"Endometriosis"

I have always had difficulties with my periods and the pain related to this. From the age of 18 I was told they suspected endometriosis but maybe if I lost some weight it wouldn't be a problem. In June 2019 I was taken to hospital after passing out from severe abdominal pain and being unable to move around freely without tears. The Drs in A&E showed little understanding or care towards me and sent me for an ultrasound 'seems as I was so determined I was ill'. I was told it is normal for someone my age (20 at the time) to experience abdominal pain and that I should just take painkillers.

I had my ultrasound and was sent to SEAU for the results. I was greeted by a bank doctor who had not read my notes as to why I had been in hospital the night before and who did not listen to me at all. They took me into what I can only describe as a store cupboard due to the department being busy and told me I had IBS, despite having no symptoms related to this. When asked if the doctor had read my notes they explained they did not have time to do so but as my ultrasound was clear ibs was the only explanation. I went away feeling let down and angry, whilst still in incredible pain.

For the next few months the pain got worse and I was told time and time again I had ibs by Lincoln County and GP's. The GP finally sent me for a scan and a 14mm gallstone was detected I was referred to Lincoln County and was relieved to have some explanation. However, in December 2019 I again passed out from pain and was taken by ambulance to Lincoln County on gas and air. When I arrived in A&E I was sent straight to SEAU. The Dr I saw did not believe me that I had a gallstone as they could not locate the scan but admitted me given my obs. In the middle of the night two Drs entered my room whilst I was asleep and were stood over me. When I woke up they tutted and told me they wanted to examine me. They then told me I needed to lose weight and stop eating fatty foods as I wasn't 'helping myself' which as someone who has not long recovered from an eating disorder I found insensitive and rude. They did not listen at all to my concerns regarding gynaecology related issues.

The next morning i was sent for an ultrasound, the Dr came to see me following this and told me my scan was clear and asked why I had lied about the gallstone. I hadnt and the Dr told me 'we will see' before informing me they would request information from the GP. I was then transferred to SAl where my pain was repeatedly ignored and I was told it was all in my head. My partner and mother raised concerns but were told that maybe it was pseudo illness due to my mental health. They had seem me deteriorate with the pain for years. The GP sent across my scan which did indeed reveal the gallstone and also expressed their concerns regarding endometriosis. These were ignored and I was discharged after a week despite not being well and not being able to stand up myself. Upon returning home the GP did a follow up and sent me straight back up to SEAU 

When I arrived again at SEAU the admitting Dr told me lots of women my age have stomach age and that if I was so anxious they would admit me again despite having been sent by my GP. I was then moved again to SAL where a junior Dr listened to my concerns and suspected themselves endometriosis. They liaised with gynaecology who requested an internal ultrasound. I was moved to another ward where the nurses were rude and when I asked for pain relief I was told on numerous occasions I didn't need it. One night I lay shouting out in pain as I could not reach my call button and noone came. The next day I was again discharged and when asked why I did not have the ultrasound requested by gynaecology that it wasn't necessary. Who made that decision then? Because gynaecology found it plenty necessary! 

Upon discharge I was given codeine and over the next few months the pain got so bad I couldn't even go food shopping. I was miserable and my life was hugely affected. My gp referred me to gynaecology but I made the decision to go out of area due to the care I had received at Lincoln. I went to King's Mill Hospital and I can only describe the care I received as exemplary and well deserving of there cqc rating.

My concerns were listened to and I was referred as urgent straight for a laproscopy given that scans and blood tests very rarely show endometriosis with the nice guidelines stating the only definitive form of diagnosis is a laproscopy. I had my surgery and low and behold I do have endometriosis. I cannot thank kings Mill hospital enough for there care, consideration and empathy. Without them I wouldn't have my life back. When the time comes to again have surgery to remove the endometriosis I will be avoiding Lincoln at all cost. Preferring to travel an hour after surgery. The worst part is that upon requesting my notes endometriosis was suspected throughout my stay, yet nothing was done. 

This singular experience with Lincoln county was appalling but I would also like to make it clear that in recent times I have had a good experience. However this does not negate the terrible level of care I received on this occasion. If Lincoln County had acted when I was in it would have saved me months of excruciating pain and deterioration.