Diagnosis

[FarmerA]

Hi, did anybody else struggle with getting a diagnosis? I went to doctors countless times in my last years of primary school and first couple years of secondary school after I started getting my period, my chronic pain was just shrugged off as me playing up even though I had really heavy bleeding. I ended up in hospital 5 times because of extremely painful periods and only then was it because a nurse suffered with it was it that it was investigated. I lived with the chronic pain and extremely painful periods for 5 years before a doctor actually believed me and took me seriously and even now I don’t think they truly understand the pain we go through and how much it impacts your day to day life.

[TamazinG]

I did. I was told that pain was 'totally normal' and that my constantly swollen tummy (even though I'm slim) wasn't an issue. Fast forward 30 years and I've got stage 4 end and it's invaded so many areas. In fairness, my gp at the time was male and had no clue, really.

[endokicker1 Administrator]

Hi there!

Yes, so many women with chronic illnesses get told that the pain is in their head and that are told it is normal.

There is so much miseducation and unawareness even with GPs and doctors. I dont know if you are in the UK, but I suggest you write down all your symptoms and when they happen, go to your GP and mention that you want more investigations done. Mention endometriosis and ask to be referred to a gyneacologist, preferably one who knows about endo.

Please DM me if you need any more info.