Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 11:34:01 AM

Title: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 11:34:01 AM
Last year OH had a growth on the back which the GP thought looked sinister, fortunately it turned out not be a problem.

However, whilst this was happening I noticed a mole on my back which I didn't recall seeing before.  (OH not helpful in this respect as he pointed out he doesn't look at my back when I haven't got clothes on  ::)) Anyway, didn't do anything, but the next time I looked the mole seemed darker. Showed it to GP who thought it was OK but referred me to the dermatology dept to get it checked. Lady doctor there said looks ok but it has different colours so we will cut out and send it for testing.

I have been told I won't be able to go swimming for two weeks. I fear I will turn into a shapeless blob. I need to find some dry way of exercising which doesn't damage my back.

This happens on Monday, I know it's the right thing to do but I feel a bit apprehensive.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Dancinggirl on February 08, 2014, 12:16:07 PM
You've been very sensible getting this looked at - much better safe than sorry.  What about some lovely brisk walks instead of swimming for the time being?
Keep us posted about the results. Hope all is ok.  DG x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 08, 2014, 12:24:50 PM
The hospital may well be able to give you some waterproof dressings. When I burned my neck I was given a totally waterproof dressing that I could shower in.

Don't think you will blob in two weeks though  ;D

Hope it all goes well and you heal quickly.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 12:57:48 PM
Thank you ladies.

HB - I was told I would get waterproof dressings but they would only be suitable for showering not swimming. I suppose I should be thankful for small mercies, at least I won't smell   ;D

DG - Brisk walks could be the answer for exercise, all we need now is for it to stop raining   :)

Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 08, 2014, 01:21:45 PM
Your back will probably be too to even consider swimming  :-\ ………. good that you are getting this looked at and a biopsy sent away.  You will not go into a blob in 2 weeks  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 08:26:33 PM
Thanks CLKD - I switch between being worried and thinking I'me being a pain for even raising the subject in the first place.

I have been doing lots of swimming because I know I won't be able to for the next 2 weeks. I hesitate to say this but I am feeling toned and fit  ::). So, hopefully not a blob.............

Thanks again
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 08, 2014, 09:00:11 PM
If you go skinny dipping you will shiver any extra fat away  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 09:06:57 PM
If I do that, no good will come of it, trust me   ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Taz2 on February 08, 2014, 09:14:42 PM
Hope all goes well Limpy. I've had one of those removed. Our local surgery carries out the procedure and it was fine. I went back to work afterwards although the numb patch on my back did feel strange. The ban from swimming is purely to stop you getting infection in the wound. Two weeks wont make much difference to your toned-ness I am sure.

Taz x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 08, 2014, 09:16:56 PM
 ;D  ………..
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 09:20:15 PM
Thanks Taz, sadly our local surgery won't do such things.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Taz2 on February 08, 2014, 09:25:58 PM
We're really lucky with ours. They also carry out endoscopies which saves a trip to the hospital.

Taz x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 08, 2014, 09:31:58 PM
The daft thing is one of our GPs used to work in New Zealand, where as a "GP" they had to do things like set broken legs and things like that. They can do these things but not around here.   ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Joyce on February 08, 2014, 11:25:44 PM
Swimming probably not recommended due to chances of infection. I've had various lumps etc removed over the years. Used to be at surgery, but last time was sent to hospital.  Best checked out, but as they don't seem to be overly worried about it, neither should you. However, that's easier said than done. Fingers crossed for you.

You could do some walking, cycling, Wish I was toned.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 09, 2014, 10:43:09 AM
Thanks CG - It looks like it'll have to be walking, the hill outside goes to 1 in 3 quite soon, there's no way I could cycle up that!

I feel I should emphasise, this toned feeling IS under a layer of blubber, it's just that there's a bit less of it   ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2014, 04:00:21 PM
In this weather we need all the blubber we can get  ;)

1: 3  :o
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 09, 2014, 07:33:57 PM
In this weather we need all the blubber we can get  ;)

1: 3  :o

CLKD - I never thought that I would be grateful for blubber but.................

Re - 1: 3 - I have actually managed to ride up this once,  for one and a half minutes about 5 years ago. OH was impressed or was that shocked, never ever happened since.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 09, 2014, 07:49:04 PM
 :medal:  once is enough  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 09, 2014, 09:12:07 PM
Hope all goes well. You are definitely doing the right thing, and not being a pain at all.  Of course it needs investigating.  Hopefully it is nothing.

How about running up and down the stairs if it's raining outside?  Or borrowing an exercise dvd from the library then moving all the furniture out of the way.  Maybe hubby would join it to keep you company  ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 10, 2014, 03:26:08 PM
Well tis done.
Get stitches out next Tuesday.
Biopsy results will be about 2 to 3 weeks.
The thing that surprised me was how much the LA injections stung, wasn't expecting that. Fortunately there was a lovely nurse there who held my hands, really helped to distract from pain.

Just seen Milliemoo's comment about running up and down stairs. Thanks Millie, but strangely enough, I don't feel much like exercising at the moment ::) We'll see how it goes later in the week. In theory if it's healed I may be able to swim after Tuesday, just see what the Nurse says.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 10, 2014, 04:48:26 PM
On certainly LA jabs sting  :o I have held many a patients' hand whilst the Dr does the injection  ;).

Done.  Dusted.  Feet up, cuppa in hand ?

 :tulips2:
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 10, 2014, 04:57:32 PM
Yep - Feet up, on here, cuppa in hand.   :)

Earlier before hosp, we went to a french patisserie in Colwyn Bay in search of decent croissant and pain au chocolate. Mission accomplished, so that's breakfast tomorrow sorted. We also got some wonderful chocolate covered thingies called "Opera". They will do nicely tonight for afters tonight...... ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 10, 2014, 05:13:59 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 10, 2014, 07:57:09 PM
Glad it all went well.

Enjoy your munchies, you deserve it.

Take it easy for a few days. We women are great at saying, oh I'm fine, when we really need to rest.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 10, 2014, 08:17:19 PM
It feels lots better now.

The chocolate thing was very, very enjoyable.
OH then rained on the parade saying he thinks it's catering chocolate.
This may be the case, but I enjoyed it anyway.    8)

Anyway, I must keep in with OH as I will need his assistance  in changing the dressing, it's on my lower back I can't really get at it   ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 10, 2014, 08:35:02 PM
Hope he's not squeamish  ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 10, 2014, 09:09:27 PM
He says not........   :-\
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 11:07:24 AM
.... and is he  :D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 11, 2014, 11:17:01 AM
Not been put to the test yet.
The lint dressing is still on, I was told it would fall off by itself, it appears happy where it is.
I thought best not disturb?   :-\

So, was no shower this morning, just some very weird contortions armed with sponge over the bathroom basin. The washing of feet required some imaginative manoeuvres   ::)

Anyway, all clean now.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 01:31:32 PM
Oh feet get a bowl of warm soapy water, I sit in front of the TV with a cuppa whilst DH keeps topping up the water with a kettle  ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 01:46:53 PM
Glad you managed your wash Limpy. Sure your hubby will be fine when the time comes. Keep taking it easy.

Are you spoiled or what CLKD. I have never soaked my feet in a basin but I can imagine my hubbies response if I asked him to top up the water. I think he would tell me in no uncertain terms to do it myself.  ;D
 Then again I would not do it for him either  ;)


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 11, 2014, 04:04:09 PM
Hmm - Not sure where he would pour the boiling water, I think I would need to raise feet well out of the way.

Feels strange not swimming or doing other exercise, everything I try to do seems to irritate my back - however I am learning to go with the flow.  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 04:04:44 PM
I do need to lift feet out of the way of the kettle but I don't consider it being spoiled - Well Trained ………  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 11, 2014, 05:58:25 PM
Ahhh, you dont know what you're missing HB, a lovely soak for aching feet in a bowl of warm water with radox, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh..

and we dont know what CLKD does for her OH in return... ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Taz2 on February 11, 2014, 06:42:45 PM
I've got one of those bubbly foot spa things - never use it but I've got one!

Taz x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 06:43:45 PM
I got rid of my bubbly foot spa years ago ……… much prefer a calm, bowl of warm water  ;)

 ;D  …… Milliemoo
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 11, 2014, 06:56:06 PM
I think OH would help with a bowl of hot water for feet.
However, he would never let me, or the world, forget it........

Currently the plan is to remove the lint dressing tomorrow morning. He has been warned of this, just nodded his head and said yes, bless.  ::)


Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 06:56:55 PM
He can shut his eyes ……… do you have rubber gloves for him?  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 11, 2014, 07:02:11 PM
He does have rubber gloves, big thick black ones.
Usually used for dealing with the septic tank.
Perhaps not   ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 11, 2014, 07:08:46 PM
Euwwwwwwwwwwwww, I think not Limpy!!!   :o

Ooooooooooooooh, bubbly foot spa - mmmmmmmmmmmmmm (a la Homer Simpson)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 07:14:47 PM
Bubbly foot spa sounds lovely, a basin with your feet stuck in reminds me of my granny. Not quite at that point yet  ;D

Still think CLKD has put a witchy spell on her hubby. He cooks he cleans and he brings warm water for the granny basin.
It's just not natural to have such a.....Can't think of the word....bidable man will do.  ;D
o


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 07:15:25 PM
… and Milliemoo ……. you may be nearer than you think, never a truer word spoken in jest  :bed:

Granny basin  :'( …………  he LOVES me  :-* ………...
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 07:18:17 PM
My granny used to soak her feet before she cut her toe nails.  :sick02:

Don't think my hubby would find me soaking my feet very romantic at all. Still it takes all sorts I guess  ;D

Carrying a kettle around would not be his idea of foreplay.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 07:19:54 PM
I think DH would use any trick as foreplay if he thought it would work  ;D

Cutting toe nails is a private matter - he has a pair of scissors on his side of the bed, I have a pair on mine  :lol:
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 07:23:16 PM
Well whatever floats your boat  ;D



Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 07:37:21 PM
 ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 11, 2014, 07:47:49 PM
I do think separate scissors are an important part of the marriage contract  ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 07:49:51 PM
And separate basins of course.

Hope it's not the one for the dishes  ;D



Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 11, 2014, 08:13:41 PM
I think down south we would call it a bowl as a basin is the porcelain (?) contraption that is affixed to the bathroom floor or wall and requires a degree of flexibility to wash your feet in...though there's always the bidet for the Hyacinth Buckets among us... 8)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 11, 2014, 08:22:47 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 11, 2014, 08:52:19 PM
Ladies - Up north, the sink type thing, upstairs in the bathroom (or wherever), is referred to as the basin, well it is here.  And yes Millie, you are correct it does require a degree of flexibility to wash your feet in. But a bidet, wow, now there's luxury........
Off to order one now   ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 11, 2014, 09:10:55 PM
Further up north they are both called the same but generally the basin is called the sink  ;D

It's also called a washing up bowl but can also be a basin.  Confusing or what.


Honeyb
x

 ;D ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 12, 2014, 10:26:32 AM
Well the deed is done.
Lint dressing removed this morning, OH did brilliantly applying the new waterproof dressing.
Had a sort of shower this morning, shower head very low, only wetting head, front and feet.
Managed to keep back dry.
Result, sort of. Cleaner yes!

Surprised how big the incision is    :-\
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 12, 2014, 12:04:17 PM
Oh incisions  ::) when I had my appendix out in a hurry I was told it would be via key-hole surgery, well they used the Key to Westminster Abbey I think  ;D

Hubby sitting down in a darkened room now ? .........
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 12, 2014, 12:57:12 PM
No, he coped ok.
Looked at incision, pronounced it, "healing nicely"

We did have a "discussion" as to how to open the new dressing. I repeated word for word what the nurse had said, only to be told no that can't possibly be the case.  ::)
After 5 secs it was, oh so that's how it's done, yes you've guessed, exactly like the nurse said.   ;)



Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 12, 2014, 01:10:03 PM
 ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 12, 2014, 03:48:10 PM
My hubby is very good at that kind of thing. He is always the one that does that kind of thing although I will if I have to.

Years ago when my son was younger he had an accident with a craft knife. We did not want to go to A&E as it was a Saturday night. Hubby carefully rearranged the skin back into place and stuck it all down with sticky stitches. When we took him to the nurse she was very impressed. He also had to deal with my C section scar as it kept coming apart. I think he missed his calling  ;D

Glad your hubby did good Limpy. What would we do without them. They have their uses.


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 12, 2014, 04:01:29 PM
They do don't they.  :-*
He has just bought G&T in the pub where we are hiding from the storm.

VERY VERY windy.   :-\
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Milliemoo7 on February 12, 2014, 04:12:34 PM
Well done Limpy, and Limpy's hubby.  Glad all looks good incision wise.

It's very windy here too, and raining like crazy.  Just got home, going out for work meal later....

A sink is what you have in the kitchen, hence packing "everything but the kitchen sink"

a basin is the thing in the bathroom (or the downstairs loo)

a washing up bowl is a plastic affair that you can soak your feet in  ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 12, 2014, 04:49:04 PM
Except where I come from The sink is in the bathroom as well as the kitchen  ;D


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 12, 2014, 05:26:26 PM
Thanks Millimoo ……….
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 13, 2014, 01:01:56 PM
After things had been going so well, last night the wound bled again. Only found out this morning when getting ready to do a mini shower. So, changed dressing again today, if it bleeds again tonight will beg an appointment from nurse tomorrow. If nothing else, I'me running out of dressings!   :-\

OH played a blinder, he was the one who noticed the bleeding. Not only did he change the dressing but took a picture so we can see how things progress.   8)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 13, 2014, 01:42:10 PM
Was it seepage or is the wound opening?  Blood goes a long way and soaks into bandages etc. so that it can look more than it is  ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 13, 2014, 02:17:59 PM
Not sure,  there was a small dark patch (1cm) with a larger pinkish circle (3cm) around it, probably seepage? OH thought it looked mostly ok, so we'll see if it happens again tonight.
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 13, 2014, 03:36:35 PM
seepage probably  ;)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 13, 2014, 04:31:30 PM
 :thankyou:
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 18, 2014, 02:42:31 PM
Stitches out this morning.
Steri strips on till weekend.
Can swim next week - Yaaay    :)
Follow up appt at hospital on March 11th   :-\
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 18, 2014, 03:53:23 PM
That's good!
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: bramble on February 18, 2014, 05:12:07 PM
I am with Honeyb on this one - sinks in kitchen and bathroom!

Bramble
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 18, 2014, 06:23:22 PM
Bramble I can totally see your point.
To me sinks are things with taps that you can run water into.
OH thinks the those in bathrooms are "basins".
I need to keep in with him till this weekend as I still need help with waterproof dressings till then.   ::)
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: honeybun on February 18, 2014, 08:17:36 PM
Glad it's all healing well Limpy. Must be more comfortable for you now.

Bramble.....You are Scottish the same as me....Don't know what Limpys excuse is  ;D


Honeyb
x
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 18, 2014, 08:44:31 PM
Thanks Honeyb it is more comfortable   :)

My excuse is wanting to keep him happy till the last dressing is done         ;D
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 19, 2014, 11:46:22 AM
Things not going to plan.

Wound has started bleeding again, nurse looked at it said it has opened up again.
So, will need to get it dressed by her, this week and next. She doesn't think it's infected but has sent a swab off just in case.

Don't know when I will be able to get back to swimming.   :(

B----r   
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 19, 2014, 12:25:27 PM
B … r indeed.  Did she need to use butterfly stitches? 
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: Limpy on February 19, 2014, 04:27:12 PM
No, she packed it, with what looks like cotton wool and placed a waterproof film over the top. Seeing her on Friday to get it redressed.  We did have a conversation saying it would leave a "hole" but as I said I can't see my back anyway....................
Title: Re: Mole appeared on back - Started changing colour
Post by: CLKD on February 19, 2014, 06:32:49 PM
So long as the 'hole' heals to avoid infection setting in otherwise you get repeat problems  ::)  …… body health thyself! except mine doesn't !