I’ve had a really painfull breast for a while now, a kind of stabbing pain & sometimes it feels quite hot.It also has spots that look like I have been bitten by an insect or something. I wasn’t too worried as I don’t have a lump but then I noticed a discharge from the nipple. I made an appointment and saw the ( VERY young) GP. He looked quite bemused by the whole thing. He said he would refer me to the breast clinic,but it has now been 4 weeks . I’m sure the symptoms are getting worse as a result of me thinking about them ( if you get what I mean !) I’m trying to think positivley but the waiting is driving me mad and it seem to be all I can think about.
I think typing this post out has helped though. It’s a relief to get it out of my head and down in words x
Hi Colsyr
I’m so sorry that you are so worried, 4 weeks does seem an awful long time to wait. Have you thought of ringing the breast care clicnic to see if they have any earlier appointments or any cancellations? Waiting is the worst part and I really feel for you. Perhaps another visit to the doctor explaining that you think symptoms are getting worse may get you an earlier date. Try to keep your chin up and keep posting on here if you need to as there are some lovely ladies on here. We’ve all been where you are now and we all know what it’s like.
Sending you a big hug xx
Hi…The waiting is the worse, try and keep your life as "normal"as possible,(i know it will be hard)…the appointment will soon appear and you will feel more at ease…
x
keep in touch:)
Thanks Laraine x
I’m not sure where the clinic is or who to ring. Phoned GP & got another appointment with him next week. I hadn’t thought of doing that.
I feel a bit of a fraud though as there’s no lump .
Hopefully the wait wont be too much longer xx
I would definitely phone to see if there are cancellations. Did your doc give you any antibiotics? If it is not an infection, then I would suggest you need it looked at by specialists quite quickly, within the 2 week referral time. Hope you get it sorted soon. It is awful having to worry for so long. Take care, debx
Doc didn’t give me antibiotics, he didn’t seem too worried about the spots. He was a new GP and was asking his mentor for advice over the computer. I wasn’t worried about a male doc but he did seem more nervous than me !
How would I find out where the breast clinic in my area is ? I googled it but keep finding cosmetic surgeons instead ?
I went to see my nurse after my examination she faxed hospital while i was there only waited a week for appointment i would go back to gp ask for a referal to the hospital to get yourself checked out
If you need any further help in searching this, could I suggest you give the helpline here a ring, they may be able to help you. Calls are free, 0808 800 6000 lines open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
i would ring ur GP and ur local hossi, 4 weeks is a long time was on tv this morning the average time for being refered is 2 weeks…i was 10 days…get them rung up and good luck xx
Thank you so much everyone x
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have found this forum. I haven’t mentioned it to family yet, it’s bad enough me & hubby worrying ! So to be able to get advice and support is wonderful x I really can’t thank you all enough.
I am on a mission to get hold of the GP now !
Colsy x
Doc says it could be up to a 10 week wait ! After 4 weeks hubby just realised he has private health care through work. Men, honestly !
I’m tempted to use it if I could otherwise have another 6 weeks though x
Hope everyone is well today xx
Hi colsyr
If you’ve got private health cover then use it! You’ll get seen much more quickly, and if (fingers crossed that you don’t) you need any further treatment, it will be done at a time to suit you and in the comfort of a private room. Why queue if you don’t need to?
Well, I got through to the clinic. So far Im down to be seen at the end of November so hubby is going to phone insurers and see if he can’t get me seen.
Thanks again to you all for your help, support and advice so far. It truly is appreciated xx
Hi colsyr
Once your insurers have confirmed that they will cover it, the quickest way to get a private appointment at a clinic will probably be via your GP. The insurers usually insist on GP referral being the starting point.
Sarah
Thank you so much Sarah x My head is a ball of fluff at the moment. I just presumed that as the GP had already refered me that would be it ! I scare myself at how daft I am sometimes lol x
You’re not daft at all, just worried! We’ve all been through it. I was shocked how the usual rational me went out of the window and left a jelly in her place! I’ve been through all my treatment with a mixture of private and NHS care, so have fallen into a few pitfalls myself. Just tell your GP you’ve got private cover and they will refer you to someone as a private patient. Shouldn’t make a difference, but it does.
Sarah x
Thanks again Sarah x I’m not normally a worrier. It’s worse as I am supposed to be doing a charity trek across the dessert in November in memory of my daughter. I would hate to not be able to go.
Have another appointment with GP in the morning. Will do as you advised xx
Your policy is designed to cover the treatment or diagnosis of an acute disease, illness or injury. Unfortunately we don’t cover routine monitoring, preventative treatment or health screening. Therefore breast screening would not be eligible.
Guess it’s the end of November then !
I actually think I might cry ! ( well, inside at least, wont cry infrount of the kids !)
Don’t take no for an answer, I’d argue with them over that one. You have a specific concern that you have found something wrong with your breast, i.e. an acute condition, and want to be referred to someone to check it out. That is not routine monitoring, preventative treatment or health screening. My policy also has the same exclusions, but covers me if there appears to be something actually wrong - as you fear there is in your case. Ask your GP to back you up. These insurers always try to wriggle out of having to pay.
Sarah x
reply from insurance was