I just want to check I'm not barking up the wrong tree here.
Have endometriosis. Pain very severe first day of period, lessens afterwards. Currently take codeine on the first and sometimes second day, which helps a fair bit. Gynaecologist suggested Tramadol, for the first hours/day when the pain is extreme, and said he'd include a note in his letter to GP to say I should be given it if I need it.
He didn't do this. Also, had a brain freeze during my GP appt. that meant I couldn't remember the name of the drug either. Fair enough, GP can't/won't prescribe (although I'd assume he would be able to work it out himself or prescibe some other suitable strong painkiller, but nevermind).
GP then offered tranexamic acid. Had issue with previous GP giving this to me; it's for heavy bleeding (which I don't have) and apparently you're not supposed to take it if you don't have this symptom. Plus, I can't find anything that suggests its intended for pain. I explained that I don't have heavy bleeding, blah blah, and GP just acted like I was making it up, telling me it relaxed the muscles (or something) and would help the pain. I again repeated that on the patient info leaflet it specifically says: do not take if you do not have heavy bleeding! He got all huffy, saying he was the one with the medical degree, what did I know, and looked it up and patronisingly read it out to me. Of course, it was all about menorrhagia, no mention of pain. He still acted like I was the one being awkward though.
Then he offered me mefanaemic acid, which some people swear by, but for me it doesn't touch the pain. Think it's because it's best of you take it before the pain starts but my period isn't predictabe enough to do this (and when it starts pain goes from 0 - ARGH in 20mins). Explained this, and that I'd tried it. He again acted like I was being awkward, almost as if he didn't believe me it didn't work.
Finally - and bearing in mind I'd explained I currently use codeine - he offered me co-codomol. Was more unsure of my ground here, but I have been prescibed co-codomol before and it didn't touch the pain. I can't take enough for the codeine to work without overdosing on the parcetamol element (explained both these things to GP). However, I'm not sure if they are in theory supposed to work together in a way that is better than a higher dose of codeine alone..? It felt a bit insulting tbh, being fobbed off with paracetamol as if i'm too stupid to have tried that before, or he thinks I'm exaggerating the severity of the pain.
Ended up in tears, speaking through gritted teeth trying not to completely lose it, trying to explain to him that prescribing me something for heavy bleeding, which I dont have, is not helpful, and no it's not me being awkward. And that surely co-codomol wasn't as strong as paracetamol. Had to keep repeating the same basic sentences again and again.
It reminded me of abusive ex(es) - the way their whole manner is acting outraged at you being so difficult and like you're doing something dreadfully wrong; an argument that you are provoking and they are innocent. Doesn't matter how much logic or cold hard truth you can politely supply, or how irrational they are being, they still act as if youre the one in the wrong. The actions and manner doesn't add up with the actual conversation being had.
I'm sorry, just really upset by this. And so frustrated. Have contaced gynae's office to hopefully get a letter sent and get painkillers. (FWIW gynae is awesome, explains everything simply and efficiently.)