Finally got a scan date - what should I be asking my Gynae?

[BobblesAndBells]

I've been ttc for over 2 years with not a hint of pregnancy.

During this time, I have suffered abdominal pain, usually bad period pains but occasional severe attacks usually linked to my period which have had me on the floor screaming in pain. I also suffer blood clots in my poo during, and only during my period. But I also suffer IBS, which also gets worse during my period.

Because of all of this, Ive been back and forth to my GP. I asked if I could have a Gynae referral, or see a fertility clinic, and she said she wanted to rule out gastro problems first, so referred me for a camera up the bum (to deal with the bleeding). I insisted that it was a gynae problem, I personally strongly suspect Endometriosis because I bleed period blood from my bowels. The gastro consultant found nothing wrong with my bowels, but the monthly bleeding continues.

Today, during my period, I was struck down with another severe attack of abdominal pain. I puked twice (because of the shock I think), and was writhing in agony. My GP had actually suggested that if I got the severe pain again, I should go straight to A&E, so that's what I did. I took myself to A&E for the first time in my life.

Eventually, after the A&E doctor felt sorry for me, I was referred to a consultant Gynaecologist, who also couldn't believe I'd been suffering like this for over 2 years. And she referred me for a scan and told me that I'm under Gynae's care from now on... HOORAAAAY!

I have a history of getting this far with doctors, and them finding nothing wrong and I'm back to square one. It's taken me so long to get to this point, I'm really scared of slipping through the net once again if they don't find anything... fact is I'm 37, been ttc for over 2 years with gynae problems, I need answeres.

So, what should I expect with the scan, and what should I be asking the gynae? Any advice would be so very welcome.

I should add that I was already feeling quite tearful with the whole experience (especially when lovely gynae doc asks "How many children do you have?" - "None", " Have you ever miscarried, had a termination?". "No. I've never been pregnant" )

Then she sent me for a scan, but the jobsworthy cowbags in the scan unit refused to give me a slot saying they 'didn't accept people who just walked in'... I said "But I've been sent here by the consultant from A&E". Much eye rolling and huffing and puffing about appointments later they eventually gave me an appointment.

And of course the scan unit is the antenatal unit, full of excited pregnant ladies waiting for their first scan, or chattering about how they're about to find out the sex of their baby so I've had a really rough day.

Now on sofa in front of roaring fire, with hot water bottle on my belly.

Sorry to hear about your struggle to get pregnant- what you describe does sound like endometriosis.

It may not show up on an ultrasound though. A hysteroscopy (tiny camera into your tummy to look around) is the most sensitive test. Probably this is where your Gynae is heading.

I would make it clear during your appointment that you are very Keen to achieve pregnancy so your Gynae can direct things this way.

Also if you have been ttc for two years you probably warrant a referral to the NHS fertility clinic, as your partner also needs tests. Speak to your GP about this.

Also it sounds obvious but do carry on having regular sex as couples do get pregnant unexpectedly when having fertility investigations.

I hope your appointment brings you some help.

Yes the lovely consultant did mention that to diagnose endo they would need to do further investigations, I guess the scan is a first step.

I'll remember to emphasise the 2 years ttc and my age to remind them that I'm keen to get things moving. I avoided talking about it too much today because I was scared of bursting into tears.

You're right about carrying on with the regular ttc, I mustnt give up.

Thank you

I was so glad to read that the A & E doctor referred you to the gynae dept.

Endometriosis can get onto the bowels and cause havoc there too; I think your IBS is not that at all but is more related to endometriosis causing spasms. Some women with endo do get misdiagnosed as having IBS.

Any symptoms that are cyclical in nature and get worse up to and including menses should be checked out properly to see if endometriosis is the cause.

I would also suggest you keep a daily diary if you do not already noting all pain and symptoms as this will also give the gynae clues. I would think that endometriosis is at the heart of all these problems you have had.

I would agree with hopelessdevoted here; your man needs testing as well and your fertility investigations should now be done in tandem.

Like hopelessdevoted stated though a scan (particularly if its an internal ultrasound for instance) will not detect endometriosis if it is there. I have had more of these than I care to mention and it was not found until the surgeon performed a laparoscopy (this is infact the usual way in which endometriosis is diagnosed). I would think that after the scan they will suggest you have this type of operation. If they do I will be happy to talk to you further about it and what questions to ask them post surgery.

Oh thank you Attila loads of good advice there.

DH has already had a sperm test, all normal.

Any symptoms that are cyclical in nature and get worse up to and including menses should be checked out properly to see if endometriosis is the cause. this really struck a chord - All of my symptoms (pain, IBS, rectal bleeding) are cyclical and get worse during my period. I've been telling the GP and the Gastro this over and over. I poo blood clots when, and only when I have my period FFS.

A diary is a good idea - it's always hard when put on the spot to remember how often I get pain, how long it's been going on for, etc etc. I'll prepare all of that before my scan so I'm armed with it when I go to the gynae.

The thought of a laparoscopy gives me the horrors tbh, so I'll definitely want talking through that if I'm referred for that.

So what's the scan looking for? Fibroids and cysts?

I had my scan - I have a 6cm ruptured ovarian cyst I was admitted into hospital while they carried out more tests, and will go back next week for another scan to see if its grown or shrunk.

I've been in constant pain since, just niggling twinges with occasional heavy feeling. My belly is so swollen I look 6 months pregnant, and there's a discernible bulge on the side of the cyst.

So, at my appointment, once I tell them that the pain hasn't gone away, I guess I'll be referred for a laparoscopy. Is there a long waiting list for this? Or might I be considered an emergency since I've been in constant pain..?

I'm nervous but looking forward to getting some more answers