Uninterested GPs: Hi everyone!! Has anyone else... - My Ovacome

My Ovacome

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Uninterested GPs

redthedog85 profile image
11 Replies

Hi everyone!!

Has anyone else faced uninterested GPs and have managed to get help elsewhere? It's not just that they are completely dismissing my symptoms as anything else including hormones, IBS, my imagination 😑 it's that they are so cold and unsympathetic with me.

They have pretty much decided my pelvic pain and other symptoms inc. bloating, peeing a lot more and urgently and bowel issues are something I just have to live with. At 39 I don't particularly want the rest of my life to be like this. They have done ultrasounds that came back clear but my symptoms are just getting worse. They have put me in for a Laparoscopy (reluctantly) but I could be waiting til at least April because they don't see any of this as urgent. And the referal might be rejected. I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right in my body eventhough the GPs just keep saying some people just get pain for no reason. My pain has never moved from the pelvic area. It's nowhere else. I would usually have just let it lie at this stage (been going to the GP since September) but the pain I'm experiencing is affecting my sleep, my work, my mood and my general outlook on life.

I've been looking at doctors in the UK who specialise in pelvic pain to see if they can tell me why I feel like this. I live near Newcastle-upon-Tyne but I'm happy to travel if anyone has been in this position and has any recommendations for doctors for me 🤞🏻🤞🏻 I'd be forever grateful 🥰

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redthedog85 profile image
redthedog85
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11 Replies
Lyndy profile image
Lyndy

Hello redthedog85

You don’t mention a ca125 blood test?

If it were raised then you would have more ammunition to request further investigation on a 2ww.

Otherwise, unless you can pay for a private gynae consultation, you may need to complain or change surgeries. I would suggest you speak to the Ovacome helpline, they will help you look at your options xx

redthedog85 profile image
redthedog85 in reply to Lyndy

Hi Lyndy! 😁

Thanks so much for replying. I had my CA125 done in September and it was normal at 11. I wanted it done again but that idea wasn't entertained by the last GP I saw on Thursday. This was a new GP as I changed surgeries. I've also spoken to someone from the Ovacome helpline and they suggested trying a new GP, asking for someone with an interest in this kind of thing and to keep a track of my symptoms on the B.E.A.T symptom tracker. I have 4 weeks worth of sheets and she refused to look at them.

There were a lot of silences in my appointment cz she had nothing to say to me and she even shrugged at me. I was so upset when I left, I felt like she genuinely didn't care xx

Lyndy profile image
Lyndy in reply to redthedog85

No one should have to put up with that behaviour…especially when they are worried. 😞

In better news your ca125 is lovely and low. So waiting till April for the laparoscopy, although not ideal, is understandable.

You just need to know what is causing these symptoms, that’s not unreasonable.

A symptom diary is useful evidence, keep doing it and keep insisting! Best of luck xx

Motiva profile image
Motiva

It sounds like moving to a new GP practice would be worthwhile exploring.

Your signs have multiple possible aetiologies and may not be something sinister. The ongoing investigations are a combined team effort between you and the medical Professionals involved in your care. It is so important that we feel they are invested in seeking the best outcome for us and listen to the history that we provide.

Unless there are other GPs you could see in your current practice I would look to change and leave feedback as to why.

All the best.

F x

wendydee profile image
wendydee

Hi!

I totally sympathise. With me it was supposed to be stress, menopause, tiredness due to my job, anaemia….it was ovarian cancer. Eventually diagnosed due to me having horrendous periods and asking for a fibroid check. What I would advise is to get some empirical evidence.

On the Ovacome website you’ll find a symptom tracker and you can record all symptoms and how frequently they happen. You can then print this out and take it to your next GP appointment.

Good luck with all the suggestions on here. You know your body and you know when it’s not right.

Wendy xx

redthedog85 profile image
redthedog85 in reply to wendydee

Hi Wendy!!

I remember you advising me to use the symptom checker sheets in my last post 😁😁 I did them for 4 weeks before going to a new gp and she refused to look at them 😒 I'm still doing them though just in case xx

cathylegge profile image
cathylegge

Hi there. I totally understand your worries. Unfortunately the GP can only request the blood test and the Ultrasound. If that is normal they can only refer on to gynae to request a laparoscopy as a routine referral. They have no control over whether it will be approved or not, and definitely have no control over the appointment date. A routine gynae appointment where I live is over a year 😔 Another GP won’t be able to access anything faster. Very frustrating I know. Really hope you get some answers soon. x

redthedog85 profile image
redthedog85 in reply to cathylegge

Hi Cathy!Thanks for replying. You're totally right, that's good advice 😁 I think the thought of living with this pain is making me panic a bit. But at the same time a bit of sympathy and understanding from gps wouldn't go a miss. I understand that they have protocol and paths they have to follow but I feel like some of them treat everyone like they're a hypochondriac. I do feel like one now 😅 xx

wendydee profile image
wendydee

I’m sorry, I didn’t check that. What a disappointing response. Is there any way you can ask for a second opinion? Dreadful circumstances.

redthedog85 profile image
redthedog85 in reply to wendydee

Don't be sorry!! You helped me loads!! It was a very disappointing response. I think I just have to wait to see if the Laparoscopy happens and there's some reason for these symptoms that can be fixed 🤞🏻

I hope you're doing ok!! 🥰 xxx

wendydee profile image
wendydee in reply to redthedog85

I’m really well thanks. 🤞 21 years on.

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