New appointment

[NikNak98]

Hi all, been a long time since I posted but wanted to come on here asking for advice, if any?

I returned to the doctors about my period not showing. I got notified by my period tracker app that I was supposed to start on the 10th December, but it actually shows that I’m exactly 7 days late.

Pregnancy test was negative but will test again in a week.

Ive been in constant pain, to the point where I’ve had to call in sick, however, nothing to show for it. I went to the GP today and they couldn’t tell me why.

They did say that I either didn’t ovulate during my last cycle, or I’m pregnant. (Which there is no chance of that happening as my partner cannot have children. But I done a test to rule it out anyway so then the doctors don’t have to.

They said that it sounds endo has progressively gotten worse, (they think I have it too), so are referring me back to the specialist who done my surgery. They also said they would be surprised if surgery wasn’t on the cards.

I told them about a tugging pain in my lower abdomen when I urinate or pass a bowel movement and they said that it could be because my bladder is attached to something that shouldn’t be there.

I’m seriously hoping they find Endo this time around because I can’t continue like this! I’m 26 and I cannot participate in sexual activity without crying because of the pain, I can’t even get aroused without it hurting!

I guess I just need some advice, or just somebody to talk too because I’m wondering how much longer I can deal with this before I can’t do it anymore.

I know it takes years to get diagnosed but I need this 😢 thank you in advance!

[KittyTherapy]

Hi,

I'm pleased you've gone back to your GP and they are referring you to gynae. It could be worth asking for an ultrasound and an MRI of your pelvis as they could provide imaging of the endo (but endo doesn't always show up on scans even when its present).

Might also be worth contacting your Patient advice & liaison service (PALS) at the hospital to explain your situation and ask if your appointment could be expedited, make sure you detail your symptoms and impact on your life. I've found PALS to be helpful and bring forward my appts.

Unfortunately we have to fight every step of the way. Don't give up, keep pushing and advocating for yourself.

How are work? Are they helping with reasonable adjustments?

Have you explored pain control with the GP in the interim whilst awaiting gynae?

[NikNak98 in reply to KittyTherapy]

Hi! Thank you so much for your advice!

I definitely will call PALS and see if I can get this expedited, thank you for that. I wouldn’t have thought about that lol!

Work don’t know why endometriosis is and they put my sickness down as “bad stomach pain”. They also don’t want to educate themselves and tell me that it’s not acceptable to have time off work due to “bad stomach pain” and to just “take pain killers”.

Here’s to hoping that everything happens soon and I get some answers this time around. X

[KittyTherapy in reply to NikNak98]

Yeah definitely contact PALS, I've always preferred to email them so there is a paper trail and the email should then get forwarded to the gynae dept which is good as your exact concerns will be passed on (minimises the risk of anything being missed) ans you can also request a copy of your email is filed in your medical notes so there is documentation of your concerns and the decision/ outcome.

With work - have you gone through occupational health? If you have that available then it's best to go through them as they should be able to support you and communicate with your managers. Endo can be covered under the Equality Act and usually once this is explained I'd imagine they will back off a bit.

Hope they can bring things forward for you x