gynae appointment

[WanderingFox]

Hi everyone,

So my symptoms started back last April, pain in the lower left side that’s gotten progressively worse (hip, flank and buttocks area), extreme bloating to the point of looking pregnant, nausea, headaches, bowel and bladder issues. I have gallstones and developed a kidney stone last May too so I was dismissed repeatedly as it being related to these even though endo was found and removed from me in 2016.

I was referred to gynae in Nov last year, I went for a private gynae consultation because I couldn’t wait anymore, got told because I didn’t have majorly painful periods that I couldn’t have it, got an internal ultrasound and got a MRI and both were clear. When I mentioned having it in 2016 found via a laparoscopy then I got told I might have it because a MRI wouldn’t rule this type out 🙄, got offered a lap privately but couldn’t accept the referral because I couldn’t afford it.

I was off sick for 6 months with this and I am still only down as a routine referral to gynae via the NHS. I complained and got a letter stating due to covid the waiting list is 5 years.

Now I’m going through healthcare I’mpaying for but I have to go to a consultant of their choice.

I’m in NI and I feel this is my last resort here because I can’t seem to get anywhere.

I’ve complained to MLAs, my painkillers have been upgraded from cocodamol to tramadol and none of this makes a difference to anyone.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice?

[Cailleach]

Just from other people posting here, NI seems to have a particular problem for people accessing endo services. 5 years seems outrageous as a waiting time when you have been off sick for so long and have severe symptoms. Have you tried other painkillers besides opiates such as codeine/ tramadol? I mean anti inflammatories of meds for me rapid such as amitryptyline or gabapentin? Might be worth talking to your GP. I have found a Tens machine of some help as well.

What is the treatment you are having privately, is it another lap?

[WanderingFox in reply to Cailleach]

I’ve been taking Naproxen as well although it’s hit and miss. I had asked my GP for different medication and that’s when they gave me tramadol.I’ve been considering getting a tens machine.

I’ve to see another gynaecologist privately to hopefully get referred for a laparoscopy.

[Cailleach in reply to WanderingFox]

You could try another anti-inflammatory other than Naproxen, do you take it continuously? It is certainly worth it to start taking the anti-inflammatory for a few days before your period to let it build up. Sorry I see autocorrect was at work on my last post I meant that amitryptyline and Gabapentin are for nerve pain.

Don’t feel you have to go for the expensive Tens machine the cheaper ones work just as well in my experience.

Hope you get some help soon x

[WanderingFox in reply to Cailleach]

I really would like something for nerve pain as I’m certain that’s what the worst of my pain is but my GP doesn’t seem interested in offering me anything like that until I get an official diagnosis that it is endo causing all this.