Trying to get courage to book colorectal appointment- so scared

[daisym]

After suffering for 2 years with 'bottom' problems I have finally got my gp to agree to refer me to a colorectal surgeon. She has insisted on trying me on various steroid creams to try and resolves things but they havent worked. Am going to have to go private as gp said could be waiting on NHS list for months as they wouldnt consider me 'a priority'. Am so scared about even booking the appointment dont know how I will even get the courage to go.. I'm worried I'll get there and he'll say 'everything is fine, it looks normal, why are you wasting me time?' which is silly I know as I would be paying him...

Whats wrong with me?!!!

What are your symptoms?

I think the thing to bear in mind that although they have never seen your bottom before they have seen thousands of other ones . You have tried everything and that hasn't work so you are not wasting anyone's time and the surgeon will not say that to you.

If you have been suffering for two years then if you go for this appointment now you may be free of your problems if you don't go it will linger on for much longer.

Symptons- feels like something sharp is sticking out of my bum, constant itching, soreness, general pain. I had an appointment with gynae consultant 6 months after giving birth for other problems (I've had so many problems) and he said he could see some stitches in the area- he said he'd never known stitches not to be dissolved by 6 months but that they would go away. Dont know if this is whats causing the problem but its making my life hell, as you can imagine having something sticking into you all day. Hoped and prayed problem was piles as at least that can be treated but 2 gps have said its not and have examined me and said the area looks fine.

Have been trying to find a surgeon that specialises in colorectal issues in women after childbirth (I had 3rd degree tear) but cant find ANY.

have a look at this page

Yes, I wish there had been a clinic like this for me when I was chucked out of hospital with no postnatal care despite having a major wound. Just wish the bloke in the article was based in London where I live...
Why do most gps have none or little knowledge about childbirth injuries either? Its a more common problem than I first thought.

Is it worth contacting him to see whether he can recommend anyone in your area?

Well it definitely sounds like you need to see someone and you won't be wasting their time, particularly if GPs can't see a problem.

It won't be pleasant, but as others have said, however embarrassed you are, they won't be so try not to let your embarrassment get in the way of telling them everything you've been suffering and asking all your questions. Write a list before you go.

Fingers crossed for a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment.

So the good news is that your GP doesn't consider you a priority. This is code for they are convinced that you don't have anything really nasty. I was in a similar situation (different symptoms but same area) and went private to be seen more quickly (I also wasn't a priority). 1 month later I was on fab medication and have had no problems since then. IME the private doctors treated me with respect and kindness and had so much more time for me than they had in the NHS clinic (even though they were exactly the same doctors IYSWIM).

So, don't think about it, just do it. If you get in a tizz about making the appt then get someone else to do it for you. Take someone with you to the appt to hold your hand and ask all the questions that you will forget to ask.

Good luck.
xxx

I had exactly the same but I was in such pain that I could only stand it for 6 months. I went to see a specialist privately and the problem - fissures- was sorted with cream. It was such a relief because it was really getting me down. I still have the odd episode but I know the signs and can deal with it myself.
Good Luck

Thanks so much everyone for your support. Will book appointment today! And let you know how it goes.

Have booked appointment, earliest I could get was in 3 weeks time, so more waiting and suffering. At least it is booked now though...

Nimnom do you mind me asking what symtons you had? How did your appointment go, did you feel nervous beforehand?

I had real pain and bleeding and when I needed to poo that was it I had to go immediately.(TMI!)It really did get me down.
Yes, I was really nervous before the appointment, but I was fortunate because I have a nurse friend who knews my consultant and she explained what would happen.
As it turned out everything was too tense to do a thorough examination IYKWIM, so I was given the cream and that worked.
If you want any more info email me on naomi the smith at aol dot com and I can answer anymore questions or give you a call if you would like.