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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be really upset by GP attitude?

39 replies

Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:25

I had a telephone consultation with my GP yesterday over a long running health issue. (Bleeding after sex and now bleeding in between periods as well).

This has been going on for 18 months and in that time I’ve seen multiple GPs/ gynaecologists. I was diagnosed with CIN2 and an ectropion which were both treated with LLETZ. I had a smear 6 months later which came back clear and without HPV.

The bleeding got better after LLETZ but is back and worse than it was before. In November the gynaecologist examined me and said I no longer had the ectropion.

I’m worried now it could be uterus related rather than cervix related. I explained this to the GP who was really dismissive. Basically said I had already been treated for the issue. That LLETZ wouldn’t have helped if it was uterus related, that I didn’t need a scan or any other treatment. It basically felt like I was being told to stop pestering everyone about it. I know I am overly anxious about it. But the symptoms are horrible and it feels like nobody cares.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2018 21:29

When did the bleeding come back? Was it before or after the gynaecologist saw you in November?

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:32

The bleeding came back a month before gynaecologist appoinment, which is partly why I’m worried.

OP posts:
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2018 21:34

What did they think the cause was?

Flowers it must be very wotrying.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 29/12/2018 21:35

How old are you OP? Could you see a different GP at the surgery? You need a scan and a uterine biopsy.

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:40

I’m 26. I think that’s why the GP thinks it’s not cancer. I’ve seen 3 GPs none of who want to refer me for further investigation.

The gynaecologist didn’t offer much of an explanation- just focused on my cervix - which is now fine, and said to go back in 6 months if it hasn’t settled down. I didn’t mention my concerns over uterine bleeding because I wasn’t concerned about it at that point. (My concern came thanks to Dr Google).

OP posts:
LunaNightSky · 29/12/2018 21:42

I think you should ring the colposcopy clinic or gynaecologist that you are under and cut the gp out of the equation.

If you speak to the medical secretary and explain the situation they'll relay it to the consultant and I'm sure they would want to see you again give the treatment you've previously had with them.

I hope you get further to putting your mind at rest.

brighteyeowl17 · 29/12/2018 21:44

They should not be leaving this unresolved. Ask to see someone else if needed.

Bringbackthestrioes · 29/12/2018 21:45

Have you been discharged by gynae? If you are already under gynae then the GP isn’t going to order any gynae related scans as they consider you are under their care, if you haven’t been discharged then phone gynae secretary and ask for an appointment based on your new concerns. If you have seen gynae since the new bleeding (sorry if I’m being dim The bleeding came back a month before gynaecologist appoinment, which is partly why I’m worried. ) does that mean you are waiting to see or you have been seen and discussed?

If you have been discharged then get back on to GP and request a new gynae ref, in writing if need be, so it is recorded on your notes.

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:46

I have already seen the gynaecologist though in November who found my cervix to be perfectly healthy. He didn’t seem to think I needed further tests unless it continued for 6 months. I just feel like I’m pestering people all the time. Sad
But he might be able to tell me if the GP was right advising me that the LLETZ wouldn’t have stopped uterine bleeding?

OP posts:
Bringbackthestrioes · 29/12/2018 21:47

Sorry X post, if you have a FU in 6 months then GP isn’t going to get involved over gynae so phone gynae secretary and say you have concerns and ask for spearlier appointment

Bringbackthestrioes · 29/12/2018 21:47

Earlier- not spearlier!!

Blondebombsite83 · 29/12/2018 21:49

I had almost the exact same circumstances. I was referred for a scan, which was clear. However, coming off the pill sorted it out. See another doctor, and another. Refuse to say why to the receptionist. I totally get why they ask and I think it's right that they do but sometimes you have to play the game and once you're in the office they won't be so quick to ignore you.

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:50

Yes Bringback have seen the Gynaecologist since the new bleeding who didn’t seem concerned/ didn’t order a ultrasound or anything. Now because he didn’t see the need I’m finding it difficult getting a GP to re-refer me or do anything. I know I have none of the risk factors for uterine cancer but something clearly isn’t right. This has dragged on for a year and a half and I’m made to feel like an inconvience.

OP posts:
Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 21:53

I have tried to get in touch with the gynaecologist secretary but was told to go back to my GP if needed to be seen earlier? Which I did. Xmas Confused

OP posts:
AnoukSpirit · 29/12/2018 21:54

Give the consultant's secretary a call... Don't underestimate their role.

thebaronetofcockburn · 29/12/2018 21:59

This happened to a friend of mine, similarly fobbed off. It was endometrial cancer. Please don't let them fob you off.

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 22:00

Are there any GPs here who know if my doctor was right that LLETZ wouldn’t stop uterine bleeding for a year? Because if he is then I can worry less, (whilst still perusing further answers).

OP posts:
Kahlua4me · 29/12/2018 22:01

I would ring the consultants secretary explain your worries and ask for an earlier appt.

If that doesn’t work, I think I would go private...

Original poster
Gigglemousey · 29/12/2018 22:01

AnoukSpirit I’m so sorry about what happened with your friend. This is what I’m worried about. I have two young children and this has been going on for 18 months already.

OP posts:
Hannnnnnnxo · 29/12/2018 22:01

Wow, I had virtually the same problem too and could have wrote your OP, however for me it was due to the bloody depo provera! I’m dreading the day that I stop getting the injections as I know it will mess my body up and the bleeding will start againSad

AnoukSpirit · 29/12/2018 22:04

Only other thing you can do then is try a different GP. And if they're being dismissive "how confident are you that there's nothing wrong with me if you haven't examined me?"

I hate to say it, but you need to keep all emotion out of your voice (and out of your facial expressions and body language), and don't refer to being worried. Be matter of fact, firm, and calm.

Unfortunately you are more likely to be dismissed as "just anxious" if you come across worried or say you are. It's not right, but it is what happens. So play the calm, confident, assertive person they will listen to.

Hopefully it is nothing, but you should be taken seriously to establish that properly.

DointItForTheKids · 29/12/2018 22:04

But that referral will no longer stand.

If one GP won't listen, make an appointment with another one and see if you can persuade them.

If you don't get the right response there say that you're not happy that your concerns aren't being taken seriously you're going to make a complaint to the senior partner at your practice and the CCG.

Fight for yourself - it's bloody shit that you've got to do it but you do (I find that anyway). I'd want it checked out OP, definitely.

hiphopapotamuses · 29/12/2018 22:04

I had bleeding after sex (ectropion too) and bleeding between periods, mine was down to the pill not controlling my cycle well. Are you on hormonal birth control? Could changing that be a consideration?
Definitely push for a further referral though. It can't just be left to go on without a cause being known.

tablelegs · 29/12/2018 22:07

Can you afford to go private?

Bringbackthestrioes · 29/12/2018 22:08

I’ve been under gynae for over 4.5 years, they once gave me 6 months medication that caused me to bleed constantly for 5 months so my iron was so low I had to stop taking it because I couldn’t even stand yet my FU appointment wasn’t for 7 months. However, if they have concerns over anything (bleeding isn’t a concern apparently Confused ) I.e cancer then you would be dealt with as a priority. It’s crap-believe me I know, but bleeding can be for lots of issues. If it isn’t serious or life threatening then, unfortunately, unless you pay to go private, then you can pester as much as you like but you may not be seen earlier. A private consultation & scan couldn’t be a couple of hundred, is that an option to put your mind at rest? Usually at an initial examination they take a biopsy, do you not remember them doing something that felt like a sharp pinch? I’m sorry you are so worried but presumably if you are under gynae then you will have had a fairy recent scan?
I have tried to get in touch with the gynaecologist secretary but was told to go back to my GP so if you didn’t speak to the actual secretary who was it? If not the secretary then phone again.