unsuccessful referral to a gynaecologist ... - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

70,119 members51,937 posts

unsuccessful referral to a gynaecologist give up with GP 👨‍⚕️

Shakiera123 profile image
11 Replies

I’m really struggling to deal and cope with my endometriosis, I managed to get to my GP after months and weeks of trying to get an appointment to be told they won’t refer me as it’s soemthing the GP can manage yet it’s not being managed as I have nothing to take for pain apart from paracetamol and ibuprofen and tens machines. I’m so upset and angry to be sat in pain and get no further help, I have been left in the dark with this health condition and was diagnosed a while back and only recently discovered other symptoms I’m at a complete loss here 😭😢

feel as though this condition is really hidden in the dark and doctors don’t want to help.

Any advice on what I can do to help get reffered and deal with the pain

Written by
Shakiera123 profile image
Shakiera123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
11 Replies
persil profile image
persil

You poor thing can you go private or A and E maybe you can telephone PALS or change GP worth a try best of luck. X

Lindle profile image
Lindle

How were you diagnosed and do you now what stage/severity?

Shakiera123 profile image
Shakiera123 in reply to Lindle

I was diagnosed with a ultra scan, they saw the tissue in different places and didn’t take it any further

Abv3 profile image
Abv3 in reply to Shakiera123

Keep pushing. Your GP must have a copy of your scan? I’d pest them every day explaining how much pain you’re in and someone will eventually take notice!

Lindle profile image
Lindle in reply to Shakiera123

Do you have a copy of the scan report or anything else in writing about it?

Shakiera123 profile image
Shakiera123 in reply to Lindle

Sadly I do not I wish I did

Lindle profile image
Lindle in reply to Shakiera123

You can easily get it - will pm you. Confirmation of deep endo on a scan report will give you the evidence to get straight to an endo centre.

Dee_EndoUK profile image
Dee_EndoUKModeratorEndometriosis UK

Hi Shakiera

We're sorry to hear you're struggling to deal with and cope with your endometriosis. While paracetamol, ibuprofen and tens machines have their place in pain management, it's certainly not a long term solution and it's frustrating to hear that you have no treatment pathway in place. You should not have to 'put up' with your symptoms - your GP should find a suitable treatment for you.So you're fully informed about the options available to you, please download the Endometriosis Treatment pack from our website at: endometriosis-uk.org/endome...

We also have a useful fact sheet that explains what to do if you're not satisfied that your symptoms are being properly looked into/treated by your GP. You can find this at endometriosis-uk.org/seeing.... Scroll down on the page and click on the 'Getting diagnosed fact sheet'.

If you're still struggling to 'get heard' after following the advice on the links above, please do reach out to our volunteers who manage our free Helpline (0808 808 2227). This is manned most days by those who have personal experience of endometriosis and can give you additional support. Visit endometriosis-uk.org/helpline.

Wishing you all the best x

Lindle profile image
Lindle in reply to Dee_EndoUK

I had a look at the treatment pack you linked but it's not really much help. It details the various treatment options at length but doesn't really give any advice on how to access it. When endo shows in various places on a scan then it will almost certainly be deep endo and the scan acts as a confirmed diagnosis (following the new ESHRE guideline in February 22). There is a prescribed treatment pathway for severe endo,

Avourneen profile image
Avourneen

Go to a different doctor in your practice and say that you have to see a gynae and that you demand a refferel and their lack of referel is causing you untold stress. If you don't get aanywhere look up a good private gynae explain the situation to their secretary and they will probably see you without a referel. A GP cannot possibly hadle a very specialist condition that even lots of gynaes aren't very good at. You might find a differnt GP at the pratice is much better than the one you saw and they might help.

GPS seem to be one of the biggest barriers to women with endo getting effective treatment. Some of them just seem to exist to prevent people who need referels getting them it is a completely crazy situation. Remember we pay these people's wages and they are employed to help us with our health not hold up diagnosis etc.

Good luck x

Lindle profile image
Lindle in reply to Avourneen

I think it is going to be best to get a copy of the scan report first as endo has shown. It sounds likely that it will confirm severe endo in which case she can take the NHS England spec as evidence for referral to a centre. Unfortunately GP knowledge does so often seem to be so woefully lacking where endo treatment is concerned that the only way to cut through it is to slap formal evidence in front of them as to what they should be doing.

You may also like...

Referral to Gynaecologist

appointment. I’m hoping she will be willing to book me for a lap so I can hopefully get diagnosed...

Just back from gynaecologist I give up 😢

‘medical menopause’ treatment, she started off really lovely saying about endo and she understands...

E-referral to gynaecologist

off and don't take me seriously. I'd really appreciate some help and advice on what clinic I...

tips to convince gynaecologist to give me a hysterectomy

side-effects anymore Mood changes Depression Painful joints effecting mobility my...

First gynaecologist App Coming up

dismissing people rather then listening? Any advice/help on getting in for a lapo booked from the...