LS - punch biopsy and travel question

Hi what to you mean  by them foursette area I've had two biopsys done in the past it will be ok for you to go home on train you won't feel it being done they will inject and will be numed in that area for at least an hour of two after I would definitely have it do if your dermatologist thinks it could be something else going on I round were a loose fitting pair of trousers or better  still a skirt for a few days keep it dry clean and it will be ok 

When is your regular doc going to be back? If it is not going to be long before he/she will be back if it was me, I would wait to see her/him. This is only my opinion but if that is the only one you have been seeing he/she knows you best. The only time I had biopsy, I was under anesthesia for another surgery that is when they saw white patch so they did biopsy and confirmed it was LS so I am not sure if is painful. Good luck.

Hi, I know a lady who had a biopsy about t month ago and she was off work for a week and feeling rather sore and said she needed to rest up. You need to be fetched by someone after the procedure and then lie down and have someone look after you. Easier said than done with small children I know.

Chicks

Hi Orangecake,

sorry you are worrying.  I hope I can reassure you I’m only worried about if you’ll feel stressed going to your appointment.  I had three punches done but I had to have gas and air as I was just stressed but that’s me I’m a baby.  The anaesthetic stung like a bee sting but then you can’t feel anything after that.  They give you a pad to wear in case there is a bit of blood but I don’t recall any really.  Just take it easy when you get back home, is the station near hospital?  The stitches were dissolved in about then days.  Everything was puffed up and black because of bruising from the injection just like a bruise somewhere else but it died down.  Don’t wear trousers wear a skirt if you can when you’ve had it done and don’t wash for a day or two or use cream or anything.  I have ulceration at the fourchette Gillian it is the area near perennium where the labia ends at the entrance.  The thought of the unknown is worse that’s the worry as well.

Hi, you have had LS for a decade and so I am sure all the biopsy will tell you is that you have Lichen Sclerosus.  I would definitely wait to see your regular consultant that knows what LS looks like.  Most 'specialists' look at LS don't know what it is, won't admit they are clueless and send countless women off for biopsies that arent always necessary..I think it is shocking, to be honest.  There are so many tell-tale signs of LS that it is a disgrace that these 'specialists' cant do their homework with regard to LS.

Thanks, everyone.  It feels really nice to have support.  I don't really speak to anyone about LS or how it makes me feel - I almost try not to think about it.  I am pretty worried about the procedure because the area of the biopsy is already quite sore and whenever I read about the procedure, it makes me feel a bit light-headed (I know, I'm a wimp).  I'm going on my own too.  Most of all I'm worried about the results coming back positive for cancer and what that means for my children.  But I'm trying to take it one step at a time and not imagining the worst.

I phoned to see whether it was worth my waiting for my regular consultant but was informed that would be a 6-month wait.  Plus the consultant who saw me last time was the head of the dermatology department (which I didn't realise)..so I'm sure if anyone thinks a biopsy is needed, they would know.

I've taken note from everyone on clothing and am going down the night before to see friends.  The next day after the biopsy, I've booked my train back 2.5 hours after my appointment time.  I'll also post an update a few days after my appointment in case my experience is of help to anyone.

Hi Everyone, as promised an update:

I went along to my appointment armed with loose clothing and deep breaths, and was seen by the lead dermatologist (who I like more and more with each appointment).  After the initial chat to discuss any changes since my last appointment, she patiently answered all my questions and agreed that we'd only have to do a biopsy if the fourchette area's previous ulceration had either not improved or worsened. 

After the examination, she decided that there was some improvement and she would leave the biopsy for today and continue to monitor the area at the next appointment in a few months.  Also if I see any changes before then to call in and ask for an earlier appointment.  Very relieved and also feel lucky that this dermatologist is as good as my regular one.

I've had LS since my mid-twenties and it was a real battle to get diagnosed.  I was sent to sexual health clinics for so many tests as they thought I had an STD or an infection (I didn't - all tests were negative). I was even told /shamed by one doctor that the soreness was due to rough intercourse (it wasn't) and she wouldn't believe me when I said I hadn't had any intercourse for a year due to the pain of what I later discovered was LS!

Luckily I later happened to move to another area and registered with a great new GP practice.  I researched extensively, self-diagnosed LS and took my findings to my new GP.  She agreed that it was LS, immediately referred me and so the journey began.

I can't believe I avoided forums for so long - thank you to all you lovely people for your kindness, advice and support x

HI glad you didn't have to have the biopsy done in the end you have a good dermatologist that will listen and answer your questions mines not do good with that and please don't you have I prove myself since your last visit