To think the NHS should help me

[PlumGoose]

Long story short had a fairly traumatic 3 day labour resulting in forceps, episiotomy, tear. Since then I’ve got a prolapse (rectocele) for which I saw the midwife at 6 weeks postpartum and she said if it’s not gone by 6 months to see the GP. I’m uncomfortable every day at 10 months post partum.
I contacted the GP hoping for a referral to a pelvic floor specialist (?) and without even seeing me in person or having a look they’ve said that’s not done anymore, instead told me to Google kegel exercises and do those at home.
Is that really all I can do? I’ve not had many good experiences with the NHS in pregnancy, birth or after but AIBU to expect at least something?

I have the same and was referred to gynaecologist and women’s health physio. You need to see the gynaecologist to get a proper diagnosis where they scan you internally. Go back and ask for a referral

So sorry to hear you had such a hard time
My Understanding is that Pelvic dysfunction and prolapses are difficult to treat ( unfortunately informed by my own experience not just reading) but that doesn’t mean medical professionals should not treat.
The GP’s response is a disgrace.
If the Gp refused a referral to specialist - I would ask to be referred for women’s health physio. There is a lot more to it than kegels, releasing and relaxing pelvic floor is as important. I would complete a course of physio and then ask to be referred ( if symptoms persist)
It is so hard OP
Although nhs women’s health physio were helpful to a degree - I went to a private specialist - it was like night and day. Appreciate it might not be an option - but I see some private physios specialise in ‘mummy mot’s’

Ask the GP again, or a different GP. You definitely deserve a referral, however there may well be a waitlist for NHS gynaecology appointment. PP are right that women’s physio is an important part of this and a good physio will be just as good as a specialist for assessment and first steps - you could ask GP for referral or search for private physio options, just make sure you see someone with special interest in pelvic physio.

Disgraceful.

Make a complaint and go back and an appointment with a different GP.
I'm angry for you

Definitely not acceptable. In my area you’d have been referred to the perinatal pelvic health team from when you started having issues, up until one year postnatally. There must be something more your GP can do.

welcome to the world of post partum gynae care, where everything in top of “just staying alive” is an absolute bonus. As the others said, undortunatelt it’s either fight for what you need and not take no for an answer or go private

I was chatting to my friend who lives abroad recently and that’s exactly how I’d describe it! I survived labour and I’m so grateful to have a healthy baby but that feels like the NHS benchmark - survival!!
going to get back in touch with the GP practice….