Imposter syndrome

Hello, I’m sure this type of question gets posted a lot so i apologise in advance, but I have just finally got my referral to see a gynaecologist (NHS) after years of doctors visits, dismissal, and just being put on various pills/contraceptives.

I still however can’t help but feel a bit of imposter syndrome, so I was wondering if I could share my experience/symptoms and see if anyone experiences something similar and has been diagnosed with endo/adeno.

I started my period at age 11. At age 12/13 they started to be EXTREMELY PAINFUL, the first time it happened I ended up having to crawl into my mum’s room as I couldn’t stand, who thought I was having a burst appendix and was dying so she called the ambulance. I was in so much pain my body didn’t know what to do with itself, I was writhing around, pale, and felt as if I would throw up at any moment. Ambulance just said it was period pain & normal. Ever since then my periods have been like this. I am now 22.

Over the last couple of years(?) I have noticed that I’ve started getting pain outside of my periods, usually loosely around my ovulation window. It’s not cramping but a severe stabbing pain all throughout my abdomen which also gets bloated and painful to touch. Sometimes it’s so bad I can’t stand up straight and have to walk hunched over as it hurts when I straighten up. When this happens I also get lightning butt (idk if that’s what it’s called) and the pain in my abdomen gets SO intense when I try to pee or poop. Like to the point where I’m on the toilet having to grab the walls and stifle a scream lol. This usually last for 1-2 days, with remaining tenderness for a couple days after.

Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? When it’s not actively happening to me I keep thinking I’m just overreacting and it’s just normal. I don’t want to waste the hospitals time. Do you think I was right to push for the referral? I’d appreciate anyone’s input or experiences. Thank you, sorry this is quite a long post.