Gp refused to examine me

[Redandbluespots]

To cut a very long story short. I had a hysterectomy in Feb and was started on hrt 8 weeks after, as I was struggling with the menopausal symptoms. The hrt reactivated the original problem (pelvic pain) and gynae believe I have microscopic endometriosis. I had my hysterectomy for Adenomyosis and multiple fibroids. Gynae stopped the hrt and started me on Tibilone. It has taken the edge off but I don't feel great at all.
I was having a telephone consult with the gp and mentioned that my knees and thumb joints are very swollen. I'm finding it hard to get up and unscrew jars etc. I have a history of arthritis in these areas but it has got worse. The gp booked me a consult with another gp to be seen. I waited 5 weeks. I had my appointment and he basically said it is because of the menopause and refused to examine me. I'm upset as i don't see the point of the appointment. It would have taken him 30 seconds. I am waiting for the gp to prescribe hrt, following a menopause specialist advice but am still waiting for them to action the letter. He wasn't prepared to do it, even though the symptoms are brutal and ruining my life. I still have the crohnic pelvic pain too.
Thanks if you got this far. I'm wondering if I have grounds to complain?

I don’t know about complaints procedures but just wanted to give you a hug and say how awful this is for you. Hope you get some good help soon. Very best wishes xx

Outrageous.

Call for another appt and ask for a female gp. Say you want a second opinion if they're arsey about it. I'd def consider moving surgeries if you don't get anywhere. Do not be fobbed off. Really cross for you!

And yes, put in a complaint if you don't get anywhere with another gp.

I'm wondering if I have grounds to complain?

100%.

You can also request a second opinion.

Disgraceful.

Make sure you decline any appointments with that GP in future.

Can you afford to go to Louise Newsoms clinic?

I think that you can get the HRT on the NHS after you have seen her but you would need to check that.

GPs just don't know enough about HRT as they can't be specialists in everything.

I might have got the wrong end of the stick here but reading your post it seems it's not the HRT that's the issue but swollen joints that could be rheumatoid arthritis. And you need your GP to see your joints, nothing connected to the surgery you had.

(Because you've already seen another dr and are waiting for an HRT prescription to come.)

Yes?

@IMustDoMoreExercise

GPs just don't know enough about HRT as they can't be specialists in everything.

I'd argue that all GPs should be experts in something that 50% of the population go through! It's not like we're talking about some obscure disease that they may only come across and handful of times during the career.

Louise is a GP and lots of other good private GPs exist for menopause management. Your oestrogen is likely too low.

Thank you. That means a lot xx

Thanks everyone. I had already been to a private specialist and am waiting for my gp to action the letter. I'm not sleeping as I'm panicky/anxious in the night. They did give me a private script but it's a £100. I'vealready paid £300 for the consult, so I can't afford it.
Yes, the joint pains are before the menopause and I have been told I will need knee replacements eventually. I have osteoarthritis.
I just don't get how without examining me you can tell. They are very swollen. Maybe the lack of Estrogen isn't helping but it isn't the primary cause
I really appreciate all of your comments xx

Good luck OP, I hope you can make some progress soon. I had a hysterectomy too and it's hard when you don't have periods as an indicator! It's really difficult too when there are multiple factors for joint issues. I don't have arthritis but nearly got written off with fibro at my gp surgery (and told they're not allowed to refer to neurology anymore for a diagnosis!) when it was a combination of menopause and previous injuries. Seeing a private physio and them suggesting I ask for hrt review as helped me to sort out, but I was despairing for quite a while. Keep going

GPs just don't know enough about HRT as they can't be specialists in everything

They don't have to be specialists in anything. They just have to be diligent, thorough and patient-focused to refer to the right specialist.

Hope you are ok OP and can find another GP soon.

@Redandbluespots

I'm a bit confused over what you're waiting for from your GP.
Are you going back to HRT or are you on Tibolone after seeing a private gynae and is that what the 3-month prescription is for?
Tibolone might work ok for you as it won't reactivate your endo.

If your GP is delaying the prescription maybe you could ask whoever you saw privately to issue a 1-month supply? I doubt Tibolone is £100 for a month.

If they always intended to write to your GP with recommendations, a month would be enough.

Thank you. It's encouraging to hear that things are better for you xx

I've been on Tibolone but it isn't strong enough. I saw a menopause specialist who advised continuous hrt and was waiting for the gp to convert the script from private to nhs.
The good news is I have got it all sorted today. I've now got a different gp (who is great) and will be seeing her to review my joints. They have also now issued the script 🙏

GP's should have up to date basic knowledge on all HRT. Enough to immediately prescribe and refer you to local hospital for HRT advice if necessary.

Ask gp surgery secretary which female GP is their HRT specialist and ask for an appointment with them. And complain to practice manager if they refuse to give you an appointment.

Oh, great! So since you posted a couple of days ago, you've seen a new GP and got your HRT?

That's good news.

Hear hear.

Yes. I'm so glad I called them now. A very positive outcome 😊

Fab news OP, just shows how hit and miss things can be, depending who you get! Hope you start to feel some benefit soon.