I had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my face 8 years ago. It required a skin graft and left a scar the size of a 50p piece. This was in Scotland. I hadn't recognised it for what it was and left it several months due to being pregnant and then having 3 children under 5.
I was told at the time that I would likely get more and that I should be checked by a dermatologist periodically.
Then I moved to England. I have had very little cause to see doctors and I haven't been checked by anyone. But I keep an eye on things and I recently noticed a new, tiny bumpy patch very close to the site of the first lesion.
So I went to the GP this morning to ask her to look at the thing on my forehead and refer me to a dermatologist. She barely leaned forward in her chair and she was very dismissive.
She just said it's nothing, don't worry. I asked her to refer me to a dermatologist and she said no. No referral unless "it grows really big or starts to ulcerate."
She didn't even get up to lean over and really look at it. She just said that nothing would be done unless it looks like a carcinoma to her, a GP.
I told her that I have had one removed and was told I was likely to get more. I told her that I had let it grow last time and was told that I should have gone earlier. In fact, I was told that I should have periodic checks by a dermatologist. She said that wasn't going to happen in England.
I just can't believe that unless she thinks it looks like a carcinoma... After it's grown and gone scabby... there's nothing to be done.
So I am paying for a private dermatologist to look at it Friday afternoon. If a dermatologist who specialises in treating BCC's tells me it's nothing, I'll let it go. I also figured that I would rather get a carcinoma treated privately as then I would have control over the timing of everything instead of just waiting for letters. I was impressed with being able to get an appointment with only two days notice! I have to travel for my work and I like the idea of being able to schedule things around work.
I am paying 225. But if a dermatologist tells me not to worry, I won't worry, so money well spent. And if he thinks it is a carcinoma, money well spent! Alternatively, I can also request a referral to the NHS for treatment, thereby getting around the obstructive GP (should it be a carcinoma) while saving money.
But an acquaintance of mine believes very strongly that paying for private medical care is wrong because it perpetuates a two-tier system that favours those who can afford it. She encouraged me to seek a second opinion from another NHS GP.
I'm not made of money. I wouldn't be able to pay for anything major. But I can afford to pay a few hundred if necessary. I figure I'm saving the NHS money.
AIBU?
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
AIBU?
To go private because GP won't refer me?
85 replies
JustGettingStarted · 24/08/2017 11:02
OP posts:
MotherofSausage ·
24/08/2017 11:24
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