I have lost all hope now!

[Nonameme]

Brief history. Latest problems started about 4 years ago when GP told me my problems were’all in my head’ and as far as the surgery goes that’s me labeled.

All my problems whilst given superficial testing which has mostly been marked as ‘abnormal , but expected’ and ignored theron in have lead to me doing an awful lot of online reading.

I am 78 and not uneducated and I am a trained nurse so consider my reading investgative and not being alarmist.

Anyway after bladder cancer in 1994 I am always vigilant and suffer almost non stop UTI’s and then developed terrible bowel problems with incontinence. Still undiagnosed. I then went on to developed prolapses uterine and bladder which took over 2 years to be investigated and I was given a ring pessary.

Since then I have had continual problems with emptying both bowel and bladder and have either had to it removed /replaced/ changed/and today it has just fallen out. This after an appointment this morning telling me bladder ok even after blood but no infection in urine. Pain is still there and consultants don’ t talk to each other.

I have given up on gps and don’t use them anymore so I have just decided enough is enough, I know when I phone Gyne tomorrow their emergency appointments will be at least2/3 weeks away and I am already having to lay horizontal mostly.

I live alone and have no family so if anyone can help with any way out of this I would like to know. Thank you

[MissStumble]

Just wanted to send you some support and acknowledge what you have written. You are obviously well informed and you must trust your intuition. I would write a formal email complaint to your surgery and copy in PALS and try and be as factual as possible with chronological dates. When you are in pain this is really hard so I empathise but it is important. Then I would exercise your right to a second opinion and insist you know your own body. At present the excuse of the system being overloaded is causing incredible mental and stress and for things to be overlooked in an unprofessional way. I am really sorry you are being treated like this, try and be as calm and determined to be heard. All the best!!!

[Nonameme in reply to MissStumble]

Thank you for your advice. I am in the UK and have over the years raised issues with my GP Practice as I have been with them over 40 years but much has changed including most of the staff and there is no continuity now.

The usual reaction I get is a confirmation letter to say they will ‘look into it and get back in 6 weeks’. Not once have they ever replied up to and including my latest which I actually called ‘a formal complaint’ back in MaY this year. So unfortunately this is not working.

I live on an off shore island with limited practices and no regional choice to allow a change of practice.

I have ‘gone private’ a couple of times since Covid and have gained help but as far as Gyne are concerned any intervention has ruled out because of age.

Whilst typing this I have received out of the blue an sms from the practice informing me they have ‘joined forces’ with a company to assist with weight lose should I be interested! When I developed Type 2 Diabetes many years ago I lost 6 stone and have not put it back on and am still losing weight to this day am under 12 stone but not at a dangerous rate so I feel highly inappropriate message as this is all on record should they bother to look! I also do hydrotherapy weekly also on record!

We only have one hospital where I trained and who in 1997 admitted medical negligence in the death of one of my daughters at 24 years of age. To my knowledge none of the ever changing GP are aware of that when considering anxiety levels!

Thanks again for all replies and hopefully if I can beat my ‘brain fog’ from untreated B12 Deficiency I will follow your advice.

[bantam12]

Have you considered vaginal atrophy as a cause of the uti’s ? a very very common reason and with topical estrogen usually an easy fix.

In your shoes I would be treating that plus pushing for a hysterectomy + prolapse repair.

As women we are treated badly and dismissed all too often as hysterical hypochondriacs especially by male docs.

[Dollymae06 in reply to bantam12]

There is a group called Embedded Chronic UTI many women suffer like you myself included. Very good information , treatments and support I hope this will help you . Gps are ignorant to the fact how women suffer from this condition and refuse to accept and treat us accordingly. These urine dipsticks don't give accurate results and Gps just let us suffer. Doctor Catriona Anderson is a GP and Urine Specialist she does broth culture tests to see what infection you may have she helped me when I was at my lowest with this condition. I do have to pay private but it is a relief to know that someone listens and understands. Also there is a clinic at Harley Street London who do microscopic urine tests .Hope you feel better soon.x

[Lara1244]

Hi there so sorry to hear of your situation- i have no advice to give as not been in your position but you sound a resilient lady (you have to be and you stand your ground!!) but you have been treated poorly no doubt about it. Could be that you’ve been very unlucky with the ‘professionals’ you’ve seen. I’m rooting for you - as another lady said women do get treated badly at times. I’m not sure if you’re in the uk? Hang on in there - I wish you all the best and that you get your health problems resolved.

Sending you Good Wishes

Lara xx

[wobblybee Administrator Pioneer]

🤔It’s possible..you may find useful advice on this other Healthunlocked Community..

healthunlocked.com/simonfou...