Diagnosis Issue

[RioBeau]

Hi All,

I have been having issues with my periods since they began but the last 3 years have gotten much worse. Every period I have seems to be worse than the last. After a lot of back and forth with the GP and having tried the pill, mini pill and coil over the last 6 years, I persuaded them to refer me.

I saw a gynae for the first time in Nov 2021 who basically told me I should take ibuprofen and lose weight (I am overweight but not horrendously). She said she’d speak to me again in 3 months to see how I was getting on. 3 months on and no appointment came through. I was finally seen again 3 weeks ago where I had a telephone consultation. During this gap I’d had a scan that showed a cyst which since resolved itself but was told this over the phone by the consultants receptionist which I was asked to have a further scan. According to the gynae I spoke to this time, apparently I was also told to take Mefenamic acid and tranexamic acid (I was not told this), neither of which were prescribed to me so how I was supposed to try them I’m not sure!!

So the result of the last appointment is that we will try the two acid tablets, coil and do a camera internal scan (not sure of the proper name apologies!) but I’m at the end of my first period since and the tablets have made no difference. I’m at my wits end.

Both gynae doctors were convinced I have Endometriosis but both declined for me to have a laparoscopy claiming I’m too young (I’m 26) and that we need to try other avenues. I’m concerned we are going down a path that is putting out the smoke but not the fire.

Does anyone have any advice on getting this correctly diagnosed? I am really struggling to function during my period especially and I want to do everything I can to fix it

[Chel91]

That is terrible, I'm sorry. Go back to your GP (or get a new one), and ask to be referred to one of the specialist endo centers. I wouldn't want that person to operate on me, as they don't seem competent anyway.

26 is not too young for surgery. That's ridiculous. The endometriosis could be spreading and causing further damage. I just had surgery after 20 years of denials from medical professionals. My pain is completely gone now.

I would not advise taking the medications for any length of time, that's not necessarily going to treat or slow down the spread of endo. It doesn't work like that, and there are side effects to any medication. No imaging can rule out endometriosis either, only laparoscopic surgery can do that.

Put your foot down, and change GP if needed. Some ladies pay privately to get a consult with an endo specialist who works jointly with the NHS, and then bring the letter to their GP to get referred back to them through the NHS, but I think some areas this is harder to do than others. Might be something to look into. Wishing you luck xx

[Moon_maiden]

Hi

Do go back to GP, or Gynae, I’d agree with Chel91 that you aren’t too young and if you want children this needs to be under control. I think the ridiculous excuses they’ve given you is to reduce numbers on actual waiting lists not as legitimate reasons. We know they are swamped.

If you needed an emergency op your weight wouldn’t come into play at all.

It’s not a disease you want to leave, I’ve learnt the hard way and I’d hate for it to happen to anyone else.

You aren’t being pushy in telling them what you want. I always recommend using the GP econsult as it’s in writing and tell politely rather than ask.

🤞 for you

[mwalden1607]

hi this is awful I was out on both of those tablets for over 6 yrs 2 of which were before I got properly diagnosed, they did help me but in time started to upset my stomach even with stomach protection about 3 yrs ago I spent nearly a whole yr with heartburn and indigestion I took it upon myself to look into what I was eating and my diet and exercise I have since lost nearly 5 stone, in my experience just keep pushing for that laparoscopy to get your diagnosis take care xx