Hi
Im new to this so any help advice would be much appreciated. One of my nipples has suddenly gone inverted, nothing not even my GP can get it to turn back again. He felt a lump underneath and it is extremely painful. My GP has made a private referral (at my request) so I am just waiting. What will the consultant do at this appointment, just examine me or scan me. Any help appreciated.
Dear muscat
I am sorry that you are feeling so worried at the moment and wondered if you had considered giving our helpline a call, 0808 800 6000, open Mon-Fri 9-5 and Sat 9-2? They will be able to answer your questions about what to expect when attending hospital for first appointments. Also please follow the link to access our booklet ‘Referral to a breast clinic’
I am sure other users will respond very quickly to share their own experiences with you.
Best wishes
Poppy
Hi Muscat,
So sorry that you’re having this worry and I hope that everything turns out ok for you. The waiting really is the worst part!
I am having private treatment as like you I also asked for a private referral. I had private health cover (BUPA) through my work so it seemed silly not to use it. I was told that I’d get an appointment within 2 weeks but with the private referral I phoned the hospital myself and was seen the same day. Do you know where you are being referred to and when you are likely to be seen?
My referral was to a breast surgeon at the local private hospital where they run a breast clinic. At my appointment I first saw the breast surgeon who asked lots of questions then examined me. I then went for a mammogram and ultrasound. During the ultrasound the doctor performed a core biopsy on my lump and lymph nodes. I then went back to the breast surgeon to discuss what had been found. In my case the news wasn’t good and he was 99% sure it was cancer, this was confirmed when I saw him again 2 days later for the biopsy results.
From what I understand most breast clinics (whether NHS or private) operate in a similar way with all the relevant tests being carried out in the same visit so you are likely to come away with a good idea of your diagnosis which in most cases in nothing sinister.
Good luck, let us know how you get on and please don’t hesitate to ask if you have more questions or just need support as we all understand what a worrying time it is.
Linda
xxx
Hi
Thanks for the responses. The referal has gone to Fernbrae (Dundee), who I have just called. The lady informed me that she was faxing my referal to Ninewells (NHS) where the consultant is based for him to review and decide if I must be scanned before I can see him Wed next week! He only runs a private clinic once a week.
I have seen this consultant previously having had emergency surgery on my other breast as a result of an abcess brought on by mastitis when I had my first child. The abcess burst.
When I saw my GP on Monday I was given a course of Amoxil and advised that I should return in 2 weeks. She based this on my history. Yesterday I saw one of the other GP’s in my practice and explained that I could not wait that long. He examined me again and felt that it was strange that my breast was so sore, my nipple had inverted and that he could feel a lump underneath (not a raised lump) he agreed that it should be seen immediately, Rather than waiting the NHS 2 weeks, by paying for private I will cut down the time by 1 week.
As I am self funding this can I then revert to the NHS for the scan’s etc, or do I also have to pay for these?
Jenny