Update

[mantha32]

Following my harrowing appointment with an awful consultant I had given up, I decided to just put up with chronic pain until nature eventually decided to offer the reprieve of the menopause. Most of the possible diagnosis are said to ease after menopause, so it's just a waiting game. Unfortunately no female family member has gone through the menopause naturally for 4 generations so I have no idea how long I will be waiting. GP said can be as early as 45 or as late as 60 so realistically a maximum of 20 years. Just hope the liver and heart are still good when I reach an age where I can start enjoying life.

However 5 days after my appointment I received a copy of a letter from the consultant to my GP. Well the language was appalling, he referred to me as "an obese overly anxious woman". So as you might imagine I was incensed. My BMI is 27, I am 1 stone overweight and still losing weight. Over anxious - just how anxious am I allowed to be when facing my 18th internal from a man I have just met and who is talking to my husband instead of me with a student present?

So very long story, cur slightly shorter I complained, turns out not the only one to do so, he has been sacked. I have been referred to and have met a female consultant. She read everything before meeting me and understood everything I told her, she offered a few theories and explained that effectively the best route is another scan and a hysterectomy. She says it's the best treatment option to offer the highest chance of normal life. I cannot begin to tell you how scared and relieved I am in equal measure.

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi,

Have you received a diagnosis for your pain?

[Skye22]

This is just simply awful I really do feel for you!!

In 2015 I was rushed into hospital with a haemmorage from my colon. Spent 8 days attached to drips and endless tests then was informed by doc (male) that I had a serious condition that there was a lack of blood going to my bowel, I was really worried what the outcome would be.

Fast forward 6wks to outpatient clinic, pompous consultant said that he had reveiwed the medical evidence and informed me that it was a spasm in my colon that was causing the problem. He dismissed me by saying that due to 13 previous surgeries the risk of complications was very likely for any intervention, said he would refer me to a pain clinic to manage my pain.

I couldn't believe his diagnosis and felt completely abandoned!!!!

In 2019 was referred to a women's specialist physio as was experiencing problems with bladder and bowel. For the first time this physio asked "how can I help you", music to my ears!!!!!

To cut a long story short had various tests done, and surprise surprise was identified as having pelvic floor dysfunction, levator-ani syndrome, dysfunctional bowel and bladder, slow transit colon and adhesions on bowel bladder, pelvis and abdomen.

Effectively have bowel that barely works and have to perform daily Trans-anal irrigation and manual extraction and suffer from extreme pelvic spasms and pain. Big difference from go and manage your pain there is nothing we can do!!!

I now have changed hospitals and have an all female team of doctors (my choice) who help me live and manage with these debilitating conditions. A cautionary tale ALWAYS ASK FOR A SECOND OPINION!!!!!

Hope you get a proper diagnosis and soon get a treatment that works for you. Stay strong!!

[Rxmom]

I wish you the best w surg & truly hope it provides relief. Pl let us know outcome !