Health

[deejdeej]

15 hours ago, VLC86 said:

I get these, not very nice at all is it.

 

Worst one was while driving on the bloody M1 in rush hour.

Driving is the worst, you want nothing more to be at home in bed, let alone in rush hour 

[VLC86]

7 minutes ago, deejdeej said:

Driving is the worst, you want nothing more to be at home in bed, let alone in rush hour 

Think I’m lucky with mine in that my vision goes is like someone has shone a torch in my eyes and I occasionally get a numb hand but it only lasts for about 30 mins.

 

That said, limit vision while on the m1 isn’t ideal.

[danny.]

1 hour ago, deejdeej said:

Yep, its annoying and I know all of the signs that im getting one now as I've become accustomed over the years but still scary especially when trying to communicate with people.

You might be able to work out what your triggers are? Took me years and years but I narrowed it down to very bright light and lots of sugar. I cut down on both of those and always wear sunglasses now and not had one for about 3 years touch wood.  

[Izzy]

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

[Suzie the Fox]

15 minutes ago, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

Not saying your's will be the same, but my mum had the exact same thing happen. She had a new lumpy mole pop up on her back which she ignored but then clothes started to aggreviate it. Went to the GP who took a look and booked an appointment for her to see a specialist at the hospital. Appointment came through mentioning cancer, which put her on defcon 9 immediately.

 

However she went to the hospital and they took a biopsy which came back negative and they then later removed the mole, in a 5 min op by freezing and slicing it off. (No pain at all) 

 

Basically i'm saying is don't panic or get stressed until you have been to see the specialist. More often or not its just a benign cyst. 

 

Good luck, fingers crossed for you. 

 

 

[MonkeyTennis?]

31 minutes ago, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

If it helps I had exactly the same last summer. They were very good at the hospital and I got the results (benign, thankfully) in a week or two. Its a human and AI process, and was actually very reassuring. Hopefully you will get the same. 

[Izzy]

17 minutes ago, Suzie the Fox said:

Not saying your's will be the same, but my mum had the exact same thing happen. She had a new lumpy mole pop up on her back which she ignored but then clothes started to aggreviate it. Went to the GP who took a look and booked an appointment for her to see a specialist at the hospital. Appointment came through mentioning cancer, which put her on defcon 9 immediately.

 

However she went to the hospital and they took a biopsy which came back negative and they then later removed the mole, in a 5 min op by freezing and slicing it off. (No pain at all) 

 

Basically i'm saying is don't panic or get stressed until you have been to see the specialist. More often or not its just a benign cyst. 

 

Good luck, fingers crossed for you. 

 

Thanks Suzie. I'm pretty chill about it as I've had lots of other health issues for many years but when I showed my wife the appointment she freaked out.

 

I guess the NHS should maybe be a bit more mindful of the language used on their messages.

 

The last thing the world needs is more people on defcon 9 unnecessarily!

[bovril]

I had what I believe is called a sebaceous cyst at the top of my back for about a year. Very very big pimple thing that didn't have a poppable head like most spots. Started to chafe and was very ugly so was going to get it removed at a private place. Everything I read about it was like "DO NOT TRY TO POP IT". That summer it started to get really red and angry so I was desperate to get it removed then one morning in the shower... Ho. Lee. Shit. It just kept coming and coming. Was half an hour late to work because I couldn't get dressed. Nearly blocked up the shower. So incredibly satisfying though.

 

I realise this isn't really related to the discussion I just wanted to put someone off their lunch. 

Edited 11 March by bovril

[Raj]

Had an issue with my jaw called temporomandibular (tem-puh-roe-man-DIB-u-lur) for couple of months.

Went Drs and he gave me some anti inflammatory tabs Naproxen,but warned me about possible stomach issues due to the strength of them so gave me some stomach tabs to offset.

Stomach was proper bubbling all the time and the Naproxen only masked the pain so trip to dentist tomz and then back to Drs for next steps...

[Stuntman_Mike]

1 hour ago, Izzy said:

Thanks Suzie. I'm pretty chill about it as I've had lots of other health issues for many years but when I showed my wife the appointment she freaked out.

 

I guess the NHS should maybe be a bit more mindful of the language used on their messages.

 

The last thing the world needs is more people on defcon 9 unnecessarily!

Yeah, I was referred to a 2 week wait as a precaution and it's given me pretty bad health anxiety on and off which I'd never suffered from. 

 

I hope everything goes well for you and that it's nothing, but at least you're getting looked into which can only be a good thing 

[Free Falling Foxes]

2 hours ago, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

Mrs  FFF noticed a mole type spot on my back and reckoned it was growing. I saw the GP who thought it looked non threatening but immediately made a referral for me, which came through quite quickly. 

Like your letter, it mentioned cancer in the letter heading. Gulp!

Arrived at the appointment where the doctor took one look at it through a magnifying glass and dismissed it. No biopsy or anything.

Phew!

[HowardsBulletHeader]

11 hours ago, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

Hmm, this and subsequent posts makes me think about mine again, funnily enough in a similar position on the back left of my neck. 

 

I went once probably 4 years ago now and had it checked, they said it was a cyst and it would just stay there forever unless it caused me any issues as the area that would require the operation is sensitive. So if I can leave it, basically do so. 

 

Prompted me to go again nonetheless so thanks and I hope yours does not cause you any trouble. 

[Crinklyfox]

On 11/03/2026 at 11:13, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

I've had spots, mostly pre-cancerous, removed at my local surgery's cryo clinic (which involves freezing them - not a painful exercise).  I've also had a referral to dermatology to deal with a cancerous area which appeared on my face and ear - I was prescribed a cream which was described as chemo in a tube which turned the cancerous cells black and caused them to die and drop off and be replaced by healthy ones.  I wasn't pretty for a while but the treatment was effective.  My mother had previously been diagnosed with skin cancer which she treated with make up for nearly a year before that was successfully treated.  So I've joined the ranks of many who have had successful treatment for pre-cancerous and cancerous growths.  Hopefully they can deal with your problem with just as much effectiveness.

 

I have a few spots and lumps so when I went to Dermatology I asked them to look at them all and was told that they were non life threatening signs of ageing which they couldn't do anything about.

[Lionator]

On 11/03/2026 at 11:13, Izzy said:

I've had a small cyst/lump on the side of my neck for about a year now. It won't pop like a spot and it's been starting to aggrivate and annoy me more so I sent a photo of it to my GP and booked an appointment (4 week wait)

 

The GP had a look and said "It's probably benign but best you see the Dermatology department at the local hospital"

 

Just got the appointment through on the app from the Hospital saying "Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral" for Monday.

 

I love the NHS but lesser mortals might shit themselves a bit recieving that. 

The nhs for all its fault has a very well established lump and mole procedural thing. Ultimately if it’s not grown in size in all that time then it’s little to worry about, this is pretty standard procedure. Hope it goes well though, it’ll be grand. 

[WigstonWanderer]

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

Edited 15 March by WigstonWanderer

[Parafox]

3 minutes ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so relatively early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a relatively quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned so won’t be doing anything until June.

Sorry to read this.

 

And the eye watering cost of treatment but it's a no brainer really. Best wishes. Enjoy your holiday and take heart from the the 97%.

[Zear0]

28 minutes ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

All the best with the treatment buddy

[FoxesDeb]

1 hour ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

I'm really sorry to read this, hope all goes well for you and I'm wishing you lots of love and strength xx

[ajthefox]

1 hour ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

Eesh that's rough.

 

Hopefully the treatment goes well and you get through it all ok.

All the best mate.

[spacemunky]

1 hour ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

Wishing you the best mate.

[Sampson]

1 hour ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

Sorry to read this. Good luck with the process!

[WigstonWanderer]

Thanks very much everyone. I expect to be around for a few years yet, so not too worried 😂🤞

[MPH]

On 11/03/2026 at 08:18, bovril said:

I had what I believe is called a sebaceous cyst at the top of my back for about a year. Very very big pimple thing that didn't have a poppable head like most spots. Started to chafe and was very ugly so was going to get it removed at a private place. Everything I read about it was like "DO NOT TRY TO POP IT". That summer it started to get really red and angry so I was desperate to get it removed then one morning in the shower... Ho. Lee. Shit. It just kept coming and coming. Was half an hour late to work because I couldn't get dressed. Nearly blocked up the shower. So incredibly satisfying though.

 

I realise this isn't really related to the discussion I just wanted to put someone off their lunch. 

 

I worked at a general surgeons office and one piece of advice… a sebaceous cyst usually comes with a sac. It’s possible if that sac isn’t removed, then sometimes the cyst came come back in the same area.

Edited 15 March by MPH

[MPH]

3 hours ago, WigstonWanderer said:

Turns out I have prostate cancer. Bit of a bummer but it is what it is. Gleason 3/4, so fairly early stage. I’m going for a relatively new tech treatment called Nano Knife which hopefully will avoid side effects and has a quite quick recovery. The cancerous areas of the prostate are zapped with electricity to kill it off leaving the rest.

 

The main risk is to the wallet as it isn’t covered by Medicare or private insurance yet and costs about AU$25k. The stats quoted are 97% successful for eradicating the existing cancer, but a 20% chance of return within 5 - 10 years. I will have to be regularly monitored (PSA, MRI and occasional biopsies), but if it does return it should be early stage and all treatment options are still available including repeat Nano Knife.

 

Big holiday pre-planned (nuclear winter permitting) so won’t be doing anything until June.

 

Much love to you. Please keep us updated with how you get on!

[WigstonWanderer]

2 hours ago, MPH said:

 

Much love to you. Please keep us updated with how you get on!

Thanks you.

 

Yes I will do, particularly as this is fairly new tech treatment and my experience might be of interest to others in the same situation. Apparently it is available in the UK & David Cameron had the same procedure.