Monday was a relatively big day for me on the ‘get me better front’.  If you read my last blog then you will have discovered how I had recently been given two opposing opinions by two Vascular Consultants…..in the space of about six weeks. One was categorical that I DO NOT have a condition called lymphoedema in my lower legs, whereas the last one was adamant that indeed I DO have lymphodema. Lunacy, a right mess, not good enough, a right balls-up…call it what you will but these descriptions just about cover it regarding how I have been feeling about it all.

Last week I decided to ring up PALS(Patient advice and liaison service) to complain and tell them my tale.  I can not be being messed around like this. How am I supposed to know which diagnosis is the correct one? I spoke to a lady and told her all about the frustrating sequence of events .  Thankfully, she was very understanding and completely on my side. After discussing it with her she concurred with me that it is not right to get two completely different opinions from two consultants.  She told me she would send a few emails out and get back to me in a day or so when she has some news.

In the afternoon my appointment finally came round to discuss it all with my GP.  I thought she might object to me contacting PALS but instead she was very supportive at me doing this.  I showed her the two letters I had received from the two consultants with their differing views.  To my relief like PALS had been, my GP was totally on my side. She was sympathetic, compassionate and totally understanding of the current predicament that I found myself in.

My GP told me that she would get her secretary to write to the hospital I am under and request to them that my six month review date be notably brought forwards….to be seen by a different consultant too I should add. If this date was far away then instead my GP will ask for me to be seen for a second opinion another hospital.

I told her how I had done tonnes of research on lymphoedema and how a message called Manual Lymphatic Drainage is said to help sufferers. ie bring the swelling down. I stated how I had found a therapist nearby…ish who does this but she required a letter from my GP reassuring her that my diabetes and blood pressure were under control. Rather than being skeptical I was pleasantly surprised at how receptive my GP was at this information and request.  I further told her how MLD is not just done solely for lymphoedema sufferers.  It is also said to help people who have swollen limbs due to other factors other than lymphoedema.

Although I hate going to my local doctors surgery to see my GP on the OCD front, it nevertheless was a thing that needed doing on Monday.  I came away feeling things should be moving forwards soon.  I had done all I could do. Now I just have to sit back and see what happens. Yes, of course I will be gutted if lymphodema is confirmed when I get another opinion.  However, least I will have some clarity though then. At the moment due to the uncertainty of it, I do not know whether I am coming or going with it all.  I just need this forthcoming manual lymphatic drainage to really help me and improve things…..WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS!

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