Pelvic pain- unhelpful gp

[Bumblebeegirl]

Feeling rather overwhelmed right now and unfortunately I know so many of us women go through difficult times relating to our complicated bodies. But, I have been struggling so much with pelvic pains ( now so much worse ) I’m 53 yrs old. Have been referred to gynaecology twice … I’m due to have trans-vaginal ultrasound scan before a cystoscope procedure in a few weeks . Have complicated bladder and bowel issues. Heavy bleeds every 6 months with spotting in between. Blood in urine found. But waiting for appointments has been very stressful. I really am grateful for all NHS treatments. But finding the lack of empathy received from GP’s very upsetting and feel like a burden adding to the pressure of our nhs care. Spoke to a Gp today to update her with my recent consultant appointment. Explaining about my worsening pains and discomfort been waiting 4 weeks for scan appointment. Was told to phone up radiology myself and until then you’ll just have to live with it! I’m so upset really hate being women and don’t think I am strong enough to cope with much more pain - Any advice would be welcomed and appreciated- thanks

Aww that sounds horrible. Is there a different GP you can speak to?

I almost always see the same very kind and understanding GP but a few months ago, I had an emergency issue and had to make an appointment with another GP. I'd never met the other GP. She did the referral that I needed but I felt that she treated me as an illness and not as a human being with feelings. She was just so clinical and did not seem interested in my suffering. So I will never be seeing that GP again unless there's no other option.

@dizzydizzydizzy it’s the second time if seen this GP as she’s the one that has a interest in women’s health and wants me to have continuity of care - Rather than me trying to explain all my history. So was rather surprised with her lack of empathy. I’m usually to strong a can deal with emotions much better. But being in pain changes everything sometimes- thank you for your support

Can you be more specific about your symptoms and what the investigations you had, have found so far? If your pain is severe it might be an underlying condition. It could be fibroids or ovarian cysts, or something more bowel related - are you getting a colonoscopy or at CT/MRI. I hope the scan reveal something - ask them to also to a transabdominal and pelvic ultrasound and see what the tests find.

Are you symptoms just on your period or elsewhere during the month? And if you have symptoms not on your period - what are they? Is the pain worse on or off period?

Also ask your GP for mefenamic acid and/or naproxen (NSAIDs which help a lot) and tranexamic acid (helps reduce heavy bleeding) - you need to start taking it days before your period starts so that it can work at best capacity. The same with ibuprofen and/or paracetamol. They can help with pain, and if it's not cutting it tell them.

When were you referred to gynaecology? What were the updates from your last consultant appointment?

I'd still switch GP and then see that one regularly- I went to many in my practice but then found the one, she's amazing and at the time was pretty new but now I see her all the time and very rarely anyone else. Just because they have an interest in it, it doesn't always mean they are good empathic or have the best knowledge (I always start with one of the GPs who has a special interest but won't stay with them if I don't feel they are good).

Ah ok. That makes sense. What was she like the other time you saw her? Did she seem more empathetic then? I’m just wondering if she was running very late and feeling rushed or something.

@TheLivelyViper Thank you.
i was first referred to urogynae - 2 years ago with chronic uti’s pelvic pain, prolapse- was referred on to physiotherapist for bladder training ( which didn’t work). Initially my prolapse wasn’t significant but after a year become worse. - incontinence and over active bladder after having a urogynamics test. Started a trial of bladder meds 4 different one was discharged. Back to GP as was seeing blood / tissue type fragments in urine and worse symptoms of prolapse - chronic constipation bloating got progressively worse. Was referred back to gynaecology. May this year pelvic pains and kidney pain was admitted in hospital. Ct scan showed kidney stone and atrophy of kidney - urinary retention. Catheter for a few weeks - pelvic pains have not gone since then recently got worse. Have a bleeding every 6 months but very painful heavy , lots of watery discharge for months - more recently seen in gynaecology and waiting for a pelvic scan then a cystoscope procedure to check bladder lining. Hopefully scan appointment will be soon as the pain keeps me awake at night - I only take paracetamol as stronger meds would cause worsening constipation bloating as I have a very distended abdomen . recently blood taken and I’m on iron tablets - CA125 came back in range.

@dizzydizzydizzy yes the first time we had f2f appointment and she appeared so knowledgeable and genuinely nice and helpful and insisting I need continuity established … she ordered bloods/ scan and follow up appointment for after my gynaecologist appointment to check on me … so I had an expectation of more support. It was very rushed and I know they’re under a huge amount of pressure to see so many. And it was her that suggested the follow up- so when I said my pains are so much worse I wasn’t expecting her reply of ‘well you just have to live with it’ I can’t believe I found that so upsetting!