Are you under a specialist or your GP?

I have been under care of a few gyn's and a cancer doctor. Cancer doctor only wants to biopsy areas where cancer was once found - won't tough a diagnosis of lichen sclerosus. But gyn wants to examine which is like causing me more pain than when I first saw her. I can't stand hands on touching and stretching for examination while awake as I scream. I am going to ask for referrals for MRI and biopsies under sedation as doctors only look and BELIEVE it is blah blah = I want proof and a way to help with the pain.

Ya know, this is one of my pet peeves. I have no clue where you live, BUT whether you are in a country that has private insurance, or one that has a national health service, YOU are paying your doctor. Either you are paying health insurance premiums or you are paying taxes that pay for your health coverage. I do not care what the doctor wants. I care what YOU need, What YOU feel comfortable with. We, as patients, need to start DEMANDING better care that actually addresses our issues.

Hi Cheers I've had it for a number of years. although my GP is fairly knowledgeable, unfortunately I've had to under go 2 surgeries so far & waiting for a date for a 3rd. 1st was a Fentons procedure 2nd was Zplasty and this upcoming one is to release a section of skin that has contracted which will require a graft. Have you joined one of the Facebook groups?

Thanks for your replies. You're absolutely right, stazstaz, I should be more assertive about this. I usually am, but I've had this GP for many years and normally get on pretty well with him. He is trained in gynaecology, but I don't think his knowledge is wide about LP. He has told me to use the Dermovate 'when it's itchy', which is really no good to me. It's sometimes itchy, but, more often, just sore and uncomfortable. I believe Lichen Sclerosus is more itchy, so this is probably what he is basing his advice on. Anyway, I'm going to make an appointment next week and ask to be re-referred back to the dermatologist. She specialises in vulval diseases, so I've got every confidence in her.

I hope you get your referrals sorted, Brenda and the doctors are able to help. What an awful time you are having. It did take two biopsies before I had a diagnosis. My first biopsy just came back with 'chronic inflammation', which the lovely dermatologist called 'rubbish'! The second biopsy showed the LP, so at least I knew what I was dealing with.

AnnaWilhemina - I hope your next surgery goes well and it helps. You're certainly having a really difficult time. I hope that things gradually improve for you. I'm not on Facebook, so haven't seen the group. I did join the UK Lichen Planus group - you pay £5 to join - but, sadly, there's hardly any activity on it, although there is quite a bit of information. I do wish somebody would get it up and running properly again.

i am seeing a specialistnow, took a few years of primary, dentist, ent specialist to oral specialist to finally get her. . im much better now , dont go back for 6 months. unless i flare up.i have my medicationto take for reaccurence.

My GP sent me to dermatologist. I was seeing one that was aggressive with treatment. Which was great. However my GP wanted me to see one.thats part of her practice. Im going back to my previous dermatologist.. I have flare ups but she saw me quickly and always helped.

Thank you for your replies, Sista and Debbie. I'm pleased that seeing the specialist has made such a difference to you, Sista, even though it took you a while to find her. It's so reassuring to know that you're being supported and will see her in a few months. My dermatologist was also quite aggressive with her treatment, too, Debbie. She talked about putting me on steroid tablets at one point, but, thankfully, things began to improve. It makes such a difference to have complete confidence in your doctor. I hope that things continue to go well for both of you.

im under an oral specialist, now and hope to stay there unless my PC would continue treatment.