To expect better from the NHS. Ingrown toenail saga

Didn't they use EMLA cream for the initial injections? Yes, he will still feel something at the point at which it meets the nerves, but that way, they've got more chance of getting them done and the anaesthetic taking effect, as he wouldn't be potentially screaming the place down or moving, both of which can make it very difficult for any procedure to be completed fully.

If you look at the instructions for EMLA, double the time it suggests and put lots on. That makes it more likely he'll just feel pressure with the initial needle entry. And make sure he isn't looking (getting him to deliberately breathe out as they do it really does help - not surprising him with it, but start the breathing out on 3-2 and it's a lot harder to react on 1).

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If anybody has issues with locals not working, it's worth thinking about your genetics - redheads are well known for not responding to some. Not all medical staff will think of this, particularly if the person isn't obviously redheaded due to dye or because they've inherited the pale skin without more than a red tinge to their hair. The next local anaesthetic on the list usually works brilliantly instead.

(It's not nice for anybody to need anaesthetic directed at their nerves, but I have to add, by the way, that whilst I do sympathise, it's infinitely preferable to having intra-articular joint injections of steroids, multiple ones into the side of your foot for plantar fasciitis or having excess fluid drained, as happens to many people with inflammatory arthritis. And I'm sure somebody could easily post to give examples of far more painful injections than those.)

OP there's a post on here today about a lady who's breast cancer was missed despite several GP visits over a number of months. She's now facing a stage 3 diagnosis, mastectomy, chemo and months of treatment whilst unable to work.

I've had 2 ingrown toenails myself. I know the excruciating agony of living with it and the treatment. I appreciate they've fucked up and your poor ds is going to have to go through it again.

But. It really is just a toenail.

A lot of chiropodists are qualified to operate on ingrown toenails. I paid for my daughter to have hers treated several years ago as she was in so much pain and the NHS wait was so long. I paid around £200 but might be more now.

Numbing cream may help. Or, if you can, go private and get the nail bed killed off. I had a toe done 16 years ago and have never had any trouble with it.

I had two failed attempts with terrible ingrown toenails on both my big toes on the NHS when I was young. Went on for far too long, they got awfully infected. In the end my parents bit the bullet and I got them operated on in a private clinic and had the nail bed killed off. Thank GOD.

This is awful! Would it be worth practicing some hypnotherapy type strategies to help him relax and get through it?

We have gone private and had my son's done under GA by an orthopaedic surgeon.
He had both big toes and 1 second toe done the First time. Surgeon says he has very deep nails and we have just had toes 5 and 6 done in the Xmas holidays.
the nhs offered the standard injections whilst awake - no way would my then 12 yr old who has some learning difficulties have coped with the pain and trauma of being awake.

No advice, but your poor son. Toe and finger injections are the most painful thing ever. My son ripped a fingernail off and it had to be numbed and cleaned. He said the injections were excruciating, far worse than the actual injury! He developed an awful needle phobia as a result. I hope they sort it properly next time (I'd be angry too) and he recovers quickly.

I had 4 of those ops, one had to be redone, one the anaesthetic didn’t work.
More painful than childbirth
He has my sympathy