be more to come but this is what I’ve found since starting my journey in trying to figure out what this pain is.

- be persistent! I’ve had to call gynaecology over and over and leave countless voicemails after MANY cancellations. At first I thought maybe I wasn’t doing the right thing, I know the NHS is under pressure and I felt guilty for calling over and over but realistically it’s the only way anything has been done and after weeks of now calling action is being taken. My psychologist also recommended that I kept calling and said there is no shame as I am in a lot of pain.

- It’s ok to disagree with your health professional! You know your body the best. If tests come back clear and you’re still in pain then more tests need to take place to determine what is happening. I find lots of people say “oh it can’t be that” and my attitude is to prove that is isn’t. There is something going on and it is unacceptable to be left in pain with no answers. And if you still aren’t getting anywhere then change your health professional. For years I was told over and over by my old GP that there was nothing wrong, all in my head, it’s my anxiety; even though all other health professionals in my life said it wasn’t right, finally changed GP and after one appointment they could see I had a chronic condition and has helped me in more ways in one appointment than my old GP had in six years.

- Remember what you are asking for is important! You’re not pushing for these tests for no reason; the reason is you are in pain and it is effecting your life and that is enough of a reason to push for what you need. You deserve answers, you deserve to know how to treat this and to live the best life you can whatever the outcome.

- Remember YOU are in control! I’ll be the first to admit that I have felt powerless in this struggle many times; through cancelled appointments, being dismissed over and over again, thinking is it all in my head? But how I regained control is doing all the above; being persistent, listening to my body and wanting answers. It’s easy to feel powerless in this situation, but try and do what you can without overwhelming yourself. I’d call the gynaecologist 3 times a week to try and get a new appointment, I’m working on my own mental health with professionals and other professionals to help me preserve my job. All these things have helped me regain control while waiting for other tests/appointments.

I hope this is somewhat helpful to you and if you want to chat please feel free to message me.

Remember you deserve answers and there’s nothing wrong for asking (sometimes over and over) for them.

Best of luck and big love always

[CaledoniaSloth91 in reply to MelaniePhoebe]

Thank you so much for your reply. A lot of helpful information and guidance so I am very grateful! I’ll do all you say to get some answers ☺️ x