Public Treatment of Endo(possibly) in Melbourne?
Hi everyone!
This is my first time posting here but I wanted to see what other people's experiences of the public system have been here in Melbourne and maybe get some health navigation advice.
I have suspected there was something wrong with my period for about 6 years (and did nothing because I was really not looking forward to having to deal with these issues along with the admin requirements of public health...I know...stupid and I regret not getting anything sorted sooner but I have had some shocking care throughout my life that makes me very leery of the doctors). I have ovulation pain, and then at random times during my cycle I used to do the classics: vomit, dizzy spell, pass out (the whole business). I got an IUD which has lessened these symptoms but the pain can still take me out for most of the day anytime during my period and I've had a couple of days where the pain has induced vomiting still. (The IUD was actually what got me to go to my GP because they explained the pain of insertion as 'the worst period you've ever had' and honestly....it was extremely fine).
My GP sent me to WUMe (private) to get the transvaginal scan done, and they found....nothing. Honestly, it was extremely disheartening. I cried when I left the clinic because I knew that I was going to struggle to get anything moving along without a positive scan and I struggle to advocate for myself in these spheres in particular. I went back to my GP and she referred me on to the Pelvic Pain Clinic at the Royal Women's....I've waited nearly 6 months and I'm coming up to the point where I have to call them to let them know I still want to be apart of the clinic. I think I've been put in a category 3 for the wait list due to this inconclusive scan (which I totally understand, the amount of people suffering vs. the amount of public services just do not add up) and I'm hoping that I will be put in touch with a gynaecologist who may help me get closer to some kind of diagnosis but looking at their website this does not seem to be the service they are providing? Or will they refer you on from there to some more public services?
Further, my GP told me that staying on naproxen long-term is not sustainable but I've now been taking it everyday for.....god knows how long a couple of years. Has anyone had something similar happen to them or have any advice? I'm essentially living hand to mouth at the moment (as I'm sure a lot of us are and honestly I'm just happy to have a job in these times!) and I'm not seeing a lot of places that are transparent with their pricing for treatment that I'm imaging is quite a few steps to get towards a lap...
Anyway, sorry for the whinge but if anyone has any info...that would be really stellar!