Awaiting diagnosis

[Got-the-runs]

2022 multiple blood tests as primarily for fatigue. Also heavy painful periods. ultrasound didn't show any issue.

2023 Jan Coil fitted. Periods were increasingly painful and although lighter lasted longer so I was bleeding most days.

2023 Sept. GP suggested Endometriosis and Mini pill prescribed to manage periods. GP said if pill didn't settle symptoms, she would refer to gynecologist to explore womb oblation.

2024 Jan periods reduced to almost no bleeding at all (yippee) although the usual cycle of other symptoms.

2024 Jan-Jun I noticed more symptoms similar to those of IBS. These had been present for some time but I always just assumed they were related to my period (pain, bloating, loose stool)

2024 Jun. Saw GP for digestive issues. They tested for a few things and said if they come back negative then it's IBS and use over the counter meds.

I've only recently learned that IBS symptoms can be caused by endometriosis, that the two are likely linked, that regardless of the fact that my symptoms have lessened, I'm still in pain more days than not so it's important that I pursue a confirmed diagnosis.

Sorry for my life story there - I just wonder if anyone has any advice on what I should ask for from my GP specifically.

[Sunset-lady]

Ask your GP to be referred to a gynae (preferably the nearest endo/gynae department). Don't let them tell you it's unlikely to be endo. 10% of women have this. I was told it was IBS for 30 years. Now it's all fused and they had to abandon my hysterectomy. I'm bleeding all the time: this gets worse in peri menopause. You need it looked into by specialists.

[Got-the-runs in reply to Sunset-lady]

Thank you I will. So sorry to hear about your situation too.