GP seems at a loss, but it hurts! What next?

[RunnersWorld]

I'm 42 and for the last 4 months have been suffering from what I can only describe as period pains, but it's all the time, not just the few days at the start of my period.

GP initially took it seriously and tested liver function and a blood test for ovarian tumours, but now seems at a loss and is asking me what I think it might be I think that's in case I've been Googling and am imagining things, but, up to now I have been scrupulously avoiding Google.

What should I be suggesting GP does next - he actually remarked on the fact that I never go to the Docs which is an extra reason he would take this seriously, but he seems to be out of ideas.

Am wondering why hasn't he referred you to a gynae if he's come to a dead end, obviously he's no specialist, they are.. have you had any scans?

I had similar pains with my fibroids, so I think either a scan or gynae appointment should be where you insist he sends you next. I hope you get some answers soon.

How strange that your GP is asking you what you think it is! Great that he has done the tests for more serious conditions but he can't just leave you in pain.

Can't you push for a scan? Could be fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, any number of things that can be treated. Any pain needs further investigation though, any chance of swapping gp's? I've never heard of such a thing as referring back to the patient! You should definitely be referred to a gynaecologist.

Good luck

Get a referral. It could be anything serious or minor. I have them sometimes but do have small fibroids. You have the right to a referral.

I went to GP with nipping/stinging weird left sided pain and was referred to general gynae department of hospital for a transvaginal ultrasound, where they found a cyst. It was only small so I wasn't given an actual gynae consultant appointment but asked to come back for a re-scan in 6 weeks time. In the end it started shrinking of its own accord so that was that.

I can't think why on earth your GP hasn't filled in a form for the hospital for you to have an ultrasound done and to have run out of ideas other than to ask you what you think you have wrong with you! It could be cyst/polyp/fibroid etc etc - all of which are treatable. If you have to go back to him, then be firm and tell him what you want. If you have a choice, I think I'd want to see someone with a bit more sense.

I used to get this when I had an ovarian cyst. It was one of the first things my GP checked for and gave me a referal for an ultrasound.

i spent last saturday on a gynae ward due to a severe period like pain,
urine ,bloods and ultra sound revealed nothing abnormal.
gynae think its coming from the pubis symphysis so im back to gp wednesday.

RunnersWorld

Was wondering why the GP has not seemingly referred you as yet byut has instead mucked around in ignorance. Not your fault but many GPs are not up to speed at all when it comes to such issues, you should have been referred far earlier to a gynae.

If GP remains unhelpful see another GP or change GP practice.

wfrances

If endometriosis is the underlying cause of the period pain it will not be seen via those procedures. Endo if it is there is usually only diagnosed through a keyhole surgery op called a laparoscopy.

can you have endometriosis without any bleeding problems /issues?
as gynae have dismissed this as the cause as i have no abnormal bleeding.

wfrances yes you can. I have suffered with endometriosis for a few years now. I was having regular periods but very heavy and with brown spotting a few days before. Everyone is different though and it's possible you may just have pain and no abnormal bleeding.

I have endometriosis and never had any breakthrough bleeding at all. One of my symptoms was pain during and leading up to menses.

Used to get lots of brown blood as well; this can also be present with endometriosis.