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I had my appointment with the Dermatologist Consultant yesterday. It was what I can only describe as totally frustrating and upsetting.

I had to sit around for the obligatory hour or so to see him, regardless of the fact that my appointment was at 8.50. I ask how can you be running late so early in the day?

I was feeling particularly ill and was trying desperately to hold things together. When I was taken into the consultation room, I was asked to remove my clothes and lie on the couch. No (been there done that)! I am here for a follow up consultation not an examination, for crying out loud.

So I waited around again and then when he came in he said straight away, it's not lupus all the tests were negative; we don't know what it is. You are going to have to have a biopsy done. It will cause scarring and possibly may lead to infection………well thanks for that!

Now, I am at a loss as to what direction to go in next. I am certainly not keen to have a biopsy done, as all my active rash is on my neck and it sounds like they are grasping at straws.

Am I right in thinking that you can have negative test results and still have Lupus? I have looked into everything that I may have and Lupus seems to be the only thing that matches all my symptoms, but now a Dermatologist is saying no.

What do I do next? I am genuinely at the end of my tether, what with this and all my other problems. My gynae has said he won't operate on me until they are certain what is causing the rash, so I am left in constant pain. Seems I am stuck!

Sorry if I am not making sense I just need some advice.

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[star70]

Hello

Thank you for your replies. It has put my mind to ease a tad and I thank you for that.

I got really wound up by this consultant and I think I was still reeling when I wrote my post, so I apologise for rambling.

I am talking about blood tests and urine. I am not sure exactly what blood tests were done as I can’t make out the writing on my medical notes, but I believe that it one was ENA and another ANA, but the others I can’t make out at all.

I know he was only going through the risks of the procedure, as they have to do that and obviously I am familiar with consent forms etc. But the way he described it was like he was going to take half my neck off and stitch me up like a kipper. I think it is too late in the day for him to receive any kind of compassionate bedside manner training!

I shall go ahead and have the biopsy done. I have had three big operations previously so hopefully compared to them, this will be a walk in the park. I just really want some answers (and some treatment!) and if this is a means to an end then obviously I want to go ahead.

It is unfortunate that the date for this isn’t until June and this will be a week after my Gynae appointment. I am worried that yet again my Gynae consultant will say, “well we cant do anything until the rash business is sorted out”. He has been putting me off for two years now and I need something done, sooner rather than later!

Again thanks for reading and helping!

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