Gynecologist appointment outcome-advice please?

[burke123]

Hi all,

So I had my first gynecologist appointment last week, and it wasn't what I was expecting. I've read so many accounts of people appointments, where they had plenty of time to discuss history, the horrendous pain, as well as a detailed treatment plan.

However, my visit consisted of walking into the room, being asked "what's the problem", having 5 minutes to tell her everything that I could. She asked no further questions, didn't discuss further about the pain or impact on my life, and said that basically I'll be on some kind of hormonal treatment for life, so is it worth the risk of laproscopy, as treatment wouldn't change. She said it was up to me, and asked me if I felt the pain was significant enough to go ahead with surgery. I appreciate what she was saying, but after an extensive history of GPs saying I'm unlucky with bad periods, it felt like she was dismissing my pain, and once again making me doubt myself, am I crazy?

Anyway, I pushed to have the surgery, and she is going to arrange this. So I'm happy with the outcome, but the experience with the consultant has just made me second guess myself. I've been told so many times to push for the laproscopy, but the consultant has made me feel almost guilty for wanting to proceed with it, as she said, the treatment, in terms of hormones, will remain the same. Any advise or reassurance will be greatly appreciated 🙂

[AllthatGlitters]

Hello sorry you didn’t get much support from the gynaecologist. You are certainly not crazy and shouldn’t doubt yourself. I always say it’s your body, your pain and you live with this every day.

It’s good you are getting a laparoscopy but could I also say it’s useful to have an MRI to check for adenomyosis (I have both conditions).

Hope you get some answers soon x

[laura98]

oh no how awful. I have had the same thing said to me, “there’s no point in having the surgery as it doesn’t cure anything anyway”. It invalidates everything you go through! I’ve walked out of many gynae appointments in tears as I just don’t feel listened to, unfortunately it seems the norm and I think because there are such long waits on the nhs there is such a big build up to your appointment.

Do you know if this woman will be doing the lap? Hopefully not and you’ll be seen by someone who will listen to your concerns fully 💕

[Awwy]

Hi Burke123

Sorry to hear of your experience. Unfortunately this is the normal experience with a lot of gynecologists. 😌

Are you with a specialist who is experienced with endometriosis?

I saw a few gynecologists and when I wanted to see the actual surgeon who I was under I was told repeatedly no she is busy. I then demanded to see her and honestly felt so deflated after the appointment I did not feel comfortable with her doing any kind of surgery on me at all.

I then looked up endometriosis centres. Went back to my GP and went for a second opinion. I am so glad I did! I now feel confident with the treatment plan and steps.

It did take me back a year as I had to join a new waiting list but id rather have confidence in the person/team treating me than not.

Wish you all the best.

Please get a second opinion.

Take care 💜

[ccfd9]

Hi,

So sorry for your disappointing visit. Was she an endometriosis specialist or just a run of the mill gynaecologist? I suspect the later.

The problem with female gynaecologists is that she may have a few little cramps at her period and does not understand the pain and debilitating effects of endometriosis. What is she going to do at the laparoscopy? Is she going to cut out or burn any endometrial implants or is it just a look see and do nothing? Some times the look see can help as they inflate the stomach with gas to ensure that they do not hit an organ when they insert the camera, this can free up some lesions and ease some pain. But it also puts blood into the peritoneal cavity which can cause more lesions.

Have you tried nutritional therapy? Dian Shepperson Mills wrote the book “Endometriosis: a key to healing and fertility through nutrition” see endometriosis.co.uk

[Petalgirl]

I went through similar at the beginning of my journey, she was so dismissive and made me feel like I was making it all up. She basically told me my back ache was jus back ache and not related to the endo despite it being cyclical. And then she told me I'd have to try hormonal birth control before anything else even though I had tried it all and it all affected me mentally. And then at my last appointment with her during lockdown so over the phone I was in tears about my pain and mental health and she said "well you can have a hysterectomy or I can discharge you" so I opted to be discharged because why have a hysterectomy without any diagnosis or MRI or any indication that it was necessary?! I am now due surgery in 2 weeks for stage 4 endo after a 20 month wait. But I am being seen by specialist endo gynaes and I am happy with their treatment of me and I'm not even having a hysterectomy as they don't think it's necessary at my age. I ended up being referred to them through oncology as my practice nurse referred me to oncology to get me seen quickly (and incase my elevated ca levels were indicative of cancer) the oncologist knew straight away it was endo and not ovarian cancer. I know how it feels to be dismissed, but please keep trying. Go back to your GP, see another one if you can, or even a nurse, or someone at your GP practice that is more gynae-minded. And push to see a endo specialist.