How long can a referral take?

[EvieH1]

I’ve been referred in the past to my local hospitals endometriosis team however they discharged me as they couldn’t see anything on my ultrasound scan. I’ve been back to the GP many times with my symptoms and he is adamant that I have endometriosis and has re-referred me! I am just wondering how long most people have had to wait for their laparoscopy after being referred to the hospital/endometriosis team? I’m currently on the mini pill to ‘try’ and settle my pains and also been prescribed 3 different pain relief tablets…I just want to know what’s going on inside me???

[40plusandcranky]

Hi, I had a scan approx 3 weeks after seeing my doctor, then 3 weeks later MRI, then 8 months to see a gynaecologist 🙄

[ChicagoGrey]

There seems to be a long wait! I have spent many years back and forth.

The last ‘lot’ I was referred to a phone system, had a few appt with them before actually seeing a local gynae, then had to wait and have the usual cancellations several times before actually seeing anyone, then felt fobbed off with the pill ( had already tried several different ones in the past. Then 2 further appts, about a year in waiting before I actually had surgery and endo diagnosed. Then felt at a loss, as it was a case of yes you’ve got endo, we’ve popped a coil in - see you later. I had terrible pain & no on the Zoladex injections for 3 months, which have been a blessing! Although I worry what’s next as they said I can only have a 3 month course!

[EvieH1 in reply to ChicagoGrey]

Im so sorry you’ve had to go through that! It honestly sounds so frustrating to even get a diagnosis nowadays!

[CitizenErased]

I'm in a similar boat. Was put on the minipill last month to see if it helps with my symptoms. It's been two years since I first went to my GP. Still not been given an MRI even, which I've been asking for since the beginning. I keep getting rejected too. It's so frustrating. Not sure how long the wait for a laparoscopy would be as I'm not on the list yet. But I've heard of some people who have had to wait years 😔

[h0lli3]

For me, 4 years at one endo centre with no surgery in the end even though I was meant to have it as they were too busy, and 14 months at another (it's meant to be next month 🤞 but already had a date earlier this year cancelled) after I gave up with the first place - I have stage 4 endo and ttc but I don't think that is taken into account unless you have bowel or urine tract blockage

[Sunset-lady]

I had abandoned hysterectomy last Sept and they referred me to an endometriosis clinic. I couldn't wait so paid to see him privately which I did in November. My appointment to see him on the NHS was last week and he's now retired! You couldn't make it up. Xxx

[EvieH1 in reply to Sunset-lady]

Aw that’s awful! I hope you get sorted x