Not happy with GP referral

[TerriblePlanning]

I've got gynaecological problems and the GP has referred me to a (private - not that is relevant) hospital local to me. I went to see the consultant there and I felt that she was not very thorough when discussing my symptoms. I had it all written down so I was all prepared but she seemed to come to a conclusion pretty quickly and said I needed a laproscopy to investigate and maybe do limited surgery if they find anything at the same time.

I have done a little research since and the thing is, there is another large hospital close to me which has an excellent gynaecology department and a specific consultant who has a very good reputation. Can I go back to the GP and asked to referred to the specific consultant?

[Stickytoffeepudding123]

Was it a private or NHS referral?

[Titsywoo]

Yes you can ask to see who you like. There are some gynaes who are not so great with certain conditions so you should go to one with a good reputation for the condition you are having investigated. Is it endometriosis?

[TerriblePlanning]

Yes, titsywoo everything points to it being either endometriosis or maybe adhesions/scar tissue from a c-section but how likely is that as I only have had symptoms for a year and I had a c-section over 8 years ago?

sticky it was a NHS referral.

[TerriblePlanning]

And do I go back to my GP or ask the private hospital to refer me on?

[Stickytoffeepudding123]

Id go back to GP and ask for referral for second opinion. You are definitely entitled to do this with NHS referral. Good luck

[Titsywoo]

Still possible. Adhesions can take a while to form and then to cause issues. Definitely see an endo specialist. Normal gynaecologists won't cut it with this disease.

[Mishaps]

Do ask for another referral - it is so important that you have confidence in the person who is treating you.

[TerriblePlanning]

Thanks everybody.

So I went back to the GP and asked for a referral to the endo specialist (actually a team). That's the good news. The bad news is that there is a 5 month waiting list! Pain management is an issue for me. I can't take mefenamic acid for the pain as it's given me ulcers (despite taking 40mg of omeprazole) and hormone treatments are not suitable for me.

[PollyPerky]

How are your finances? If you can afford the first consultation then be put onto the NHS waiting list (which could also mean hopping up the queue a bit) you might get an appt within 2 weeks. Private appts vary but you'd be looking at anywhere from £150- £180 for an appt.