Acne.org Products
How did you manage that?! My dermatologist was adamant that laser treatment for acne scars is not available through the NHS and that I would have to go private which is not really an option seeing as I'm a student.
It was a combination of being lucky and most importantly persistent. I kept going to my GP and insisting on an appointment with the derm. I have had some terrible experiences (story and pics here http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/330770-advice-on-scars-pics-included/ ) but last night someone finally listened.
The derm before this one was uninterested and basically lied to me. I was shocked last night when he said about laser and asked if it was private and his reply was "no no, we can do it on the NHS"
Where are you based?
It was a combination of being lucky and most importantly persistent. I kept going to my GP and insisting on an appointment with the derm. I have had some terrible experiences (story and pics here http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/330770-advice-on-scars-pics-included/ ) but last night someone finally listened.
The derm before this one was uninterested and basically lied to me. I was shocked last night when he said about laser and asked if it was private and his reply was "no no, we can do it on the NHS"
Where are you based?
Ah right well I'm pleased for you that somebody finally listened and all that persistence paid off. 🙂
I don't want to sound ungrateful, but unfortunately my derm seems completely indifferent and disinterested in my problems and basically couldn't get me out of the room fast enough at my last appointment. He's spent the last three months refusing to prescribe me isotretinoin because I have depression (even though the acne obviously makes that worse) so now that my skin's finally clearing up a bit after six months of antibiotics I'm noticing quite a few scars developing which is really disheartening. My skin texture, particularly on my forehead, is just horrible. 🙁 When I asked him what could be done about them he just said laser treatments were quite effective but that they weren't available on the NHS and I'd have to go private, which seems really unfair considering I'd probably have fewer scars if he'd been willing to prescribe isotretinoin to me in the first place.
I'm based in Exeter at the moment, what about you? The waiting lists for dermatology referrals seem pretty huge everywhere in the UK unfortunately. Hope you get seen relatively soon!
It was a combination of being lucky and most importantly persistent. I kept going to my GP and insisting on an appointment with the derm. I have had some terrible experiences (story and pics here http://www.acne.org/messageboard/topic/330770-advice-on-scars-pics-included/ ) but last night someone finally listened.
The derm before this one was uninterested and basically lied to me. I was shocked last night when he said about laser and asked if it was private and his reply was "no no, we can do it on the NHS"
Where are you based?
Ah right well I'm pleased for you that somebody finally listened and all that persistence paid off.
I don't want to sound ungrateful, but unfortunately my derm seems completely indifferent and disinterested in my problems and basically couldn't get me out of the room fast enough at my last appointment. He's spent the last three months refusing to prescribe me isotretinoin because I have depression (even though the acne obviously makes that worse) so now that my skin's finally clearing up a bit after six months of antibiotics I'm noticing quite a few scars developing which is really disheartening. My skin texture, particularly on my forehead, is just horrible.
When I asked him what could be done about them he just said laser treatments were quite effective but that they weren't available on the NHS and I'd have to go private, which seems really unfair considering I'd probably have fewer scars if he'd been willing to prescribe isotretinoin to me in the first place.
I'm based in Exeter at the moment, what about you? The waiting lists for dermatology referrals seem pretty huge everywhere in the UK unfortunately. Hope you get seen relatively soon!
I'm in Manchester. The waiting list doesn't seem to be too bad here. I went one derm who was hopeless and exactly the same as yours (couldn't get me out quick enough) I complained about him and got a half hearted apology and was told he was 'new'. Great... that really helps patients then. but then went to the GP and insisted I wanted another appointment. This came through pretty quickly and I went to Salford Royal as they're supposed to be the best even if it is far away. I just hope they stick to their word.
Why don't you go back to your GP and ask to be referred elsewhere? It's worked for me
How is your acne now?
I'm in Manchester. The waiting list doesn't seem to be too bad here. I went one derm who was hopeless and exactly the same as yours (couldn't get me out quick enough) I complained about him and got a half hearted apology and was told he was 'new'. Great... that really helps patients then. but then went to the GP and insisted I wanted another appointment. This came through pretty quickly and I went to Salford Royal as they're supposed to be the best even if it is far away. I just hope they stick to their word.
Why don't you go back to your GP and ask to be referred elsewhere? It's worked for me
How is your acne now?
Exeter's waiting list was about two and a half months so it could have been worse I suppose but when your face is covered in painful cysts making you look like a monster and preventing you from leaving the house that feels like a really long time to wait. Mine's listed as a "dermatology registrar" so imagine that means he's new as well, but I would at least expect them to a) have a decent bedside manner (ie. at least pretend to care about their patients) and b) be medically competent. I say this because when I asked if isotretinoin could be taken alongside antidepressants he didn't even know the answer which seems pretty poor to me considering he's prescribing that drug to other people on a regular basis. I sent an email to the hospital a week and a half ago to politely air my concerns but needless to say I haven't heard back from them yet. Exeter only has the one hospital but I suppose I could maybe get referred to Taunton. No idea if that would be any better though. I absolutely despair of dermatologists right now.
My acne is significantly better than it was but I'm still breaking out and I still get the odd cyst on my back and forehead which is a real pain. Also the amount of hyperpigmentation I have is unbelievable so even though I don't have that much active stuff at the moment it still looks like I do. Plus the scars seem to be becoming more noticeable every day as well. I've been on antibiotics, birth control, and Epiduo for nearly six months and I'm still breaking out so frankly I'm not holding out much hope of ever achieving clear skin seeing as depression apparently makes you ineligible for receiving proper treatment for a physical condition like everybody else.
They are, on the whole, pathetic is this country.
What they don't realise is, half of the depression is usually down to peoples acne (never suffered from it personally but it must be horrible)
Yeh, but I suppose we can't really complain considering how much it would cost to get that kind of medical treatment in other countries.
Words don't exist to describe how horrible severe depression feels and the derm's logic that someone will be more likely to kill themselves if they're given a drug to clear the acne they've suffered from for 8 long years is completely beyond me.
They are, on the whole, pathetic is this country.
What they don't realise is, half of the depression is usually down to peoples acne (never suffered from it personally but it must be horrible)
wow dude well done for getting laser on the nhs i have a question is the treatment for scarring or lase for acne. If its for scaring any idea in what laser they will be using.
They are, on the whole, pathetic is this country.
What they don't realise is, half of the depression is usually down to peoples acne (never suffered from it personally but it must be horrible)
wow dude well done for getting laser on the nhs i have a question is the treatment for scarring or lase for acne. If its for scaring any idea in what laser they will be using.
I'm not getting too excited because knowing the NHS I'll end off seeing someone else when this guy is on leave and getting told something completely different haha.
I'm not sure on that... I have to get all the info in January
Well done mate, I'm really pleased for you. The whole system here in the UK is atrocious. Not only does the mere mention of a dermatologist stick you on a 3 month waiting list (conservative estimate), but most of them are unhelpful at best, at worst ignorant to important issues that theoretically (since... I don't know... they're supposedly fully qualified medical professionals in this particular field?!) they should know inside-out and completely understand.
It's no secret that dermatologists are seldom seen as being as important as other specialists in the NHS. It seems that if they're any good, they'd be charging for it.
Anyway, congrats on managing to get this treatment on the NHS. This gives me an idea for when I'm rid of my own red marks.
Well done mate, I'm really pleased for you. The whole system here in the UK is atrocious. Not only does the mere mention of a dermatologist stick you on a 3 month waiting list (conservative estimate), but most of them are unhelpful at best, at worst ignorant to important issues that theoretically (since... I don't know... they're supposedly fully qualified medical professionals in this particular field?!) they should know inside-out and completely understand.
It's no secret that dermatologists are seldom seen as being as important as other specialists in the NHS. It seems that if they're any good, they'd be charging for it.
Anyway, congrats on managing to get this treatment on the NHS. This gives me an idea for when I'm rid of my own red marks.
I had no choice but to bend the truth a bit and say it was affecting my life (which is partly true) but not to a point where I can't go out etc. It's the only way people seem to listen
Well done mate, I'm really pleased for you. The whole system here in the UK is atrocious. Not only does the mere mention of a dermatologist stick you on a 3 month waiting list (conservative estimate), but most of them are unhelpful at best, at worst ignorant to important issues that theoretically (since... I don't know... they're supposedly fully qualified medical professionals in this particular field?!) they should know inside-out and completely understand.
It's no secret that dermatologists are seldom seen as being as important as other specialists in the NHS. It seems that if they're any good, they'd be charging for it.
Anyway, congrats on managing to get this treatment on the NHS. This gives me an idea for when I'm rid of my own red marks.
I had no choice but to bend the truth a bit and say it was affecting my life (which is partly true) but not to a point where I can't go out etc. It's the only way people seem to listen
you still havent told us if the laser is for active acne or scars
I'm actually very downhearted about this today.
Yesterday, I received a letter from the hospital which contained a copy of my notes from my consultation.
My major concern is that it is signed by the person I saw but has 'Locum Consultant Dermatologist' underneath his signature. I didn't realise he was a 'Locum' and I'm now worried that when I go back to see him in January it will be someone new and they won't offer the scar treatment or deny that he said I could have it (there's no mention of the actual treatment in the notes) :/
As previously stated, he has said I can go on antibiotics to clear up my minor acne at the moment before any scar treatment (I'm a bit confused as to why he's said I have inflammatory papules as I haven't) but he also wants me to have a blood test first to see why I am flushing so much at the moment before going on them whilst I am on the waiting list of scar treatment (maybe Rosacea?)
He has said in the notes 'I will see him with his results in the new year' but I'm not sure if that means HE will see me or that was just his notes of what he was saying at the time. And it doesn't specifically say to see about scar treatment only about getting some antibiotics. Again, worrying
He's also said that I have 'diffuse scarring on both cheeks' I'm not sure if he means hyper pigmentation or pitted scarring? :/ It was obviously down heartening reading that 
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear hope all works out for you and the derm stick to his word. How long did it take for you to be referred to a derm and how long did you have to wait for an appointment? Roughly how many weeks/months? I live in Manchester too so if my current acne medication doesn't work I shall be referred to the derm too.
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
Sunny_D... I've had numerous different derm appointments and I am still waiting for my follow up appointment to even come through since before Xmas even though they said it would be early Jan!!
When I was initially referred to Salford Royal my appointment only took a matter of 2 weeks to come through (I'm not sure if that's because of my complaint (I don't know if you've read my other posts)
How old are you and is your acne severe?
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
>Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
Hi determinedtowin. Been reading your post for a while lol feel like a stalker but oh dear
Sunny_D... I've had numerous different derm appointments and I am still waiting for my follow up appointment to even come through since before Xmas even though they said it would be early Jan!!
When I was initially referred to Salford Royal my appointment only took a matter of 2 weeks to come through (I'm not sure if that's because of my complaint (I don't know if you've read my other posts)
How old are you and is your acne severe?
Not stalking me that much
Hi, sorry about delayed replies I have had exams at University so "stalking" was kept to a minimum! Haha.. I am 21. I would say my acne is moderate but the numerous scars definitely make it look 10xs worse 🙁 sad times. Well, I am going to the derm tomorrow at Salford Royal I want Accutanne soooo badly. I want to get rid of this once and for all. Lets see what he/she says tomorrow :/ Hope they're good derms.
Oh and bdw I got my derm referral VERY quick 3/4 working days. I was pretty damn happy. Hope you get your appointment soon!
Haha.
I have to ring Salford today to see why my appointment hasn't come through. I was given a number Friday as the appointment centre didn't have a record of it. I'm dreading getting a different derm (which I will as the last one was a locum) and being told they won't do laser!
I think they will give you Roaccutane. Most places I've been offer it without a seconds thought! Hope you get it
