Do you think I'd be able to get a tummy tuck on the NHS-this is slightly odd

[Trebuchet]

Hi
I havr 2 issues really, its partly a medical thing and partly a cosmetic thig.

In the last 4 years I have lost 4 stone, gone from 17 stone to 13 stone and had 2 children in between, each time losing the weight. I lose slowly but steadily and actually don't want to lose any more. I'm a size 16 now and really happy with it. I'm 5'5" and have been assured that I look the plump side of normal which is fine by me.

My stomach is a mess. I was always apple shaped so most of the weight has come off my tum; its now wrinkled, sad looking and hangs down to my fanjo.

If it was just that I have a horrible stomach I would live with it, but when I was 38wks with ds1 I got terrific pain in the skin below my belly button, it felt like it was on fire. It turned completely hard and the pores were enormous. I had to hold a bag of frozen peas to it while holding a hotwater bottle to my back during labour, the pains were as bad as each other. The drs had never seen this and said it might go of its own accord but 3 yrs and another ds later I am left with a patch the size of my hand, of skin that feels almost dead. Its like when your foot goes numb. If you touch it it sort of makes you feel sick and it hurts. Its right on my knicker line. When I do exercise I have to carry it as any friction really hurts, and I now wear support pants every day as even just gentle wobbling when I walk makes me feel sick.

Also I keep getting red sore patches in my c sec scar. At least 4 days a month I have to shower 6 times a day and hold a fan under my belly to keep it dry and the put sanitary towels under to seperate the skin.

I feel like an old woman. Im only 32.
What do you think, do you think I would qualify even though I'm not what you'd call slim?

Thanks sorry this is long winded x

[Trebuchet]

have to pop off ds2 not settling, if anyone answers, Im not ungrateful, will be back asap! x

[OnlyWantsOneFartleBerry]

Go and see your GP and tell them everything. Poor you, when I read this I though "yea right we all hate out tummys" but seriously, it's not just a cosmetic thing. If it is causing you real and serious pain which infringes on your quality of day to day life - some thing must be done.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on x

[OnlyWantsOneFartleBerry]

oh, and WELL DONE on loosing all the weight

[Trebuchet]

Thank you so much for your response, I've been a bit scared to go to gp, I am still worried they/anyone might say, "Thats what you get for having been so fat." I know its probably stupid but thats me...!

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

How spooky trebuchet, I was thinking about you this week, your baby must be nearly a year od now

Good to see you

yy go the docs, see what they can offer

[Trebuchet]

He is you've a great memory!! He's a bit unsettles so I will keep disappearing...

[lynniep]

Gosh they'd be really evil if they said something like that. They should applaud you for your ability to lose the weight each time - thats no mean feat.

Size 16 is hardly obese - just overweight - and as others have said - this is clearly a medical issue, not 'just' a costmetic one.

Do you just have one GP or a few of them in the practice? (we have about 8, and you can specify who you want to see if you can wait until they are free - I always pick a certain one for DS if I'm following up something because she's so thorough with children. Simlilarly I will never ever see another gp again about my 'ladies problems' as he was totally unsympathetic.

You really shouldnt have to live like this at 32 or at any age frankly

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

I don't hang around any threads where you might normally be posting - post natal/weaning, that kind of place, so I'm v glad to catch up with you here

Of course now you think I'm some kind of wierdy stalker person

[TheCrackFox]

I would go along for a chat with my GP. This goes way beyond not liking your stomach (I can empathise with that [sigh]), there does seem to be a clinical need.

I don't think a doctor would mock the fact you used to be fat. Most doctors are very supportive of a healthy weight loss.

Good luck.

[copycat]

Hello Trebuchet, congratulations on losing so much weight. That's amazing .

I think whether or not you get funding for an ostensibly 'cosmetic' procedure on the NHS is largely down to your local PCT. As I understand it (but only based on my own unsuccessful experience) your GP will have to submit a funding application to your PCT and then it will be out of their hands. Of course if you have the full and fervent backing of your GP I am sure this will make a difference so you must pursue his/her support with determination (and gratitude!). I suggest that you really emphasise the issues related to pain and quality of life, ability to do your job and/or be a Mum. It does sound awful for you and, as I am sure you are aware, the cosmetic issues are not reason alone to get NHS funding. In fact, to be honest, I wouldn't even approach any discussion about surgery with your GP from that angle at all.

The inflamation in your c section scar sounds like it may be related to infection. If it is a recurring problem maybe you need antibiotics or a topical antibiotic cream? Maybe the scar is being irritated and chafed by your overhanging skin (sorry ) and a dressing might help protect the incision scar whilst it continues to heal?

Anyway, I absolutely do think you should approach your GP and ask for them to submit a funding application. Good luck - I had to take my funding request (also for a 'cosmetic' procedure for a diagnosed medical condition) to PCT Appeal but was turned down for funding although I know of another lady with the same medical condition as me who was granted funding for the same cosmetic procedure by her PCT. It may just be the luck of the draw.

Of course my experiences may be totally irrelevant to your situation so I hope that someone more knowledgable comes along to give you some more helpful advice. I hope your GP is supportive. Good luck.

[Trebuchet]

Thank you so much for your kind words and your sense talking. I find it hard to be objective about anything concerning my weight, feel guilty I suppose that I could have contributed to it. I will go next week will pluck up the courage... will keep you posted!

[Trebuchet]

Ooh I've always fancied a stalker, BoysAreLikeDogs, will make me feel terribly celeb-like!! x