Gynaecology Appointment

[Ilbc]

Hello,I'm 19 and at uni in Scotland. I have waited a year and a half for my gynaecology referral and have just received my appointment in 2 weeks time. I'm feeling a bit nervous for this appointment and unsure what it will entail. It feels like there's a lot of pressure as I have been waiting so long for this appointment. I'm not sure what they're going to ask me or if there is anything I can do to prepare for it.

For context I've had symptoms for around 2 or 3 years. I had an emergency Ultrasound during a serious flare up last year. It came back with blood in my Pouch of Douglas. I have also had multiple pain episodes over the recent years. I was on the contraceptive pill last year but decided to come off it due to mental health. I found that it didn't help my symtpoms.

I'm unsure who to chat to about this appointment so any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks

[Lofty1589]

Something I do for every appointment:

- write a list of symptoms and how they affect you - even little ones!

- things would would like to request - MRI, lap surgery etc

- a management plan in place whilst you wait for tests etc

- any question you have be it little or big

Doing this helps prevent me forgetting anything and also being prepared to self-manage until the next appointment/test comes along.

Most importantly, do NOT let them fob you off. You know your body and how it feels. Do not let them use your young age against you (I’m 24 now but I started my journey at 19) If they do, tell them you want it written in your medical records that they are refusing to treat because of age and you’ll find they’ll quickly change your tune. You are also entitled to another opinion if this doctor isn’t a good fit

[Greenblue55]

Hi llbc - great that you have an appointment after such a long wait. I agree with Lofty1589, write down your symptoms (even the ones you're not sure might be related) and any questions you have. Don't be afraid to have your phone or pad and pen in hand so you can catch responses, and make sure you get everything answered.

If there is a wait for tests or next steps I agree, get a management plan in place, or signposting to other resources or support while you're waiting.

You are also able to have an advocate in the room with you, either a friend or relative, or you can ask for a nurse to sit in as well if you'd find that helpful.

If you have questions about the actual appointment, such as whether it will just be a conversation, or any examination or tests, you can contact the consultant's office (your GP will be able to give you contact details if they aren't on a letter/email you've received already) and ask them directly. No question is silly, your health is the most important thing in all this.

[BloomingMarvellous]

There is a symptom checker list on the Endo UK site it’s worth filling that in. A timeline written out as a copy for you and the consultant with that symptom list is helpful.

Write all your questions down beforehand then if you dry it’s not an issue. Take someone trusted with you to take care of you, prompt, take notes and reinforce what you say. Emotions can get the better of us and it’s good to have a safe person with you. If you can’t take someone let them know you’ll be recording it on your phone so you can recall it - it’s amazing what can be misheard or not heard at all because of stress. It has the advantage of ensuring protocol is properly followed.

Do inform yourself of your rights and I found the info available in Katie Edmond’s book Heal Endo helpful in a much as I could know better what was being discussed and proposed. Don’t be fobbed off or forced to make a decision on the day. Ensure you get an arrangement where you can contact them in a couple of days with any decisions. Means you have the time to consider your needs properly Out of the pressure cooker of the moment .