anxious about seeing GP

roo72 · 01-31-2005, 09:01 AM

Hoe you don't mind but I thought I'd put this here in the UK and Ireland section as well as in the Newbie section:

Hi All

I'm not sure if I belong here or not but I thought I'd post here from some advice.

These are my symptoms that make me think that all is not right with my hormones:

Large, inflamed angry spots that are more like blind boils. They hurt and are v. ugly. Nothing makes them go and they leave scars.

Increasing amount of facial hair (dark whiskers that are very noticeable), bikini line is spreading down my inner thigh and dark hairs around my nipples (sorry to be so graphic).

Mood swings, especially anger and depression.

Overweight (but that is my fault - I have an incredibly sweet tooth).

I had my last Depo jab last week - I know it takes some time to leave your body and will be using alternative non-hormonal contraceptives in future. I am getting married next year and would like to try for a family soon after that.

I am 32 but I have the complexion of a pubescent boy - hairy and spotty, not to mention moody and chubby.

I have approached my GP twice about this. The first time I was told that I was depressed and left with a prescription for ADs. The second time I was told that these symptoms were side effects of having the Depo Provera contraceptive injection and was given a dab-on antibiotic lotion for the spots.

I think I need to go and see a doctor about this but I'm not sure. I don't want to waste anyone's time (I get quite anxious about visiting doctors) and don't want to be fobbed off.

Any advice would be very welcome. Thanks for your time.

Be well

Roo

bexshines · 01-31-2005, 01:20 PM

I know its hard to talk to your GP somtimes. But the only way to get the answers is to be pushy really. You have to express your concerns and why you think you have PCOS. At the end of the day the tests can be quite easy to do. Your doctor has no right to fob you off. Make sure the doctor knows how stressed and concerned you feel about being tested for PCOS. I had blood tests and an internal scan that diagnosed me, along with my symptoms. It really annoys me as these tests can be arranged so easy. You'll have to go to the hopital for the internal scan.

Hope you go on alright. Be strong and demand what you need, if you don't suceed then ask for a second opinion.

Take care

Bex

xxx

roo72 · 02-02-2005, 08:44 AM

Hi Bex

thanks so much for your reply - your support is most welcome.

For some reason, I feel unable to talk to even my closest friends about this. I know they see the acne and the hairy chin but they are too diplomatic to mention it. My partner sympathises but I still feel ugly.

I've bitten the bullet and have made an appointment with my GP. I'll let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

Roo

bexshines · 02-02-2005, 04:44 PM

Thats alright. I know how hard it is. I totally understand how you feel about talking to your friends about it. I feel the same way. They are really good, but there is no way that you can understand if you don't suffer with the same condition. I also tend to leave out the embarrassing symptoms.

You can email me anytime if you want to

Take care honey

Bex

xxx

bex246@tesco.net

roo72 · 02-04-2005, 07:33 AM

Hi Bex

Just a little update:

Went to see my GP, who, after listening to my list of symptoms, them proceeded to give me a lecture on how I should have made an appointment with the female GP as this is a female problem! I was gobsmacked!

Anyway, after much faffing around with bits of paper, he produced a referral letter. I have to go to the X ray dept of my local hospital for a pelvic ultrasound.

The thing is, I thought that a blood test would be needed to ascertain various hormone levels but he has not referred me for this.

Can PCOS be diagnosed by ultrasound alone?

Feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Roo

carolinej · 02-04-2005, 10:03 AM

Oh my God! Put in a formal complaint abot this doctor - how rude! YOu should see the practice manager and if not satisfied complain to the GMC or something. Unbelievable. To be honest though I think your referral to hospital is prob a good though I would have thought he order blood tests as well. It's hard for me to comment as I was diag overseas and recently saw a GP here who has referrred me to a fertility expert. I have heard nothing so far though. Good luck with the us anyway. CAroline
PS Whilst I did have b.tests overseas I was essentially diag entirely on the basis of my us scan before these had even been ordered.

bexshines · 02-10-2005, 06:47 AM

That's really pissed me off. I'm so sorry you were put through this. He is totally wrong, and completely unprofessional. I'm training to be a student nurse, and some of these doctors need a very big boot shoving up their arse.

I agree with caroline, you should seek professional advice. If you can't go to the doctors with your medical problems then who are you supposed to go to?

It seems here in the UK we are getting the rough deal. But honey he is totally out of order saying that it is a female doctor that you need. If we are going to start that one, are men going to start demanding they see a male doctor when the have a male related issue or condition. NO I don't think so, it doesn't work like that.

What age range is your doctor, because I find that the older ones tend to be very resistant to leave the old style of doctoring.

I went to collect a copy of my blood results yesterday and I got questioned by the receptionist on why I wanted them. I couldn't believe it. They are my results, am I not supposed to know them. Then to top it off I had to pay 50p for it. What the hell is that about?

I know I've said this sometimes before but this country has real probs with the healthcare system.

Chat to you soon. Email me if you want honey.
I would like to chat to you some more.

Take care

Bex

xxx

bex246@tesco.net