I've been asked a few times about what to do to prepare for your first gynaecology/consultant appointment. I thought I should write a short post with some tips based on my own experiences.
Firstly, I'll assume that you've been experiencing pain for a while and you have now got an appointment with your GP or gynaecology consultant.
I have created a Menstrual Health Diary for you to use:
Try to keep a diary of your symptoms
It would be useful for your consultant to get a picture of your menstrual cycle so have a think about the following:
How heavy are your periods? Light, medium, heavy (clots)?
How often do you need to change tampons, pads etc?
Where is the pain e.g. bladder, bowels?
Is it painful when you urinate or open your bowels (bleeding from your bowels could be another health issue)?
Do you only experience this pain during your period or at other times of the month? For example, I experienced severe bladder pain during ovulation.
Is sexual intercourse painful?
Keep track of your menstrual cycle
Day 1 is the first day of full bleeding, not spotting). The average cycle length is 28 days so keeping a track of your cycle will help to determine if it's irregular.
Describe your pain levels
Please note that the pain scale I have provided is based on my own experience. Feel free to create/describe your own. It will all help at your appointment.
Is there anything that helps the pain (medication etc) or anything that makes it worse?
Prepare a list of medication you’re currently taking, including any contraception (although your GP should be able to see this).
Let your consultant know if there is a family history of menstrual problems.
Questions to ask at your appointment:
Don't be afraid to ask your consultant to repeat what they've said. It can be overwhelming and a lot to take in. This is not a finite list of questions. There are a lot of resources online that provide further questions you could ask.
What are my options, and what are the pros and cons of each option?
If a treatment/surgery has been suggested - what is the waiting list? How long will this treatment last or will it fix the issue? What are the side effects? Recovery time?
What will happen next? For example, any tests or referrals needed.
What should I do if things get worse?
Is there anything else I can do to help the pain e.g. different pain relief?
Is there anything I should avoid e.g. any foods or supplements?
Where can I go for further support?
Also, I found this info really useful from the NHS website:
Before you leave your appointment
Check:
You have covered everything on your list.
You understand, for example: "Can I just check I understood what you said?"
You know what should happen next – and when. Write it down.
Ask:
Who to contact if you have any more problems or questions.
About support groups and where to go for reliable information.
For copies of letters written about you – you're entitled to see these.
After your appointment, do not forget the following
Write down what you discussed and what happens next. Keep your notes.
Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary.
Ask:
What happens if I'm not sent my appointment details?
Can I have the results of any tests? If you do not get the results when you expect – ask for them. Ask what the results mean.
I really hope this post helps. Please know that I'm thinking about you as you try to get help for your pain.
Laura x
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