HRT issues

[AnneTwacky]

Not sure if I need advice on this one, or just to vent.

Not long ago I had to have a hysterectomy inc ovaries because of a suspicious growth, which put me into the menopause (Early 40s).

No cancer was found in the biopsy, so before discharging me the consultant recommended hrt and prescribed me some patches.

A few days after I got a cc of the letter from the hospital to the doctor explaining this, complete with the hrt patches he suggested.

Now I'm on my last week with the patches I've asked the gp for a new prescription but they've said no, as they haven't had explicit confirmation from the consultant that I need to carry on with them. I showed them a my copy of the letter which they acknowledged, but still say I have the get back in touch with the consultant to contact them, with direct instructions to carry on.
I've left a message on his secretary's answerphone but heard nothing back.

If it makes any difference the wording on the letter is along the lines of, we've (me and the consultant) discussed hrt and I recommend Evorel patches.

This doesn't feel right to me. Tbh, I'm wondering if it's all too much of a bother. Might not be saying that when the menopause symptoms crank back up though.
Has anyone else had to do something like this

where was the growth?

how long ago was your op and how many months HRT were you given?

I think your GP is being ultra cautious and a bit ignorant too. They ought to realise that HRT for someone your age with no ovaries is a medical necessity and nothing to do with short term symptoms of menopause- it's long term health protection.

If you are still early 40s, NICE guidance is HRT till at least 51 as prevention against osteporosis and heart disease. as your biospy etc showed no malignancy, your GP should be able to manage your HRT. No one your age uses HRT for just a few weeks post-surgery. Surely the GP understands that?

In terms of protocol, the consultant ought to have already written to your GP to set out the long term plan- ie 'Anne T must continue with HRT as I've suggested until at least age 51 and thereafter as long as she wishes if there are no contraindications.' The consultant is a bit remiss because it's their role to write to your GP and set out the follow up treatment, post surgery.

Thanks for responding.
Growth was in my uterus and op was mid May.
I was only given 4 weeks supply by the hospital, which is running out now.

There is a shortage of those patches op so you need to be on it quickly to make sure you have something in place.

This lack of joined up thinking makes me despair for you OP!
Surely all the GP has to do it call the consultant and be updated?
They are both at fault- consultant's letter should have made clear it was an ongoing treatment but GP ought to know and be able to understand that 'recommend' means 'to be continued.'

I'd not worry about the shortage of Evorel- there are loads of options for estrogen-only, such as Oestrogel (gel form), Sandrena( ditto) and pill form estrogen.

Have you phoned the consultant yourself? That's what I'd do- call his secretary and explain.

Sorry- went back to your 1st post and see you have phoned. Keep on phoning till you get a response.

Thank you. Will keep on it.

I would ask for a referral to gynae for ongoing support or at least advice in the long term, perhaps

Just a quick update.

My gp has given me my prescription. Not sure if the consultant got in touch or not but they've relented and I can get my hrt.

Only thing is, the pharmacy's had to order them in as not in stock, but I'll have them by tomorrow.
Thanks for the support everyone.

Good news, hope all goes OK now. NHS is good just not too joined up at times!