Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it wrong to ask for an NHS procedure during these times?

57 replies

SuperPixie247 · 04/03/2021 13:40

Due to endmetriosis, I have shocking periods. I am so ill, fainting, lose weight, take time off work etc. I have looked into a procedure called "endometrial ablation" which is likely to improve my periods significantly.

I mentioned it to a friend and said "around this time next year due to pressure on NHS already". She was shocked and thinks I should approach my GP now but I would feel really cheeky.

YABU - ask your GP now

YANBU - it is better to give it a year or so

Thanks for your input!

OP posts:
Avelandra · 04/03/2021 14:16

@Sgjudxbyef how is the friend an idiot? She advised OP to speak to her GP Confused

MatildaStoker · 04/03/2021 14:17

Talk to the GP about it.

There will be a waiting list, and waiting lists are probably moving more slowly than usual at the moment, but the sooner you can get a referral the sooner you can get on a waiting list.

Streats · 04/03/2021 14:22

Some GPs are only taking emergency calls but if yours isn't then please go for it. A GP friend of mine said that the phone lines are very busy with people either phoning to ask when their vaccination will be or wanting to phone and decline it but also have a long debate about why they want to decline. Its not you that is wasting NHS time!

SlothMama · 04/03/2021 14:24

Let your GP decide to refer you or not, the waiting lists are long so it's better to join earlier rather than later!

Original poster
SuperPixie247 · 04/03/2021 14:26

That's a very good point regarding waiting lists. It does make sense to put myself on it.

My worry was that I would speak to the GP and him/her thinking I was a right cheeky cow Blush

Interesting a few posters are on the list already, I sympathise with you Flowers

OP posts:
Branleuse · 04/03/2021 14:34

absolutely talk to your doctor.

slidingdrawers · 04/03/2021 15:09

Endometrial ablation is indicated some women with heavy periods but you will need to be referred to a gynaecologist first by your GP. In some areas these referrals were taking upwards of 6-9 months pre Covid. Have you looked at the NICE guidelines? Being aware of these will help you understand what you should expect of your GP as there are pathways to follow.

I've linked them here for you: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88/chapter/recommendations

Poppins2016 · 04/03/2021 15:14

@Greenqueen40

You will probably be on a waiting list for a year anyway! Go and see them now
^ This! Get in the queue as soon as you can!

And be aware that although you can ask for a procedure, you will need to be referred for assessment etc. to check suitability which can all take time, before you even get on the waiting list for the procedure.

LindaEllen · 04/03/2021 15:16

Just do it! It's up to them to decide what is and isn't priority and what they can and can't deal with currently, but the important thing is you're then in the system and the ball is rolling so to speak.

It sounds to be like what you're dealing with is affecting your life more than covid affects most people, so it would be insane to keep suffering for that reason.

MuddleMoo · 04/03/2021 15:20

Speak to your GP they'll decide if they want to refer you or try something else. They have these flow chart things that outline the guidelines for certain conditions.

SmokedDuck · 04/03/2021 15:23

I think many people instinctivly feel like your friend.

However, as many have said you will likely just be put on a waiting list.

I also think there is a limit to how long it is reasonable to put things off for a crises. Even some quite small things sometimes can be better managed if they are just done in a timely way.

But I think the main thing is this: it is not always the case that because health services are struggling in some areas that they have no capacity in others. It is possible for one area of practice, or geographical area, to be overwhelmed, while other staff and facilities may not be. They are not always transferable and there may well not be advantage to having te latter group sitting around doing nothing.

It's impossible for people on the outside to know what areas have capacity or don't, and it's not their job anyway. It is the job of the health service to manage that stuff, and also to look at lists of what is needful and make management decisions on that basis. If people avoid telling their doctors what they need, it makes it more difficult for health services to manage things well.

Seriously79 · 04/03/2021 15:26

Definitely ask, they are still doing routine procedure in my area.

scaredsadandstuck · 04/03/2021 15:26

I work in the NHS. Please contact your GP to get the ball rolling on this. There is still lots and lots of non-COVID care happening every day.

notdaddycool · 04/03/2021 15:36

I only want the chop but I've got on the waiting list, no idea how long it will take, but if I wait for it to calm down it will be years before I get an appointment. Just get on the list your need is far greater.

Wynturphelle · 04/03/2021 15:48

Back in March 2019 I spoke to my GP about ablation (it had been suggested 7 years earlier). I had an appointment in April to discuss the Novasure endometrial ablation and the actual procedure a month later in May. The procedure was beyond awful. I'm not one for scaremongering but, for me, it was barbaric. The doctor stopped the procedure at 80 seconds of the 90 second treatment time because I was shaking with pain. I was completely misled and felt I should have opted for the general anaesthetic route instead of outpatient treatment. The aftercare was also shocking.

Post-treatment my periods stopped straight away and that was liberating. However, two months after treatment I was experiencing intense, gnawing pain for 2-3 days each month. It stopped me sleeping and eating it was so bad. I went back and got a scan in November. I still had a 'normal' endometrium and I was told that this could happen. I put up with the pain for four more months before arranging a private referral.

The upshot was that there was trapped bleeding due to incomplete ablation. It was also noted that adenomyosis was likely. I agreed a hysterectomy just before the first lockdown. The procedure was delayed until November. In the intervening months the pain intensified further. Now, post-op, I am pain free.

I feel that the Novasure procedure was promoted due to time and cost-saving. Some research shows that ultimately ablation fails within 5 years - I wish I had known this beforehand as then I would only have considered the general anaesthetic option.

I am sorry that you are having a rough time with your periods. I hope you get some support and swift action from the NHS if ablation is what you choose.

demelza82 · 04/03/2021 15:56

Go for it, you'll probably have to wait anyway so might as well get yourself on the list. It's not like yours one of those idiots who thought this would be a great time to get pregnant Grin

PastMyBestBeforeDate · 04/03/2021 17:02

Goodness @Wynturphelle that sounds awful. My experience was at the opposite end of the spectrum. Done under GA (no other option offered), mildly uncomfortable for a few days and then no periods or pain at all. And I'm the best part of a decade on.

JackieTheFart · 04/03/2021 17:05

@Sgjudxbyef

Sorry but your friend is an idiot.

You need medical care. Speak to your GP.

It’s OP that’s being idiotic!

I mean that nicely OP. Call the GP and get on the list.

Mrbay · 04/03/2021 17:06

I had gyn surgery on the NHS in Sep 20, and it has changed my life so yet get on that list!! In my area it is around 12-16weeks so the sooner you get on the list, the sooner you can have a normal life!

TwatWaffleTwinkleToes · 04/03/2021 17:06

Ask now!

Wanderlust20 · 04/03/2021 17:09

Please seek help now and don't delay or feel bad! In Scotland, there were actually adverts on TV encouraging people to seek help for non Covid problems and not to feel guilty Smile The message seemed to be the NHS is still there to treat any concerns Flowers

LilMidge01 · 04/03/2021 17:12

@SuperPixie247

That's a very good point regarding waiting lists. It does make sense to put myself on it.

My worry was that I would speak to the GP and him/her thinking I was a right cheeky cow Blush

Interesting a few posters are on the list already, I sympathise with you Flowers

You shouldn't not get a medical issue seen to because you're worried they will harbour a personal opinion that you're a cheeky cow?

If what you are asking if inappropriate, or procedures are not going ahead currently, your GP should advise accordingly and without judgement.

I'm sorry you're going through this...but also, you're an adult. Talk to another adult about this issue- and that adult happens to be medically trained and working in the NHS and can best advise you- your GP. They're not your friend from whom you have to worry about 'judgement'

Evenstar · 04/03/2021 17:13

I had a referral last July and haven’t even been seen yet to go on a waiting list. I honestly wouldn’t wait to get referred, if your surgery does E Consult there is a box to tick saying that you think you need a referral.

hopeishere · 04/03/2021 17:15

Aw your GP as loads of people have said you'll still have to wait.

CanofCant · 04/03/2021 17:16

I thought YANBU from your title alone, read the first three words and voted. Definitely go for a referral! I hope it all gets sorted for you.

Swipe left for the next trending thread