I regret not carrying on with appointment to see a gastroenterologist

[JtimmyT]

Last 2018, I was referred to see a gastroenterologist, under the NHS I would have to wait 12 months.

12 months past, the first one was cancelled due to error in booking on their behalf, the second was cancelled due to the doctor being ill.

And I cancelled the third one because for one year since I saw my gp I had no symptoms on my lower left side, and thought it was just all in my mind due to my health anxiety.

At the time I cancelled it I was feeling really down and fed up with life.

It was also really far, 2 hours by bus and I would've preffered a closer familiar town where I read online also have gastroenterology department.

A few weeks ago, it has started to flare up again, like air moving and trapped inside, from the stomach area down to my backside.

Thinking about it now, I feel it more, not like before..

And quite stressed about these annoying sensations.

Sometimes I get small sharp pains in my lower left side, other times sore.

I still have some Mebeverine tablets from before, they don't seem to do anything now.

I was referred after a stool test, after those constant feelings since 2017 and blood in stool, GP thought it wasn't really serious but worth a check to see.

But it disappeared for a year.

I don't feel it when I'm doing something active, like walking for example. Urinating and pooing relieves it for a while.

I feel such an idiot now and quite embarrassed going back for another referral, I feel like a time waster that I cancelled the appointment and now stuck and frustrated not knowing what to do.

Would I still be able to contact the hospital directly?

[bookeater]

I doubt if you are still on the system for the hospital. You have nothing to loose if you contact them.

Your best bet is via the GP ask for another referral or see what the dr has to offerwith advice.

[BabsyWabsy]

When I was offered a GI appt, I was offered a choice of hospitals. In UK, patients now have a right to choose where they go, so maybe ask to be referred to the closer one, or, as happened to me, I was offered a private hospital appt, which had a much shorter waiting list, and was funded by NHS. I think this was down to lack of NHS capacity. No need to be embarrassed.

[JtimmyT in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Thanks for your advice, I wasn't offered a choice, but will book an appointment with my GP to see if I can get an appointment at the closest one, I'm from north Wales, not any private hospitals around, the closest nhs one is 1hour, so will give it a try.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

We suggest speaking to your GP.