To think my doctor is wrong and also shit?

[PipGirl404]

I'm aware I do not have a medical degree, and she does, but I can't help but wonder.

2/3 months ago went in saying I have extreme period pain, and I'm sweating constantly at night. Cold sweats and I'm drenched so I have to get up about 4/5 times in a night to either wipe myself down or change etc.
She asked how my bowels were, I said fine, she then proceeded to diagnose me with IBS and give me peppermint capsules ??? I insisted on blood tests and they all came back fine.

So as of today, I'm still sweating buckets at night and it's at the point I'm delirious with lack of sleep. I phoned and explained everything, told her (new, different doctor) my periods are still extremely painful etc. She asked about my weight (so I gave her it, and my height) and she said my BMI is close to 30 so I'm obese, and that's what is causing the sweating. I said I've been this weight for years and I'm more muscle than fat etc and she said "I would recommend you lose 15kg and this should fix your problems. If not, come back"

That's it. End of story.

What the fuck?? I can't even register with a new Dr for a second opinion and there's only the 2 above doctors at my practice 😭

[GrumpyHoonMain]

I have pcos and hypothyroidism and used to have all your symptoms. Suggest you speak to another Gp. Pay for a Bupa GP if needed as they will still be able to refer you via the NHS to a consultanf

[EveryDayIsADuvetDay]

I guess your not out clapping the NHS

About ten years ago I started incredibly painful and heavy periods, it took about two years to get resolved. In the end a mirena coil that stopped periods altogether, brilliant, and I think I've now had the menopause.
I was probably BMI of around 32 (and not muscle) at the time.

I found the simplest way to be equipped to discuss sensibly and insist on more being done was to read the relevant NICE guideline.

NICE guidelines are written really clearly, plain English, and very helpful. Only problem is I can;t remember whether it was guidance for heavy or painful periods, or maybe both, but worth taking a look.

[tilder]

Sorry, missed all those posts! Must be slow typer.

To be honest, it's going to be difficult to get anything done over next few months if non urgent. If I were you I would work at getting my weight down and keep a diary. That logged period start/end, how heavy (type of protection and frequency of change), how much pain relief required and when the night sweats occur.

Then at least you are prepared for when things are a bit more normal.

[ladyhummingbee]

Pcos
Painful periods
Irregular periods
Weight gain
Having trouble conceiving
Even night sweats

Try my former link or try google.

[OhLookHeKickedTheBall]

I had similar for years with my periods. Fobbed off for varying reasons. Then the night sweats started. Battled hard as that started after I lost weight. Turned out to be my thyroid. Period issue was endometrial hyperplasia but that took a very very long time. All the while I had it's my weight, it's my age, your periods are regular so no worries. It's highly frustrating. Definitely try to find a more sympathetic gp when this all ends.

[TheFutureMrsHardy]

The sweating you describe OP sounds like the ones I get - type 2 diabetic. Before I went onto medication, I used to wake up most nights like that.

I got fobbed off with menopause until I insisted on a blood test, which showed they were normal.

Did your blood tests include a HbA1c?

[PicsInRed]

I found that my similar symptoms were food intolerance related.

Have you changed your diet? Got a new favourite food or tried to eat a different way i.e "healthier"?

[Marieo]

Ah a woman fobbed off by a doctor and told it's her fault and to fix it herself. There is a shocker.

[TheArchSorcererofContwaraburg]

Sounds hormonal and you were fobbed off.

[justmilknosugarplease]

Keep pestering them. It took me a few years of being dismissed by doctors before I demanded that I was referred. As the doctor agreed to the referral he was telling me that I was wasting NHS resources and he was an experienced doctor so I should respect his opinion. I knew exactly what was wrong with me but no one would take me seriously. I was sent for scans and and blood tests and I was right.

I also couldn't recommend the fertility diet book enough.

[Mlou32]

Regardless of whether or not it is weight related, try and lose some. Then once you've lost it, you can rule that out when you next go to see the doctor.

If your periods are causing problems, try and keep a period diary ie lengths, symptoms on each day, flow etc..

[Astressie]

Feel for you OP. I would definitely be feeling angry. They haven't done any scans or anything. Another option may be fibroids.

[PipGirl404]

Thank you everyone, trying to answer all Q's.

I've noticed no other symptoms, I take 150mg of Sertraline but that's been for years and hasn't changed.

We have a tempur mattress and I thought that could be the issue (had it longer than the sweating anyway) so I slept in the spare bed for a couple of weeks (which is just a normal spring mattress) and it didn't help, sweating still continued.

Apologies, I didn't mean to say I was all muscle, it's just that I am quite muscly and I'm also quite tall. I don't disagree though I will definitely lose the weight as it can't hurt, it's just to look at me you wouldn't assume I was obese or even overweight.

[LouiseTrees]

@PipGirl404 pcos doesn’t mean your ovaries always have cysts, they come and go. You may not have been exhibiting symptoms when you donated the eggs but may be now. It could be that or maybe even just PCO (not the syndrome very different) but I’d put a good bet on it being PCOS.

[anothernotherone]

If you donated eggs that's highly likely to be the root cause of your hormonal issues. You need a gynecology referral.

[LittleLittleLittle]

OP have you had any nutritional blood tests? Like vitamin D, B12 and ferritin

[Katypyee]

BMI is not an accurate measure of being overweight. It is outdated. It takes height and weight into account and nothing else. It doesn't take into account muscle mass for example. From your picture you do not look overweight at all.

You are being fobbed off by your doctor. Does sound hormonal to me. Also possible thyroid.

[Pinkstars2501]

My periods are extremely painful (like, Labour painful), always have been. It took me well over a decade to get a doctor to listen and investigate. Turned out I have stage 3 endometriosis and will likely never conceive.

I would keep pushing and pushing until someone takes you seriously.
I now, when having a period, take a combo of Tranexamic acid, codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen. Plus use a hot water bottle on my tummy and back.
It's hell, an actual living hell. I'm sorry you're dealing with this too.

[PipGirl404]

Not sure if the blood test I did included vitamins.

Honestly I can't thank everyone enough, it's really made me feel rubbish not getting answers but I know once everything is a little better and the CV19 situation is better I can push for more answers. I definitely think I need a Gynae referral and hopefully by the time that comes around I'll have lost some weight too.

Really appreciate everyone responding

[Chocolate1984]

My mums friend was treated for IBS for year despite lots of other symptoms. Doctors kept telling her it was in her head and it’s IBS. She eventually lost it with the GP, demanded other tests and it was ovarian cancer.

[Wynston]

I cant see that you have any weight to loose??
Do you take any products for the gym??

[Jellybean27]

Do you sleep alone OP?

[ohdearmymistake]

Whilst it may not be the best photo for this purpose you hardly look huge, how tall are you?

[Tigersneeze]

YANBU

period pains and excessive bleeding as you described need to be investigated by a gynaecologist.

Insist to get a referral.

what worked twice for me - GP refused referral,
I, in return refused to leave without a letter from him explaining the medical reasons why he would refuse a referral and asked him to include that he is so sure I don't need to see a specialist he will pay my mortgage when i fall seriously ill from his neglect.

On both occasions a serious condition was discovered by the specialists.

[PipGirl404]

I don't take anything and my workouts are all at home with home gym equipment!

I don't sleep alone, DH and I share a bed but I did try sleeping alone in the other spare mattress (the spring one) and still sweated in those couple weeks.

Definitely not the best photo, I'm 5 foot 9 (180cm) x