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HOPING TO BE REFERRED TO A CONSULTANT SPECIALISING IN VULVAL DERMATOLOGY

Posted , 8 users are following.

marieC
marieC

Hi, Today I went to my surgery, because it is at least 8 years since I was seen by anyone in the "know" regarding LS.  Now I'm too fat and no longer flexible enough to do the contortions necessary for me to see the relevant area with mirrors and magic and with no partner to look on my behalf, I thought I should get a check up.  I requested a referral which I was told would happen, but I was given a phone call later this afternoon, to say that someone in the surgery had an interest in dermatology and would I prefer to see them rather than wait for an appointment with the dermatology department.

Well, I declined the kind offer, as I would prefer to know that the person looking at my undercarriage had the relevant knowledge, as it is not that common a dermatological condition, although perhaps not as rare as some people think and I couldn't be sure that they would know what to look for.  So, now I am hoping that I will get the referral.

I know that the main consultant does specialise in vulval dermatology and would be reassured if I am able to be seen by her.  Even if I am seen by someone else in the Department, I would have more confidence that someone specialising in dermatology would have a wider knowledge and  experience than a GP in this area.

I also feel that if I can be seen, even annually, by the dermatology department, should a new and effective treatment become available, I would get to know about it and be considered.

 

1 like, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • Morrell1951
    Morrell1951 marieC

    Posted

    A specialist in vulval dermatology sounds wonderful to me! Keep us posted.
  • hanny32508
    hanny32508 marieC

    Posted

    Hi Marie,

    After 8 years - for sure good idea to have things checked.  Would it be possible once a year?  Is it even available?  I haven't heard of anything like that here. (BC, Canada)

    • marieC
      marieC hanny32508

      Posted

      I'm not sure, I shall have to wait and see.  I read that it is advisable to have an annual check up, so I decided to do something about it, rather than let it go.
    • Morrell1951
      Morrell1951 marieC

      Posted

      I go twice a year. Every second visit is colposcopy. Ontario Canada.
  • Vibrant_Health
    Vibrant_Health marieC

    Posted

    That is a brilliant strategy, MarieC, to look for vulvar dermatologist.  Why didn't any one of us thought about it before.  Please do keep us posted.  

    With that, if any one else find a vulvar dermatolgist, please let us know e.g. Europe, Switzerland, Germany, France... 

  • kate207
    kate207 marieC

    Posted

    My dermatologist is not a specialist in vulvar dermatology as such , but on my first appointment she said up to 30% of her female clients tend to have issues in the vulval area.  I imagine most female dermatologists would be pretty experienced in vulvar complaints, as I know women in general prefer to go to another woman if possible for such imtimate examinations!
    • marieC
      marieC kate207

      Posted

      Yes, I think it is less embarrassing.  However, initially, I mentioned the possibility to a female doctor that it had been suggested that I might have LS and she just went ahead and prescribed Canestan instead, ignoring me totally, so, sometimes having a female is not an advantage.
    • marey
      marey marieC

      Posted

      that was an extremely poor bedside manner to say the least...and i am very sorry.
  • kate207
    kate207 marieC

    Posted

    Sure, I'd agree with you about doctors, in the GP sense of the word, but I'd imagine any female dermatologist would be pretty familiar with LS - I'd like to hope so ayway!

     

  • marey
    marey marieC

    Posted

    whether you see a gynaecologist, a dermatologist or a vulvar dermatologist...will make no difference....you will be prescribed the current treatment which is clobetasol, a high strength steroid to supress your symptoms...rather than to address them as others are discussing on here.

    Please don't see yourself as 'too fat' ...but perhaps rather as someone with a body 'in transition' and visualise yourself as you will become!

    Good Luck with your appointment...is it too late to accept the offer you had? If you are anxious for a conventional diagnosis?  

    Love marey

    • marieC
      marieC marey

      Posted

      No, it's not too late, but I want to see if I can have a regular review, whatever treatment I am using.  I have been diagnosed years ago, I just would like to be seen now and again so that I know my LS is being controlled and I'm not losing parts of my anatomy to this and also although it is a slight risk, prevent the possibility of cancer developing, as I am finding it difficult to be able to see for myself and wouldn't be sure that my GP's practice has sufficient experience and knowledge to know whether or not it was happening and what to do if things were going wrong.  You don't get a plumber to look at your electricity, so why shouldn't I have someone who knows what they are doing, regarding my LS?
    • marey
      marey marieC

      Posted

      Tee Hee

      I like the analogy marie....Good Luck.

      If you're seen immed you can still have monitoring dates as well. 

      oh marie cancer is a state of mind...and the worrying about it can be the manifestation of it...ie people do find it if they look long enough...probe far enough and interfer enough....but yes checking is important...just don't get pulled around! Or have your bits cut off.

      A mirror with legs self supporting on your bed is very helpful...together with illumination x

  • marey
    marey marieC

    Posted

    but ....if this helps ...have an attitude of appreciation of your body!! we're marvellous.
  • Morrell1951
    Morrell1951 marieC

    Posted

    Marie, I just re-read your post. You say you were diagnosed 8 years ago and want to see a specialist so you'll be connected, should a new and effective treatment arise. I take this to mean the LS hasn't been bothering you much and/or you haven't been using the standard clobetasol treatment. Correct?
  • kate207
    kate207 marieC

    Posted

    I can totally understand about wanting to be checked regularly. I go to a gynacological oncologist (how do people make career choices anyway?) yearly at my own expense just to have everything given the once over. It's worth it for the peace of mind.
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