Shall I leave polyclinic after waiting 4.5hrs

[Teesdale2622]

I had a small op to remove a cyst last Friday. Upon hospital discharge they told me to contact gp to remove stitches after 7 days.

Called drs Monday and told they don’t offer this at our practice and I should call the polyclinic. Tried polyclinic wrong number given by gp.

Eventually got the polyclinic number and they have a recorded message saying if you need an appointment phone 111 who can book.

Phoned 111, then practitioner called back and said they only book immediate appointments.

So called back yesterday on day 7 and got an appointment for 8am today. Been here waiting since 8am and receptionist has said the appointments don’t stand, I am just in a queue…

I have approached the receptionist who just said the queue is long and I need to wait.

I just think this is a ridiculous system and surely this isn’t the way you should have to have stitches removed?

I’m thinking of leaving and taking stitches out at home?

I've been instructed to remove my own stitches before, it's not difficult. I was sent home with a suture cutting device and a leaflet. It depends on whether you're willing to do it, but it's not difficult at all.

My dh is keen to give it a go 🤢

Go for it. Dh took mine out because I couldn't reach. Twas a piece of cake. Good luck

I’ve taken my own out more than once.

I'd just take them out myself tbh

Ask them for a stitch cutter and watch a YouTube video! It's not difficult, unless in a hard to reach place.

Oh god! I hope you waited and had it done by a professional

My DP took out 3 stitches in my shoulder when I couldn't get an appointment to get them done. He did them with an ordinary domestic stitch cutter and my eyebrow tweezers (both were disinfected first).

My manager took mine out so I didn’t have to take time out to get them removed
She had removed stitches as part of her job

IF you're going to do it at home, gently tug on the stitch and cut under the knot. Also count them out as you're doing them so nothing is left in and you know you have removed them all.

I took mine out of my hand yesterday. I just couldn't be bothered with all the rigmarole of the clinic. If the wound is healthy and you use clean/ disinfected scissors then I don't see a problem. It's not like putting them in!