AIBU to expect my GP to "keep looking"?

[Eliza22]

Nine months ago I was fit and training for 25k. I'm 53 and in the throes of menopause. Suddenly, I started to feel "off colour". Symptoms: fatigue (as in totally knackered); constant nausea; feeling "full" all the time; waistline/abdomen expanding; unable to lie on my sides due to nausea/abdominal discomfort so, sleeping propped up. My GP referred me to a gastroenterologist (for all things digestive).

Had: abdominal scan, gastroscope, blood tests for coeliac disease, anaemia and hepatitis screen.... All came back negative.

Left it 4 months but went back today with continuing symptoms. Nothing's changed only now I have to undo all my zips I'm so "fat" and I feel like I'm about to go pop! I'm SO uncomfortable. GP said it's probably menopause and to keep taking the irritable bowel syndrome meds (I honestly don't think it's IBS) and anti nausea tablets (even in the night if it wakes me up) and because I have high BP and a family history of stroke, I can't have hrt.

I could cry. I've gone from being as fit as a flea and slim to a stone plus overweight, no energy and feeling like I have constant "morning sickness" to go with having swallowed a brick.

Am I a hypochondriac? I don't WANT to be ill but I feel shocking.

What can I reasonably do? AIBU to expect my GP to think along a different line other than "possible IBS/anxious menopausal woman....NEXT!"

[londonrach]

Pregnant?

[Jollyphonics]

Have you had a pelvic ultrasound?

[Butteredparsnips]

No Dnbu
Could you see another partner?
I hope you get Some answers answers.

[VacantExpression]

No YANBU and you know you aren't. What about asking for a referral to a gynaecologist to check things out there?

[OatcakeCravings]

I don't want to alarm you but has your GP considered Ovarian cancer?

[AnyFucker]

do you stil have your ovaries ?

[AnyFucker]

sorry, I am seeing symptoms of ovarian cancer too

the "silent" cancer...non-specific symptoms, often masquerading as abdominal stuff

I think he/she needs to look further too

[Mitzimaybe]

I'm thinking ovaries too. Get yourself back there immediately.

[Thecowandcat]

Could it possibly be a recently developed allergy?

I would try finding a properly qualified nutritionist and go private if you can afford to. They should be able to help you look through your diet and see if there are any potential triggers or changes you need to make.

My other thought is your ears. When I have problems with my ears, such as an infection I get terrible nausea and bowel trouble.

I definitely wouldn't let the GP off the hook though whatever you do, it isn't good enough.

[AnyFucker]

please do not go through the nutritionist route until all serious medical things have been comprehensively ruled out

[wheresthelight]

Definitely insist on further investigation but also try red coash tablets as my mum couldn't take hot and found they were brilliant

[AnyFucker]

and ears ?

seriously ?

look love, we are not medical professionals

make another appt with your gp and say that you want gynae causes investigated....to include a pelvic ultrsound

[thegreylady]

I would ask for a CA125 blood test to rule out Ovarian cancer or at least have an ultrasound of your lower abdomen.

[expatinscotland]

Go back and insist on gynae referral and pelvic ultrasound. I hope it's nothing, but those symptoms are also classic for ovarian cancer.

[Thymeout]

Definitely ask for a pelvic u/s and Ca125.

It doesn't have to be cancer. Ovarian cysts have identical symptoms - and only 5% of them are malignant. Mine was huge, but still OK. The expanding waistline sounds v familiar.

Your GP can refer you for an u/s and bloodtest. Then take it from there.

[PeachyPants]

Sorry that you're feeling so unwell, those symptoms could have many causes and you are not being unreasonable in wanting the cause identified and appropriate treatment given, see if you can see a different GP but please don't give up.

[thegreylady]

It is rare for IBS to manifest at your age for the first time. I saw my GP with nausea and lower abdominal pain and I suggested IBS. I was told that usually starts much earlier and they did blood test and scan. It turned out to be nothing serious but they stressed the importance of symptoms being checked if they last more than a couple of weeks.

[JuniDD]

Agree with pelvic u/s. Also stool test. I had similar symptoms and it was h pylori. Sorted easily with proton pump inhibitors and antibix.

[rugbychick]

I'm thinking ovarian cancer too. Get it checked NOW. Don't take no for an answer

[eyebags63]

You might be a hypochondriac but it doesn't sound like you have exhausted all possible investigations yet!

Go back and see a different GP for a second opinion. Take someone with you if you feel that would help.... sometimes they will take you more seriously that way.

[NotGoingOut17]

If the weight gain is like fluid retention/bloating that can also be a sign of problems with the liver so may be worth asking about that too if they have ruled out issues with the stomach. It is as has already been pointed out, unfortunately also a sign of ovarian cancer, I am also aware that fluid retention, loss of appetite can happen in other cancers too, as the body can do it to protect the organs so it's really important to be persistent with your GP if that's what it takes.

Please absolutely go back to your GP - a different GP if you have to.

[monkeysaymoo]

There really is no such thing as a properly qualified nutritionist IMO. Anyone can read a book and then hang a sign above their door. They could only guess at potential triggers and the only way to discover those is by eliminating and reintroducing foods to the diet. Nutrionist is not a profession with a protected title in the way a dietician is.

I would be using my time to get the GP to investigate further

[Sallystyle]

Yes, you need your ovaries checked

I hope it is something easy to sort but you should have been checked for OC straight away. Of course there could be other none life threatening reasons but I would want to get that one ruled out first, and the bowels.

Thinking of you.

[PeachyPants]

spot on monkeysaymoo nutritionists are to dieticians what toothiologists are to dentists.