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Women's health

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Original poster

Nipple photo attached - am I worrying for nothing?

97 replies

Notastic · 04/04/2023 10:27

I've noticed over the past couple of months that my nipple is being pulled inwards - it's hard to explain but there seems to be what looks and feels like skin attached to the middle of nipple to the edge of the areloa. I've attached a photo - hopefully you'll see what I mean!

It doesn't hurt, no kids so not breastfeeding etc. History of breast cancer in my family so a little concerned, but just more confused really! Any ideas? Google is giving me nothing to work with.

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 13:13

Sometimes hard to find an email contact but there will be one somewhere on the website! Good luck...

userxx · 05/04/2023 14:21

I can email my doctor photo's - sounds odd but it might be worth doing.

Original poster
Notastic · 05/04/2023 14:47

Turns out I can email my GP, but can expect to wait up to three days for a reply. Receptionist adamant she can't get me before in Tuesday - worth going private and get seen tonight or tomorrow, or just wait?

OP posts:
ohthejoysoftoddler · 05/04/2023 14:56

If you can afford it, personally I would make a private appointment. But I would also be very insistent with the GP - say you'd like to complain etc

DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 15:07

Put 'breast lump/ Urgent' as email title.
got a cancellation appointment after my email.

tvbed · 05/04/2023 15:11

I emailed my GP - it was reviewed within 24hrs and I was referred on without even speaking to the GP.
Include a photo if possible and provide all information that might be relevant- what's changed, when you noticed it, if there's a family history etc. Then explicitly ask for a urgent cancer referral.
It will only take 5 minutes to do but saves an unnecessary appointment.

Likethestarsabove547 · 05/04/2023 15:12

If you can get seen privately tonight I would honestly do that. It's not worth the risk given family history. Has this developed over time or come up suddenly?

Hohofortherobbers · 05/04/2023 15:18

Notastic · 05/04/2023 14:47

Turns out I can email my GP, but can expect to wait up to three days for a reply. Receptionist adamant she can't get me before in Tuesday - worth going private and get seen tonight or tomorrow, or just wait?

Does the receptionist know you have a breast abnormality?

DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 15:24

My surgery normally ridiculous to get appointment. Mentioned lump in email and all action stations. Frightened the life out of me cos so speedy.
I was underplaying it but put on appointment within 2 weeks. Apparently that is normal as gp cannot tell what lump is through the skin. Told not to panic but hard not to.
Send email marked urgent with subject very clear in title.
If surgery close, maybe walk in and directly speak to Receptionist...

Original poster
Notastic · 05/04/2023 17:02

Yes receptionist does know - may try again tomorrow as I think there's someone different answering the phones Thursdays/Fridays. If not joy will go private and get seen in the evening

OP posts:
dew141 · 05/04/2023 17:05

If you do go private, the one stop shop services are great. Saw the consultant, had the mammogram and went straight back to see the consultant.

Was in and out in an hour and no awful wait for the results. Although I guess you would if you needed a biopsy.

DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 17:08

Email anyway. FAO: your doctor?
Not on that you are not being heard...

Want a laugh? People asking how I am in passing. Fine, thank you I say realising not appropriate to overshare whilst buying cat-litter at petshop... tempted though!

DinkyDaisy · 05/04/2023 17:12

Tempted to go private but it is expensive and I do have an appointment a week today... sounds like a one-stop setup. A biopsy would be an extra stress...
I have savings and part of me wants to just spend them...

Original poster
Notastic · 05/04/2023 17:46

@DinkyDaisy If you can afford it, please do so. Nothing is more important then your health x

OP posts:
silverlentils · 05/04/2023 17:53

Tonight:

Send GP message through their online portal or the NHS app. Explicitly say breast abnormality urgent referral needed. Say you have been told you cannot see a doctor until next Tuesday and will wish to file a complaint about that.

Then, go to your GP in person first thing, tell them you need a referral for 2 week pathway for a breast abnormality and that you have a family history.

Tell them that you will not leave until this has been done and that no it cannot wait until after Easter.

Good luck

Original poster
Notastic · 05/04/2023 18:09

@silverlentils That is sound advice - thankyou. I will do this.

I really thought I was overreacting about the whole thing!

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 13:23

How's it going @Notastic ?
DH wound me up this morning suggesting my appointment might be cancelled as during junior doctor strike. Not been cancelled so far. Not sure how I would cope if it was.

Original poster
Notastic · 06/04/2023 20:03

@DinkyDaisy Oh I really hope that isn't the case. It's stressful enough waiting without them cancelling and prolonging the wait even more! How are you doing otherwise? X

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 20:26

Googling too much and scaring myself.
How about you? Did you sort an appointment out?

Original poster
Notastic · 06/04/2023 20:35

Also googling too much.
Private appointment tomorrow 😬

OP posts:
DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 20:39

Good luck and keep us posted. X

dew141 · 06/04/2023 20:52

Yes, good luck and glad you've found one without too much of a wait.

DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 21:13

If my next Wednesday appointment cancelled I will try and go private despite cost. I am finding the waiting unbearable.

Arcadia · 07/04/2023 15:23

Good luck today OP

Whatwaswrongwiththatusername · 07/04/2023 16:15

DinkyDaisy · 06/04/2023 21:13

If my next Wednesday appointment cancelled I will try and go private despite cost. I am finding the waiting unbearable.

I had a text from my surgery last week, re: strikes. They stated that there would be no routine appointments week commencing 10th April, however pre-existing appointments will still go ahead. So fingers crossed your surgery would've already made this information available too, if this was the case, so as you've not been told of any cancellations or changes during the strikes yours should hopefully go ahead. Good luck!