Gut feeling about son

[frankieandbean]

Sorry if this isn’t the right place. I haven’t slept and my mind is whirling. My 11 DS was seen at the GP this week for a hard lump in his groin, the GP urgently referred to peads for assessment. They took bloods and a few different docs saw him. Every one of them had concerns but it was the final surgical doc who finally saw him very quickly who assessed this lump and a swollen node and not something sinister. I’m just so worried that he didn’t do a full examination, in fact he was very quick, chirpy and sent us on our way. Clearly we were relieved and reassured but now we’re home I’m second guessing everything. My son has chest pain, this lump is hard and doesn’t move. It’s painful and he’s not himself. Should I be pressing for another check or accept this doctor’s reassurance?

Always press for a second opinion if you’re not confident in the first doctor’s diagnosis. I would be in your case as all of those symptoms together sound concerning. Hope your son is okay 🤞🏼

You won't regret getting a second reassurance, but the alternative dies t bear thinking about

I would ask for a second opinion and if second doc is also unconcerned (and I hope s/he is), then perhaps you could ask next time why they are unconcerned, what they think the lump is, how long it will take to resolve, etc. Swellings during puberty can be normal, but it sounds like things weren't explained to you and you were perhaps so relieved you didn't ask at the time. You need to know what this is and when it should resolve, if it's nothing to worry about. You could also call the surgeon's secretary and ask for this info to be sent to you.

I have just called and asked if somebody can give me a call to discuss. After the surgical docs had been round, the paediatric doc came back and said they were still going to arrange a scan for him to make sure. I realise that was possibly a making sure scan and I appreciate it but just feel like we’re in limbo. I felt like she was also a bit miffed at the surgeons approach with this. I do fully respect our NHS and they are doing such a hard job which you can only admire but it’s my mother’s intuition which is steering me here. It was absolutely a case of relief and my son wanting to get home which probably stopped me asking more when we were leaving and of course I’m praying it’s nothing.

Mother’s instinct counts for alot. Be your son’s advocate and get the tests you need. Hoping it’s nothing g sinister though.

Are they still doing a scan? It’s the best course of action in knowing what the lump may be. It’s absolutely right that you get a second opinion - you sometimes have to be “that pushy mother”, regardless of who you upset. Good luck, I hope everything turns out ok.

As far as I am aware, they are arranging a scan. But I should have asked more about when etc. hoping to get a call from
the doctors today at some point when I can find out more. Thank you all.

The scan is very quick and straightforward, hopefully they can confirm it's nothing to worry about there and then.

I would also not let this lie and would be pushing for a second opinion/further investigation.