To think the NHS should cover this?

[Sallystyle]

A bit of rant really.

I have multi lipomas and have had them for 10 years. It is genetic and I have hundreds and hundreds, I can't even count them. Thankfully, none of them are bigger than two marbles put together but there are loads and it is horrid.

They do hurt when touched and every day one of the children will hug me and touch one too roughly and it is really uncomfortable. I get a lot of stiffness with them as well which is all normal for lipomas.

Yesterday I asked my GP to refer me to the derm so I can talk about getting a few that get in my way when sleeping etc removed. The GP kindly told me that I have no chance because unless it is severely impacting my life or huge enough to cause disfigurement they won't do it and I will need to go private.

I know the NHS has to make cutbacks but it seems pretty crappy to me that I will have to save up god knows how much money if I want some removed. They do get me really down and while I can live with them I am pretty bloody sick of it and I would have hoped that the pain when I am touched on my back and the fact that I can't get comfortable in bed would be enough of a reason for the derm to consider removal of some, the GP is convinced that they won't even see me as I meet none of the criteria and I basically just have to put up with it.

If it interferes with your ability to sleep, I'd say that is a pretty severe impact. I'd definitely pursue it further.

YABU to think that you should decide what the NHS covers and does not cover.

YANBU to think that how the rules are applied can vary depending on how you express the problem, especially when subjective things like "mental or physical pain" are involved.

Removal of symptomatic tumours (including benign growths like lipomas) is covered, and rightly so, by the NHS. Ask your GP to refer you to plastic surgery for removal if the lumps that cause you pain.

As the other posters have said, you need to be very clear with your GP that your lipomas are symptomatic, and that they are affecting your quality of life. This is not the time for a stiff upper lip! Persevere.

FWIW, I have a large lipoma on my back, and it's being removed on the NHS.

YANBU. This link to the NHS choices web page says that they can remove them if the person is affected mentally or physically.
www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoma/Pages/Introduction.aspx
It sounds like it really affects your life. I would ask the GP again to refer you.

Oooh thanks babyroger... I definitely want mine removed at some point as its becoming more noticeable as I lose weight... luckily my bra strap seems to disguise it at the moment but it almost looks like a third boob