I’m concerned about my health

hi

don't worry about feeling a fraud, but you do know that I'm going to tell you that you really need to see a GP or GUM clinic, don't you.

There's no chance you might have forgotten a tampon ?

Other than that, with this much information and a diary or notes, I'm sure they'll take you seriously. A problem many experience, including myself, is that GPs often dismiss anything other than clear and obvious symptoms.

Cancers are rarer in younger people but they still happen and all cancers are more easily treated and in most cases cured when treated promptly. 

The NHS has contracted out some of these services and it will depend which area you are in. We have iCash, and I have no idea what that is or if it's an acronym. 

https://www.icash.nhs.uk/where-to-go/icash-bedfordshire/kings-brook-bedford

that seems to be for Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. 

don't panic.

hugs

Carolyn

xx

Hi Carolyn, 

thank you for your helpful response it has made me feel much better I’m pretty sure there’s no tampons but can never be to sure haha

I haven’t told anyone of my concerns and would like to keep it that way, in case I make a panic over nothing, so I was just wondering if in those types of clinics you can just go by yourself if you’re under 18?

many thanks 

Saf 

hi  

I think so

I'd have to ask my daughter she seems to be pretty knowledgeable about such things.

Carolyn

xx

Carolyn28

Just butting in if you don't mind.

integrated Contraception and Sexual Health (iCaSH)

Covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire. Norfolk, Suffolk and Peterborough.

Can I suggest that you contact one of our specialist nurses on Ask a Nurse group page and ask your question alternatively you can phone 0808 808 0000 which is our telephone support line and ask to speak to a nurse the lines are open 8 am to 8 pm every day of the week but being a bank holiday weekend they may not be available but you could try tomorrow (Saturday) and if there is a nurse on duty you can speak to her in confidence.

Sorry again for butting in but I hope this is of interest.

Ian

Hi Sal sorry for butting in. I used to work until recently as a counsellor in a sixth form college, I have had young people come to me with concerns and anxiety re their health in regard to various body parts. I have always listened carefully and respectfully to those worries and often with encouragement those young people have gone on to see as suggested already either their GP but also often other clinics such as well woman or contraceptive or gum clinics. I have also helped in booking appointments etc

every time I have done so the clinics have made appointments for the young person without the young persons parents knowledge if that was what the young person required the age range I worked with was 16 to 20 year olds

you are right to get yourself checked out, you are not the first young person to be anxious like this,

my suggestion is please do so make a call make an appointment the worries can be much worse, just talking it out like you have done is one step closer to getting more help

look at peoples response on here, people want to help you. So will others in the next stage

good luck, be brave, you can do it x

feel free to 'butt in' 

this is an open forum, I just hang around to offer a friendly ear and a shoulder, I'm not precious about the ownership of a thread

my knowledge is broad and from life experiences, rather than in-depth and academic 

the online community is about sharing

I appreciate you both dropping in with good advice and I'm sure will feel better supported too

I totally accept that as   says the helpline is a good option, I've used it and thanks to process for clarification on the appointments

love and hugs to all

Carolyn

xx

Hi

I am really sorry to hear about what you are going through and to hear you feel so alone with it. I was at the launch of a campaign last week called Get Lippy which is all about encouraging women to talk about our gynae health. Too many of us suffer in silence because we don’t have the words or the confidence to talk about the really serious things going on in our bodies.  Things that could be sorted. 

I am going to give you the details of a few people who really can help. You are going to need to talk to a doctor but first, I think it might help to think through how to do that and what to say. You’ve made a great start here by writing it down. That must have taken some courage. 

The charity The Eve Appeal runs a nurse led gynae cancer  information line. You can call it free (or email first) and you will end up speaking either to Karen, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer at 24, or Tracie who is a gynae cancer nurse specialist. There is nothing you can say that will shock them and they will understand your fear and reluctance to talk. They are kind and lovely. Here’s a link:  

https://eveappeal.org.uk/supporting-you/ask-eve/

Another source of good, reliable and kind support is the gynae geek. She’s a gynaecologist committed to supporting women with gynae health concerns and helping us to talk about them. 

https://www.gynaegeek.com/

You have been brave enough to post here and look what happened? Nice people listened and helped. I do hope you can be brave enough to take the next step and get the medical help you need  

big hugs xxxx

Hi everyone, 

I don’t know how to tag everyone but I would just like to say a massive thank you to each of you. I feel overwhelmed by the support and each and everyone of you have provided such useful information. I’m going to try to gear up the courage to talk to somebody about it, and will let you know how everything goes 

many thanks 

saf 

Hi

I am really pleased to hear that. Got a big smile on my face 

xx

Hi Saf good to hear that and sorry I think I called you Sal before 

go on my lovely youcan do this, please let us know how you get on xxxx