Multiple issues but struggling with GPs, how do you guys cope?

[Peppermints]

For the last 20 years, I've been diagnosed with hypermobility syndrome, disc herniation and degeneration, nerve pain and now hip pain, potential ovarian cysts, bloating, severe mid cycle pain that lasts a few hours leaving me exhausted then ontop of that, nerve pain in perineum. I've learnt to cope with all the MSK issues and am dealing with that fine but now with the sudden onset of potential ovarian problems, I dont know where one thing starts and the other ends.

I've been referred to gynecologist in two weeks and I was wondering if anyone has experienced two medical departments talking to each other to understand and decide which of my complaints starts and ends? If so, how have you put his across to the doctors without trying to tell them how to do their jobs. Also, would the hospital have access to my gp records so i dont have to spend the valuable time in the appointment explaining allnof my medical history over he last 20 years.

Jfyi, I'm not medicated, excersize regularly, work full time and a tad frustrated with offers of antidepressants and time off work-which I've always turned down.

[Skye22]

Goodness where to start, firstly I feel your frustration!!!OK so I have multiple conditions also, levator-ani syndrome, painful bladder syndrome, adhesions on abdomen, pelvis, bladder and bowel resulting in severe bladder and bowel dysfunction.

All of these conditions are separate but also joined,they each have their own pain and complications but also affect each other a bit like a super storm.

It has taken many years of different doctors, meds, tests and surgeries to get to a full diagnoses.

I even changed hospitals and consultants and now have an all female team who actually work together in joint clinics and consult on what is the best treatment and ongoing care plan that allows me to have some good days where pain is manageable.

My womens health specialist physio, colorectal and gynaecologist consultants have a joint clinic, as they now acknowledge that each condition affects each other. This appears to be a new widespread approach to womens health. Information is shared between each speciality as well as my gp.

Have a look online at CAPPS, chronic abdominal pelvic pain syndrome it gets a bit technical in places but it helps to explain how all symptoms affect each other.

As I said it took me over 20yrs to get where I am now, the last five has been the hardest due to serious ill health and complications.

It wasn't until I took back Control of my health pushing for tests, insisting on female practitioners, my own choice as I felt male docs just weren't listening and just didn't "get it".

We are all entitled to the best care available unfortunately it is a sad fact that we have to be strong, face it head on and insist on getting the right help.

Sincerely hope you get answers and help that will allow you to have the best outcomes that are right for you, wishing you good health and good luck!!!!