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[Tempest]

So, some of you may know that I've recently started Premarin (reluctantly, I might add)!

After increasing my dose from 0.3mg to 0.625mg as the 0.3mg is ineffective, I developed huge vertigo and vomiting which required a visit to the out of hours GP at the weekend. He suggested I drop my dose back down and contact my GP.

I phoned the practice today, and the receptionist would only pass on a message and made me phone back later. She told me the GP had just written me ANOTHER prescription for the 0.3mg (although I already have 2 months supply left), and told me to carry on with it even though it's having little to no effect on my hot flushes. I didn't get offered an appointment, nor did she offer to speak to me. I also have bad dizziness on even the tiny dose, I've been taking it for 1 month now and it's got progressively worse as I've gone on (I was hoping it might subside as it's a listed side effect).

I'm sick of this, truly! I really think I should now change practice altogether. HRT is not an option for me, it's a necessity as I'm 47 and have no ovaries - my symptoms are severe! This is pushing me ever further into depression.

Ladies, do you think it's time to jump ship? I've tried working with this GP but it seems hopeless. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you again for listening (and sorry to be a pain)!

[CLKD]

Ask your GP for a referral to a menopause clinic?

[Dana]

Yes you need to find a doctor who is willing to listen to you and work with you.

[Fullmoon]

Dear Tempest

Change your doctor - you should not have to put up with this.  And why has he prescribed Premarin rather than for example Oestrogel - which is a bioidentical form?  You don't have to put up with this and taking control will I imagine help you to feel better.  You really need to see a menopause specialist if you can get to one.  Good luck and go for it.

xx

[Justjules]

Oh how ridiculous Tempest. With your recent history you would think that they would be aware of the help you need if you are to use HRT.  I would change surgery or see someone who is an expert. Big hugs. X

[dangermouse]

Please ask for an NHS referral to an endocrinologist. A doctor in A&E told me you have to be very firm with requesting referrals  from GPs (she was disgusted at how long I'd been acutely ill and had been told to keep waiting a few more weeks every time I went back). She told me they are under pressure not to unnecessarily refer, so you have to insist.

Remember that GPs work for us, as we pay for the service in our taxes, they are not a charity who can decide if to help or not. if they refuse then ask to speak to the practice manager to make a complaint.

An endo is much more likely to look at all of your hormones as there is a good chance you may need more androgens as well, due to the removal of your ovaries. I think the pituary and adrenal glands will also be producing hormones so you aren't completely without any - although your imbalance no doubt makes it feel that way!

[puddlesmum]

Some bloody GPs are a waste of space.  I had to argue with mine about getting him to prescribe my BHRT and even then I haven't bothered going back to him, just got Prof Studd to prescribe it for another 3 months.

Definitely push and get referred to a menopause clinic.  You don't deserve to be treated that way especially when you're feeling how you are.

xx

[Hurdity]

Sorry to hear this Tempest - yes I would ask to change your GP. Even though you do see a specialist you need to have your GP on your side who is willing to work with you to help you get the best treatment you are entitled to - for heavens sake!

Fullmoon - Tempest originally used oestrogel but had a severe reaction to it (other threads).

I do hope you manage to find a way through all of this soon...

 

Hurdity x

[Tempest]

Hurdity, you are always so kind and thoughtful. Thank you!

I've done two things the last 2 days - firstly, I have contacted the lady at NHS complaints again and explained that my situation is far from satisfactorily resolved. I tried phoning the Menopause Consultant's secretary to speak to him and he is on annual leave for a month and there is 'no scope' to bring my appointment forward from February 2017!!

The lady at complaints was very lovely and has agreed to speak to the head of Women's Services again about my case. I mentioned to her that I thought it would be now appropriate for me to be referred to Professor Mary Ann Lumsden's Menopause Clinic for women with severe menopause symptoms.  She has asked me to phone her back in a couple of days if she doesn't phone me first. I am hoping upon hope that she may be able to help!

Secondly, I have posted my story on the website Patient Opinion, including all the details of how my Consultant Gynaecologist who performed the Oopherectomy denied me HRT, and how I have been forced to beg for treatment for 18 months now. I linked in all those involved in my 'care', including my GP practice, and have received an email stating that my submission has been reviewed and the appropriate parties have been contacted for their comments before my submission will be published. A bit of 'naming and shaming', if you will. I did write it thoughtfully and in a constructive manner, but I can tell you I certainly haven't held anything back!

I'll let you all know how that one goes!!!

And yes, I am binning the GP's anyway. The GP I have been seeing has had ample opportunity to refer me to a specialist (she didn't - I had to self refer to The Sandyford Clinic first (who tried their best to help, but it was beyond their scope), and then Hubby had to write to complaints before I got the referral to the Menopause Consultant). She has consistently denied me the vaginal estrogen the Menopause Specialist prescribed, has failed to contact him on my behalf and has consistently tried to belittle me and make me feel small. She also tried to push me onto mental health services, until the Consultant Psychiatrist wrote to her stating in no uncertain terms that my 'mental issues' were totally related to hormonal imbalance caused by the surgical removal of my ovaries.

Enough is definitely enough!!! In fact, I think an official complaint is in order at some point (how I wish I didn't have to waste energy on any of this and could just receive decent treatment)!

[Hurdity]

Good luck Tempest and well done for doing all of that! Fingers crossed for you that you get that referral

Hurdity x

[Tempest]

Thank you so very much, Hurdity! xxxx

[CLKD]

At a time when we need support we should not have to 'push'! 

There was an item on the News this evening about GPs not getting funding permission to do certain small operations or to refer to Consultants - nothing new there then!

[Tempest]

It gets worse doesn't it, CLKD? More and more, desperate people are being forced into turning to private healthcare providers. Which is the 'big game plan', really.

I was reading with great interest on Patient Opinion about how the French healthcare system works. It's much more efficient, and a couple usually pays about 1200 euro per annum for very comprehensive care. You even get your blood test results back in the mail, guaranteed next day with a comprehensive report!

GP's are paid for the patients they actually SEE, whereas in the UK GP's are paid an amount per annum for each patient on their books, whether they see them or not! How is this an efficient use of money?? GP's in France therefore have more of an incentive to provide patient appointments when they are needed as this is how they are funded - appointments can be available 24 hours a day in France.

The NHS needs a MASSIVE overhaul, especially GP services and how they are funded.

[Tempest]

Just a wee note to say that my story has now been published on the  Patient Opinion website if any of you are interested to look.

Patient Opinion has contacted MANY parties and forwarded it onto them too. You can see who these are if you take a look in the sidebar to the right of my story (just type in 'Surgical Menopause' in the search box and you will find my story. You'll recognise it's me immediately)!

I was surprised and impressed that they have forwarded it to 7 members of staff at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, as well as the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman and 3 Members Of Scottish Parliament and the Cross Party Health Committee at the British Parliament to name a few.

I'll let you know if it does any good (keeping my fingers crossed - wish me luck)!

[Tempest]

Thank you so much, Sparkle!