support in raising concerns with GP

[GrahamReed]

I have been diagnosed with endometriosis, PCOS and a fibroid. I have an appointment with my GP to discuss my heavy periods, pain and new symptoms that have begun to develop. My periods are frequent, being on for two weeks and then off for a week before another two weeks of being on again. I am exhausted all the time but take iron tablets. I hate having GP appointments as I feel they don't understand the pain and the never-ending isolation Endo particularly has. Every appointment I attend, I am greeted with you need to take contraception, and you need to lose weight. My diet and activity levels are not bad, but I struggle to lose more than 5lbs, but again, the GP does not appear bothered with this. Has anyone got any strategies when discussing your concerns with the GP? What can I ask the GP to check? I have a period tracker, so I always take that with what I have already tried to ease the symptoms.

[Potts22]

Hi I have been dismissed so many times by doctors. While I haven't been able to sort that fully, I have found that repeating the statement that my symptoms are impacting my ability to go about my daily life encourages them to take me seriously. Have a list of examples. You should also definitely ask to be referred to a gynaecologist - the GP isn't going to be a specialist in this.

[Cailleach]

I take it the GP has done blood tests to look at possible causes of fatigue like anaemia ( and that’s why you’re on iron tablets ), thyroid, blood sugar levels etc?

I’m not sure why weight would be such an issue to the GP, if you are very over weight it could be a cause of fatigue, but it would not cause any of your other symptoms, and fatigue is a known symptom of endometriosis. It is certainly not likely to be your main concern at the moment, when you have so much else going on.

Have you considered taking the contraceptive pill, it might help stabilise your periods? You may have your own reasons for not wanting to do this of course.

Your GP should be able to prescribe you pain relief if you are in pain.

Since you are diagnosed with endo, PCOS and fibroid, has your gynaecologist suggested a treatment plan? If you have new symptoms perhaps you need to be referred back.

I would suggest you tell your GP you are not addressing any weight issues at the moment as this is not a priority for you. If you have reasons for not wanting to use whatever contraception is being recommended, explain that and ask for other options. Ask for pain relief and a referral to Gynae, informing them of your current issues.

Personally I think if you can you should see another GP. Is there another one in your practice that is more sympathetic, or could you change to another practice? It honestly sounds like you are not going to get very far with this one.

I know very little about PCOS so can’t comment on that.

Hope things improve for you. Some doctors are shit and others are great, you may need to shop around. Xx