This is Care Opinion [siteRegion]. Did you want Care Opinion [usersRegionBasedOnIP]?

"Don't feel I was listened to"

About: Kingston Hospital / Gynaecology

(as a service user),

I was referred to Kingston Hospital Gynaecology for ongoing issues with Endometriosis and a new issue of irregular periods. I saw 3 junior doctors in this time.

Firstly, I explained my personal history with the first doctor. I explained both sides of my family had abnormally early menopause, and as my periods had become irregular this was a concern for me. I was told I most likely had PCOS and was referred for a scan. I said I do not have PCOS, I have been tested for this under 2 years prior and many times previously, yet the doctor would not listen to my relevant medical history and sent me for a pointless scan which confirmed I do not have PCOS. 

I was then permitted a hormone function test which was reviewed by a second doctor. I explained I had started taking the pill to regulate my periods, they had said when it was booked this would not impact the results. This doctor said the results were abnormal and was I taking contraception because that would skew the results. Clearly, again, I had not been listened to. 

At my final appointment before discharging myself with yet another doctor, I said I had stopped the pill due to side effects and my endometriosis symptoms were causing issues again. The doctor said if I wasn't willing to get the coil (which in my opinion is barbaric and I have not seen any evidence of it helping endometriosis), they could not help me. That was the end of the appointment. 

I sat in the toilets and cried until I felt ready to walk home. When I received a reminder for my follow-up appointment I called to cancel and discharge myself. 

I am still struggling and do not know if I am perimenopausal in my 30s as the doctor just refused to listen to me. I felt they had an agenda, they wanted to stick to for period pains and would not pay any attention to information they were given to help them find an actual cause. 

Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k