Should I go or am I wasting their time?

I have never been one to have health anxiety but my brain is currently in overdrive and I don’t know what to do. Around 4 months ago I had the contraceptive injection. Since then I have bled everyday, I have noticed I’m feeling nauseous, I have persistent mild stomach pain and I generally feel quite fatigued. Around 3 weeks ago when going to the toilet I started to question whether the bleeding was purely vaginal or if it was also from going to the toilet. This is where I have started to spiral. I have a lump in my groin and one in my stomach (although this is less of an obvious lump, it could just be muscle/tissue). My grandma had pancreatic cancer, so I’m now panicking that the stomach pain, persistent nausea could be more sinister than the injection that was taken. This part may seem random but I have quite a lot of moles, some that should probably be checked, and now I’m convinced that it’s all connected. I have a huge level of anxiety when it comes to the doctors because I am convinced I am wasting their time (unfortunately being due to being made to feel like that several times previously). Am I overthinking this? And if I do book a doctors appointment should I mention everything above or would I have to book several appointments? I have heard previously that you are only allowed to discuss one problem at a time so I’m worried they will not want to hear about the moles, lumps and symptoms if they deem it all to be seperate issues. 

  • Hi Stressedshortbread,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am sorry to hear about your symptoms. Please do not hesitate to contact your GP about these. We are always told to investigate any changes like these, because, the sooner they are treated the better the outcome usually is. Nobody will accuse you of wasting time, as all you are doing is following medical advice. You can certainly mention all of your symptoms, as they could well be related.

    If you tell the receptionist the reason for your call, they should try to fit you in quickly. Your GP may then need to refer you for further tests. Many people get the all clear after these, which is great. I sincerely hope that you will too. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello Stressed Shortbread and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are feeling so worried about your health. There maybe a very good reason for your symptoms to occur so try not to let your mind run away with you.

    Make a list of the symptoms that you are experiencing, how long you have had them and make an appointment with your GP. Remember that is what they are there for.

    Your GP may order some different tests to find out the cause.

    We have some useful information on our website about talking to your doctor

    Worrying about our health can often make symptoms feel worse.

    I am sure that you will feel a sense of relief once you have had a chance to talk things through with your GP.

    If you would like to talk any of this through with one of the helpline nurses then you are welcome to give us a call.

    The number to ring is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine