What do I need to beg from my GP?

[Tiredtrout]

I know I only ever seem to come on here to ask for advice but I need a bit more, again!

Following my mc in July 11 I haven't really felt right, I had an infection following the ERPC which I am unsure was treated correctly as the GP managed to forget to label the swabs. We have been DTD far more than is decent to no avail. All the time I was going back to the GP saying that I felt unwell, nauseous and tired all the time. I was told I just needed to stop napping during the day and do more when I felt tired. I was also treated for severe anaemia as a result of the mc.

Anywho, over new year I got ill, very bloated, pain, nauseous, couldn't move without proper pain, it got so bad I was unable to work. I was originally given a dx of PID. I was treated with appropriate antib's, swabs were taken but nothing came up. The GP said that there were signs of inflammation in my urine but didn't treat that, referred me for a scan. I went back 5 times over 2 weeks. It was decided that I didn't have PID but a urine infection, treated for that, which helped. I still had the bloating, pain with any pressure on my abdomen.

I chased up my scan which I had on Friday. I was told by the sonographer that I had a haemorragic ovarian cyst 5cm across, fluid in my right tube and an infection in my follicles.

Would it be unreasonable for me to demand a referral to gyne as I feel like most of my problems have been caused by poor treatment. I'm worried sick that I'm going to be unable to have another child because of this

[Chunkychicken]

Sorry to hear how you've been treated so badly. I am by no means an expert BUT here is my two-pence worth...

Can you see another (more sympathetic) GP at the practice?

Otherwise ask for a referral - surely you would get one on the basis of your scan results anyway??!!

If you have 3 urine infections in a certain period (can't remember if its 6mths or a yr) you should be investigated anyway, as a matter of course.

Hope you get some good news soon.

[Tiredtrout]

I'm considering going in and seeing the original GP (I've now seen 4 at the surgery over this) who is apparently the fertility and female health specialist and ask for a referral to a consultant explaining that I hold her accountable for the issues with my care and I expect an appointment this week. I don't know if that is too pushy or will just get her back up though. I do know that it is affecting my whole family and my career though as I haven't felt up to doing anything and it is painful to have anything on my lower abdomen which negates most clothing

[RancerDoo]

Just tell your gp you want to see a gynae. In general I find that if you ask gps for a referral they give you one without hesitation.
I don't know if you'd get an appointment within the week and that may not be in the gps control, although maybe they could get you in quickly because of the infection.

[Tiredtrout]

To be honest I have been asking already and explaining that I had concerns that things weren't working and about the symptoms I have been getting but they have been ignored

[BagofHolly]

Bloody hell I'd be livid. But, you need to be gentle with yourself and so tempting as it might be to read this (crappy) GP the riot act, I'd insist quietly on a referral to the best gynae around, and get yourself sorted. x

[PhoenixFromTheFlames]

You need to see a gynae specialist, definitely. Just go in, determinedly, and say given your history and symptoms that you want the referal and that you won't leave until you get it!
Seriously though, the cyst needs to be looked at by a gynae specialist to decide a treatment plan and to answer your questions about your health and fertility, clearly your GP practice aren't able to do that. Good luck. Let us know how you get on

[rightsaidfred]

I don't think you need to beg anything - and TBH if you go to your GP and sid you hold her accountable blah blah blah she will think you are a complete knob.
Your concerns haven't been ignored- you were referred for the ultrasound.
The new issues that have been identified warrant a gynae referral- you don't need to go in' all guns blazing' your gp may even have made the referral before you see her. It is extremely unlikely they are related to the MC.
The labs are extremely picky about labelling of samples- of course the GP labelled your sample- why would she take the trouble and expense to take a sample and send it to the lab but not bother labelling it?!.
It is far far more likely that a single letter in your name was slightly illegible or got smudged and the lab refused to process it. This happens all the time. It doesn't mean you didn't get the treatment you needed and it doesn't mean your GP was at fault in any way.

[Tiredtrout]

Sorry Fred, I know the swab wasn't labelled as she told me herself she forgot. At the moment I really am loosing the will to care if she thinks I am a knob as I have been unwell and in pain for so long

[Tiredtrout]

Well, I've been to the docs and I've been told I'm likely to be losing my ovary and my fallopian tube on the right as the infection has been allowed to do too much damage along side the cyst. I've got myself booked to see the consultant already for next monday so hopefully I will be able to have it all caught in time to save the left side

[farfallarocks]

Oh tired you have been treated terribly and you should complain if you have the energy. I am so sorry this has happened to you and I really hope the left side is ok :(
fred are you a GP? You seem a bit defensive. Sadly many GPs (not all) do not take gynae issues that seriously, there are some pretty shocking stories on here and actually making a fuss and insisting on referrals and appropriate treatment has been the only way many women have got what they should et as a matter of course.

[pippilongsmurfing]

tired I'm so for you. It does seem like lack of action and mistakes from your GP (s) has not helped the matter at all.

I don't know what to say really, I'm for you, and hope you can get the right help you need.

If the other side is OK could you be referred for IVF?

[Tiredtrout]

I'm 36 and have two dc already, so I would not be eligible for IVF and to be honest I'm not sure that I'd be willing to put my family through all that stress. Hopefully the left is still ok, but maybe my lovely 3rd isn't to be

[Tiredtrout]

And to top it all off, the distention with the size of the cyst and swelling on the tube has caused stretch marks on the right of my belly, didn't even get them with a 7lb9 ds

[pippilongsmurfing]

for you. I'm TTC #1 and can't stop stressing over it as I get older!

[homeaway]

Oh so sorry to hear that but at least you should have some answers soon. x