I suffer from depression, which often manifests as health anxiety, so please be gentle.
A couple of months ago DH noticed a lump on my shin as I lay with my legs over his knees on the sofa one evening. I dismissed it as a bruise, but a month ago I noticed it was still there. It is about one inch in diameter and whilst not exactly hard, it is quite dense, if that makes sense. It's just to the left of my shin bone, somewhat obscured by my calf muscle and not visible to the naked eye. I had some numbness and tingling in my leg so went to the doctor about it.
Doctor (who I normally like and trust) had a good feel and asked me if it was painful. I said no, and he explained that it was most likely something beginning with an 'f' - I can't remember the word he used - something very similar to scar tissue after knocking it on something. I often have bruises on my legs although I can't remember this particular injury. Although I can't remember his exact words, I was left with the impression that the lump would be there for quite a while, if not indefinitely.
In the days that followed my shin was... it's hard to describe. Sort of numb and tingly, like I'd been sitting on it funny and the bottom half of my leg was dead. Every time I conduct a similar examination on myself I get the same sensation for days afterwards. It's not painful but I'm very aware of it and it's uncomfortable.
I don't know if it's because I've pressed on the nerve but either way between my anxiety and certain recent news stories I'm nattered that it's something more sinister and have booked in for another appointment on the 20th Feb. I'm tempted to call up on Monday and try and get it seen to then.
Sorry, this is so bloody long... but until then, can someone tell me if I'm (a) bothering the doctor unnecessarily and (b) what this mysterious 'f' might be?
AIBU?
to get a second opinion regarding lump on my shin?
moominsummer · 06/02/2015 16:39
I don't think you're bothering him unnecessarily at all. It's clearly worrying you and it's definitely worth getting checked out - even if it's just for your peace of mind. DH has some strange little lumps on his side that he had to get checked out and I'm pretty sure they begin with an 'f' too. Maybe it was fibroids?...I have a feeling they were some sort of little fatty deposits or something. I'll ask him when he gets home.
I had depression and health anxiety too by the way. It was a nightmare so I completely understand where you're coming from. FWIW the doctors never felt that I was wasting their time and were really sympathetic 
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