What do you do when GPS don’t want to listen
Posted , 4 users are following.
I finally drummed up the courage to book a GP appointment, which I had this afternoon.
Told him I thought I was perimenopausal, felt rubbish and had a whole load of symptoms. He asked me to tell him the symptoms and I said there were loads and asked if he wanted me to list them. He said yes. I started listing them and before I was even close to being finished he interrupted and started telling me I was wrong and none of my symptoms were related to peri menopause.
I explained that in addition to the long list of symptoms, I had no kids, have had 3 rounds of IVF, and already had a low ovarian reserve to begin with (confirmed at the IVF centre when I was in my mid 20s, around 13 years ago). He said that he had read my notes and I had no fertility issues, and our fertility issues were due to my husband. I explained that I knew that but that I was referring to my ovarian reserve and not fertility issues. He said it’s definitely not perimenopause, might be thyroid. Told me to book a phlebotomist appointment.
Call ended after 6 minutes. By that time I was crying. That’s why I don’t book doctors appointments and have just accepted feeling rubbish.
Anyone experienced similar? If so, what did you do? Any GPs reading this with any advice?
Is there any hope or do I just have to accept that this is my life now, an old lady at 38? I'm so frustrated and angry right now.
0 likes, 3 replies
cj04864 Mouse.
Posted
Hi there,
yes i have had the same experience, years ago i noticed my symptoms related to peri-menopause, & went to my dr to discuss & was hoping i would have a sympathetic ear & understanding, & was told i was too young, wouldnt test my levels, either, & was left feeling like i was a hypocondriac & felt i couldnt go to that dr, infact i didnt go to my dr for years, but saw a nurse, on a long awaited health check, discussed my symptoms, as i get terrible migraines & the bloating too, which im getting so fed up with, discussed hrt, & i will have to book an appointment with a dr, so i hope to make an appointment with another dr soon, so yes i do think we get brushed aside with some drs that dont listen to patients, & i am in my late 40, s so not too young, & suffered in silence for years, even my mum with her different upbringing, & menopause not discussed then & only recently its more spoken about, definately dont suffer in silence, & need to see a different gp soon, like myself, wishing you luck, i understand,
Sw62355 Mouse.
Posted
Hi, sorry you had this experience. I had something similar. In the end I booked a Zoom chat with Diane Danzebrink from Menopause Support. She was so lovely. She wrote a letter to my GP and I'm now on HRT. Thats the simplified version! It did take a few more GP appts but got there in the end. If you look on your GPs website, often they list staff members' special interests, you could try seeing if any of them have a special interest in womens health. I was at the point of considering changing practices when I finally found a GP who understood and was prepared to prescribe HRT. Persevere! Am sure you can get the support you need, even though it really shouldn't be this hard. Also download the Greene Climacteric questionnaire and take that to your next appt. This is a well known scale for menopause symptoms, so your GP cant say they're not related to perimeno! good luck
Moniee Mouse.
Posted
Hi Mouse,
I learned years ago in my 20's after telling a male doctor you know how it feels right before you get your period that I needed a female doctor for my female issues. Male doctors have no clue and are very dismissive.
Get a second opinion, and switch doctors if you find yourself feeling this way after your appointment. Only You know your body and when something is off. Good Luck Love.