how do i get GP to listen, afraid it could be cancer :(

[lumpybumpyme]

I have been back and forth to the GP for the last 2 years with tummy pains, diahorra and tireness.
Last few months I started feeling sick alot and feeling like Im full all the time. This past week, I keep getting stomach pains like I have held wee for way too long.
Im aware it might not be anything serious but all he keeps saying is its IBS and sending me home with tablets that dont work.
I know some of these signs (if not all) could be a sign of overian cancer, and I would like more tests to rule things out.
My GP has done no tests at all in the past, just told me its IBS.
Im so tired and so umcomfertable, but everytime I go to doctors he just doesnt listen.
Do I take a list and demand more tests? take my husband?

I know I could be over thinking this too

[Highlander]

for ovarian cancer the gold standard initial screen is pelvic ultrasound and a CA125 blood test.

Colon cancer - stool sample for occult blood and colonoscopy.

Coeliac - IgG bloods and endoscopy into your small intestine.

Other stuff could be hypothyroidism, gall bladder, appendicitis.

How old are you?

Smoker? Drinker?

[Highlander]

There was an article in the BMJ a couple of weeks ago about ovarian cancer.

A worryingly high number of ovarian cancer patinets are misdiagnosed as having IBS.

[darleneoconnor]

Do you have any family history? You must mention that to the GP.

[jezebelle]

If i were you i'd request a CA125 test, its a basic blood test for ovarian cancer, i have a persistant cyst so have them monthly as i'm pg and the cyst cannot be removed yet, i'm sure your gp cannot refuse and if he did you could always write to the practice manager stating your concerns. xx

[IntotheNittyGritty]

I have had lots of blood tests and been told everything is ok even when results were not normal. I now have cancer. The sign were there in the previous results but because the results didn't tie in with their pre conceived ideas of what might be wrong they were never followed up on. Looking back I wish I had been more pushy.

[QuickLookBusy]

Lumpy I would insist on seeing the Dr again when you get the blood results.

Ask what each result means and if he says they are all normal insist on having the test for Ovarian cancer at least. There is a huge campaign at the moment to encourage women to get to the Dr with the sympoms you are describing.

If he refuses, say you want a second opinion and that you wish to speak to the practice manager. Tell them you want the fact you have been refused further investigation to be put on your notes.

At the end of the day WE pay for the Drs to do a job. I know of so many examples of friends and family getting crap treatments from GPs which has resulted in illnesses not being treated at an early stage. Please don't give up and try and take someone with you at your next appointment and let them express their concern also.

Good luck

[sphil]

Same thing happened to my Mum as well :(

[OddBoots]

Do you have a GUM clinic nearby you could visit to see if they can at least do a swab and check for pelvic inflammatory disease which might give you more info to go on?

[activate]

You go and you say

"I am concerned that I may have ovarian cancer and I need you to refer me immediately for a scan"

when and if he argues tell him that this has been going on for 2 years and if he doesn't have all the tests he cannot draw the conclusion he has tell him you feel it is not competent to rule out diagnostic tests and you want a gynae referral

[MamaChocoholic]

I try and be assertive with docs. don't always manage it. but when really scared I roll out the story of my mum, whose gp didn't listen to her concerns, and who died of cancer which had spread by the time he finally referred her for biopsy. not at all suggesting this could happen to you, but could you tell him a tale like this? I find it focuses their mind. invent a friend if necessary.

if at all possible see another gp. even if that means booking an appt now for a couple of weeks time. if you have concerns you deserve them to be taken seriously

[KoolAidKid]

I've had an ovarian tumour. I had similar symptoms for ages, and I was repeated told I had IBS. My symptoms were swollen tummy, a feeling something was there that shouldn't be, a full feeling, feeling tired, back pain, lack of appetite and needing a wee all the time.

My tumour grew so large that when I went back to the doctor the last time, he thought I was 6 months pregnant. Blood test was completely normal, but an ultrasound showed the massive tumour, and the histology showed a borderline tumour (small cancerous changes, but not serious). Luckily as it was only a borderline tumour, I had surgery to remove it and I didn't any more treatment. But I lost my ovary and tube, had massive abdominal surgery and had to take 3 months off work. I was very lucky, without doubt the tumour would have kept on growing and killed me eventually if I hadn't had the surgery.

You need to ask for a ultrasound, if your GP is still unwilling to refer you I'd be tempted to go to A&E. Is there a Women's Hospital near you with an Emergency room? They're likely to be more understanding of women's problems.