Hospital appointment

phoenixoxo

Hello,

I hope everyone's had a pleasant weekend

This is just a bit of info from me, following a dermatology appointment last Wednesday. I haven't had a chance to update my blog yet, but I hope to get round to this at some point.

My GP had referred me to dermatology due to concerns about a mole on my right hip. Its borders had changed and I'd become anxious about it. I haven't had anything dodgy in the past, but my dad has a bit of history here and my rheumatologist has mentioned a link between anti-TNF treatment and skin cancer, so having the mole checked out seemed a good plan.

Thankfully, all is well. The dermatologist used a bit of clear gel and then some sort of scope to get a good look at the area. The mole's borders have changed due to maturation and soon it'll become flesh coloured and disappear. This is a huge relief.

I asked the derm'ist whether, bearing in mind my dad's history and my anti-TNF treatment, it would be useful for me to have regular reviews. Unfortunately, the NHS can't afford this. She advised me simply to 'be vigilant', to be aware of any changes and to bring these to my GP's attention asap.

I can't remember why I'm posting this now! There isn't a message as such, just reporting a good health experience, for a change.

Best wishes,
Phee

PS Thanks to everyone for reading my latest entries :>)
PPS I'll try to catch up tomorrow; I'm a bit tired tonight.

toady

Yes it's lovely to hear a good story, especially one of these 'well that settled that' sort - doubt is a horrible thing where moles are concerned, they can certainly give you a nasty moment can't they when you spot a 'suspect' one... relief is definitely the word I should think! Hope you have a nice sleep, always better with something you've been worried about ticked off isn't it.

barbara12

Phee no wounder you wanted to post this,I am so pleased for you, and now you are harmed with the info like they say you can be vigilant..you take care..I love good news..

stickywicket

Glad you had a good appt, Phee

phoenixoxo

Thanks, people!

Toady, it's definitely a nasty moment, then a huge relief, so I've been sleeping a lot better since getting the all clear. In fact, I'm heading back to bed again once I've posted this as I have a lot of sleep to catch up on (sleepy look)

Barbara, I'm going to be super vigilant from now on and I'm going to read up on moles so I know exactly what to look for in future :shock: (vigilant look)

S/w, thanks for your support (just a big grin)


Just in case it's of interest, I've updated my blog to include diary entry (http://phoenixoxo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/hospital-appointment-dr-robbins-and-dr.html) and summary (http://phoenixoxo.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/hospital-appointment-dr-robbins-and-dr_3.html). I continue to find writing about medical matters very therapeutic :>)

Best wishes,
Phee

Loulou77

Good news Phee!

I had two 'suspect' moles and my doctor referred me to the hospital to have them checked, I saw plastics rather than dermatology but they do the same thing were moles are concerned. I also had them looked at under the scope, and the two that were causing a concern were fine. But the consultant spotted another lower down on my back which I didn't even know was there. I had it removed last Wednesday, that was a right faff. I was at the hospital for 3 1/2hrs and there was a lot of waiting, but the actual mole removal took longer than I thought. It didn't hurt though. They had to go deeper than they had planned for some reason. Have to go back next week (haven't had the apt through yet) for a check up on the wound and the results of the biopsy. Fingers crossed all is ok, they say that most moles that are removed are fine. Better to be safe than sorry x

toady

Fingers crossed for you too, at least that isn't tooo long for an appointment.

phoenixoxo

Hi Loulou,

Thanks for sharing your mole story

Last Wednesday's removal sounds like a complete faff and I feel especially lucky now, that my mole didn't need any further investigation. My dad's had loads of moles removed, but he doesn't like to talk about it so I don't really know anything beyond my own experience. I'm glad your mole removal didn't hurt, at least. Fingers crossed, as toady says, and please let us know how you get on at your appointment

Best wishes,
Phee

Loulou77

Thanks Phee, yes I am glad yours was fine and didn't need removing. Saves all the hassle of it lol, but I think it is always best to get any that you are concerned about checked out. My wound is itching like mad today, very annoying, guess it's healing but why do things always have to itch when they heal?? Argh, driving me crazy lol!

I have an appointment on Tuesday, so will keep you posted xx

phoenixoxo

Arrrgh, itchy wounds! :x

All too well, I remember the itching of my stasis ulcer as it healed, from spring to summer three years ago. At its scariest best, it had been 11cm long and 7cm wide, oozing all sorts of black, yellow, green...

Sorry, 'TMI', perhaps! Healing vibes to you and good luck for next Tuesday

Best wishes,
Phee

Loulou77

Ooh Phee that did not sound nice, must've been painful Glad mine is only little, still really itchy though argh! But at least hasn't been sore, so lucky with that.

Thanks for the good vibes xx

Loulou77

Hi Phee,

Just wanted to let you know that I went for my follow up appointment yesterday and all is fine! Yay!! It was just a normal mole. Wound is healing nicely, although I had a pesky stitch (as the nurse put it) sticking out that they wanted to get rid of, they were disposable stitches but I always have to be awkward

But good news. Just got to wait for my rheumy apt now on May 9th, fingers have been worse past couple of day and been getting more pain elsewhere. But hopefully get some more insight on it in May.

Take care,

phoenixoxo

Hi Loulou,

This is brilliant news – you must feel so relieved! I hope the stitches removal wasn't too troublesome :?

Just off to comment now on your thread

Best wishes,
Phee