AIBU to think the NHS should cover this?

[Icannotcope]

I know I'll probably get slated for this but I just don't understand it.
I've always had large breasts and a small frame. I'm 5'1, 50kg, size 6-8. My breasts are a 32H. During pregnancy they got absolutely massive, I have no idea what size - but huge! Now they've settled back but they're still massive.
I have severe back pain and neck pain. I have injured traps from trying to support them and this has caused nerve damage so I get shooting pains down both my arms and have a loss of sensation in my left hand. I also get twitches in my hands. The pain on my neck/shoulders means I can't do things that involve having my arms forwards for more than a few minutes at a time (like typing, cooking, writing, driving etc). I've been to physio multiple times and done so many exercises but nothing helps. They've all suggested ensuring my bras are properly fitted but that hasn't helped either. They've ended up all saying that the only option is to have my breasts reduced.
Because they got so big during my pregnancy and have now deflated a bit, I have a tonne of excess skin. So, they hang down almost to my belly button. The excess skin gets irritated and infected because there's so much of it. I have to wash it multiple times a day, use aloe vera to try to keep it cool and talcum powder to try and keep it try. I take baby wipes, aloe vera and talcum powder everywhere I go because it gets so hot and sore.
On top of all that, it's affecting my career. I work in a professional field but there are no outfits that I can wear that don't look unprofessional because of the size of my breasts. Anything that's button up either bursts over them or is so large on the rest of me that it looks sloppy. Anything too high neck makes them look even larger and draws more attention to them. Anything low neck is obviously a problem too.
I simply cannot afford to have them reduced - it costs so much money and I just do not have it. Every time I've spoken to my GP, they've just said "it's a cosmetic procedure - you can't get this on the NHS". Surely it's not fair that I'm in agony all day every day. It I were experiencing this pain and these symptoms because of any other body part then the NHS would help but there seems to be some kind of decision that breasts are exempt from help.
AIBU to think someone should be helping me!?

@Poppi89 Thank you. The problem is that it's the excess skin that's causing a lot of the sores. The skin is hanging off and rubs together. It gets pinched too and then splits which gets infected because of the warmth and moisture

100% with you. There is a medical need as you are in pain and it is having such a negative affect on your life.

Regardless of what any of us think, the CCG makes the decision on this kind of thing. I think there is an appeal process if an exceptional funding application is refused but at the end of the day, what they say goes.

You probably could insist on a referral to a consultant but if they think you don’t meet the criteria and are unlikely to qualify for exceptional funding, that’s pretty much it.

I agree this is a genuine health problem, so should be on the NHS. You say you've tried specialist bra-fitters.

But do get properly measured and fitted by more than one specialist bra fitter. Another may find something more helpful for you. It's not only about the size -- though that is essential. Different styles from different makers may be helpful.

If you don’t meet the criteria set by the CCG the GP cannot refer you as the referral will be refused. The consultants will not see unless the referral is proven to meet CCG guidance or accompanied by a funding guarantee if an appeal was successful
That’s not an individual GP fault.
The procedure , whilst undoubtedly done for physical symptoms, comes under a cosmetic category unfortunately.
The best advice If you don’t fill their criteria is to appeal to the ccg,use the guidance set out by NHS criteria for breast reduction and show how you meet this .The GP should be able to help with this .

i wonder if there is anything to be gained from seeing another GP and having the conversation based upon how we can ease my back/arm pain (for which breast reduction is the treatment) rather than them (Wrongly) seeing it as a cosmetic treatment. The current gap seems to have this back to front

This is definitely a medical issue. Make an emphasis on extra costs to the trust for appointments and treatments, especially the risks from infection and skin damage.all of which could lead to serious problems such as ulcers and sepsis. For the skin right now try using pieces of soft cotton/wound dressings and change regularly. Talc will just collect and form clumps. It can block pores and aggravate fragile skin/broken skin. We were banned from using talc in nursing homes and hospital. Very gently pat dry after washing. Nappy creams can be good or egg whites. Others are right, push for a referral to the hospital. You may find that due to covid the waiting list will be long. If all else fails a loan to pay for private treatment may be the quickest way forward.

Tell them you want referring to a plastic surgeon nhs. This is a medical matter not cosmetic. The specialist will measure you and if you fit the catogory you with get 'special funding ' which the gp applies for. You need the plastic surgeon to validate you need the surgery for medical reasons. From what you describe you fulfil the criteria.

I've known people get reductions done on the NHS for this. I would definitely see another GP!

I used to be a size 6 to 8, was 5ft 2 and was a 32 (sadly no longer since menopause). I was definitely not a 28.

Absolutely not. An augmentation on the NHS, if not cancer-related, no way, and not for gender dysphoria either imo, but a breast reduction should be provided if you are suffering back and neck pain. Medical need should be respected and addressed.

You have my sympathy OP - especially in this weather it must be horrendous. I will never complain about my E cups again (that's a lie - the bastard sweaty underboob is gross today).

If you're in the catchment area of a GP that comes under the Cambridgeshire CCG then I'd switch to them in a heartbeat if I were you. It's not being cheeky, or sneaky, it's just using the postcode lottery to your advantage.

I looked up my local CCG - it's not offered generally but you can make a special appeal for it! How kind...

*strikethrough fail

I really hope they cover it for you!! That sounds rough! I am about the same body size as you, but grew up with the opposite problem - tiny b cups

That does sound awful OP. As PP have suggested asking to see a different GP would be a good start, but even if you get a second opinion and the referral you want, the way things are in the post-Covid NHS I would think the waiting list would run to several years. In our health authority any non-cancer, non emergency surgery is pretty much on hold as they try to catch up. Also the Covid guidance means that capacity is hugely down. For example, after putting some to sleep they have to wait for the droplets in the air to settle before starting the operation. They same on the way out after the breathing tube is removed. That means many hospitals are running at half the number of slots. Also in some areas operating theatres are still set up as intensive care units ready for the second wave. Private hospitals have also been co-opted so lists there are much longer than usual too. I'm not trying to be negative, but realistically you may find this is something that can't be fixed any time soon.

A couple of things.
I also have a friend who got the op on the NHS.
I second changing GP or seeking another opinion at your existing surgery.
Pursue the appeals process and make sure you have properly exhausted the NHS procedure.
And finally
I just can't justify taking out a loan
If you are genuinely in pain every single day I can’t think or anything else that is a higher priority right now. It wouldn’t be family money that could be better spent. It would be money for a breast reduction and nothing else.

My mother had a breast reduction on the NHS.

As someone fighting the ccg it’s not as easy as anyone is listing.

I’d ask for a referral op.
Sounds horrific and I really feel for you. A friend of a friend had a boob job on the NHS, went up two sizes and I was fuming because she gleefully told how she put on the waterworks and played on the mental health side. It made me so angry and against NHS cosmetic procedures but yours sounds truly deserving of an intervention. Fingers crossed for you.

Seeing another GP will not make any difference unless the CCG guidelines permit a referral.
A quick Google of your local CCG should give you details plus email and telephone contacts .
If the CCG cover it then seek an alternative GP and give then the details revthe CCG funding.
If the CCG don't cover it then you will need to submit a case for funding which will need to be supported by your G.P.
Good luck. I voted YANBU

Go to another GP. A friend of mine was in the same position (in fact not as bad as yours sounds) and she had hers reduced on the NHS.

You say that you use baby wipes and talc and aloe etc. I'm guessing these aren't on prescription and you're maybe doing it because your GP has been so unhelpful but I'd be making a nuisance of myself. Getting every symptom logged. Keep going back to the GP. I have tingling hands, I have sores under my breasts, I have anxiety and trouble sleeping because of the impact this is having on my life and the way it is affecting my professional life too. Make sure you have it all documented on your record again and again, ideally in line with the criteria for referral. Build a solid case so that you can then take it further if you need to and it will all be written in your file. And see another GP and get a second opinion. It's ridiculous that you are having to go through this. And you shouldn't have to fund this privately. It's affecting your quality of life.

I actually see it that you are the one currently being scammed by the gp/ccg you are currently under. I think you should move GP so you're under the other ccg. I hope you get the surgery you need 🙏

I would suggest another GP too.

Having a HP on your side will make a huge difference. My mother contacted 3 GPs- the first two refused to entertain the idea, the third referred her as an " emergency". She had surgery within 6 weeks of referral.

OP re the criteria about intertrigo or ulceration, you'd meet this criteria because intertrigo refers to sweat rash/fungal infection, and even if it is treated it comes back (because the skin environment hasn't change i.e. skin is still rubbing against skin). I think you meet all those requirements.