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Original poster

GP refusing to send me to private investigations

157 replies

Wobblyheart · 19/09/2024 15:38

I want to preface this with saying that my GP practice is really amazing compared to what I have experienced before, on time, understanding, caring, accommodating. They have ordered a significant number of investigations for me already, but not being able to find anything abnormal. So I do understand why they are doing it but I feel so incredibly frustrated.

Long story short, I have been suffering with relentless fatigue (nothing like any thing i have experienced before) for 2 years, my muscles hurt and burn on a minimal exertion and out of breath from minimal activity. I have a bloated stomach all the time, and some digestive issues. Recently I discovered a really large - maybe 10 cm or so - sausage shaped lump in my right side. GP could feel it too on the examination. Suggested it could be my ascending colon. However, my worry is that the lump is ALWAYS there, irrespective of bowel movements or anything else. After 3 FIT tests and normal bloods, GP refused to refer me for a private scan. I understand and dont want to be a burden for NHS anymore but why refuse to send me privately?

I do suffer from health anxiety and the rationing is that it will not help me. However, without knowing what this lump is, my anxiety meds (a high dose) doesnt do anything for me, without knowing i wont be able to try for another pregnancy (and I am 38 already). I understnad why having another scan might make anxiety worth but i feel like denying it to me just resorts me to a half-living in a state of tourteous uncertainty. If i did not a physical lump and this 2 year exhaustion, I would find it much easier to move one, but this is not the case here. I know that no amount of CBT, drugs etc wont be able to help me whilst I feel utterly drained of energy for no obvious reason and feeling the "swelling/lump" in my abdomen.

I hate this situation so much. Because I totally understand where the GP is coming from but it is not going to be helpful for me. I hear people and some people say this to me too: "advocate for yourself". I'd like them to try and be a young woman with health anxiety and real physical symptoms and try to advocate for themselves. I am burnt out. Scared. and so so so so tired.

OP posts:
Orangesandlemons77 · 19/09/2024 15:47

In my early 30s I had a rare thing- a lipoma growing in the bowel and it twisted it and needed a bowel resection, odd things can happen. Do you get pain with it?

The GP said it was very unusual, but then said they had had another patient with the same thing recently!

If they had found mine earlier, I might not have had to go through all I did and an emergency op. So I think you are right to get checked out.

Some private medical insurance would just send you for a colonoscopy or to see a gastro I think? Or is there another GP you can see? Best of luck.

TheShellBeach · 19/09/2024 15:46

Why are you planning another pregnancy when you're utterly exhausted all the time already?

DamnUserName21 · 19/09/2024 15:45

TheNinny · 19/09/2024 15:42

I didn’t think GP’s did private referrals, in that it is up to the patient to arrange the private treatment by contacting the private hospital provider for an appointment etc. i’m in scotland though, could be different

Most GPs will do private referrals but there may be a charge. If you have private medical insurance, you will likely need a referral from your GP ,whether an NHS or private, to access services.

Button28384738 · 19/09/2024 15:44

I didn't think you needed a GP referral for a private scan either?

Original poster
Wobblyheart · 19/09/2024 15:44

DamnUserName21 · 19/09/2024 15:41

If you are self-funding and not using private medical insurance, you can bypass the GP and self refer depending on what private facilities you have in your area.

In your shoes, I'd pay to see a gastro consultant and get their advice and recommendations for further investigations.

Edited

Thank you, this is exactly what I am doing now and waiting for the appointment in a couple of weeks. I just rather hoped that i could save £250 on the consultation as the tests are not cheap and will put me into debt.

But also I just find it frustrating so wanted to see whether it is just me or if anyone had a similar experience and how they have dealt with it.

OP posts:
TheNinny · 19/09/2024 15:42

I didn’t think GP’s did private referrals, in that it is up to the patient to arrange the private treatment by contacting the private hospital provider for an appointment etc. i’m in scotland though, could be different

DamnUserName21 · 19/09/2024 15:41

If you are self-funding and not using private medical insurance, you can bypass the GP and self refer depending on what private facilities you have in your area.

In your shoes, I'd pay to see a gastro consultant and get their advice and recommendations for further investigations.