Keloid Scarring, GPs fault, can I make them fix it?

[GlasweJen]

Basically as the title says.

 

I developed keloid scarring over a pacemaker scar when a GP didn't prescribe antibiotics which caused the stitches to be physically rejected by my body and they came out through the skin. The inflammation of the area caused keloids to form (2 lumps on a 2 inch scar).

 

The specialist nurse at the hospital has confirmed that as I have previously had surgery without developing keloids it is unlikely to be down to my skin type and most likely due to the inflammation following mis-diagnosis. I have it in writing from the GP that she did not know the procedure for pacemaker scars or dealing with any pacemaker enquiry (she told me i could raise my arm as high as i liked even though the handbook in her hands said to do that would yank the wires out).

 

The scar is painful and thick, it is situated just below my collarbone and is visible through the neckline of my work uniform. The nature of my work means we all absolutely have to wear the V-neck top. I am in pain whenever I wear a bra, sit in the passenger seat of a car, when i wear V-necks that rub on the scar (so always at work) and when I get the pacemaker interrogated because the circle sits right on the keloids.

 

Research on the net suggests that the keloids can be fixed but my GP is against the idea because they will reoperate in the area every time my pacemaker is changed. My surgeon said that as the scar is he will not reopen it unless there is dramatic improvement. I need rid of these keloids, I'm not even demanding surgery, I'd be happy to try the silicon treatment. It's just so sore and it's so frustrating that this is the GPs fault, the one person who should have been looking after me.

 

Does anyone know how I can get this problem fixed? I have a new GP who is generally supportive but unwilling to go near this while my notes are in transit.

[tiglet]

How long will your new notes take to arrive?

 

If it's a short while, I would primarily wait and see your new GP again once they have arrived.

 

If he's unhappy, asked to be referred to a dermatologist for a specialist consultation.

[GlasweJen]

she said it could take months as they are moving between hospital trusts and parts are being removed and edited because my last GP was found to have meddled with my notes to cover her back.

[tiglet]

In which case I would go back and demand a consultation with a dermatologist. (S)he is a specialist, afterall, and will e able to give you the correct advice.

 

What disciplinary action is being taken against your old GP about the notes?

[GlasweJen]

Not much, she is suspended on full pay pending at the moment but the lawyer dealing with it said that because no one died or needed surgery or hospitalisation then it's going to be a smack on the wrist if any action at all is made. She'll probably be sent on some course to get her recording skills up to scratch.

[tiglet]

That's always the way it seems to go ...

 

however, you do not need to suffer and I've mentioned this on another forum and they have echoed my advice, stating it is your right to ask for a consultation with a specialist.

[revolting peasant]

I developed a Keloid scar after surgery to remove a sebaceous cyst from my chest, right above the sternum.

 

When the surgery was originally done it was a nice tight 3 suture wound done by my GP. My wife (a nurse) removed the sutures and it looked really tidy but within 6 weeks the scar was very red and swollen and rather painful. My GP decided it was Keloid scarring and advised against trying to remove it as it would only exacerbate the problem.

 

The solution to the problem is silver nitrate.

 

You can buy scar reduction patches from Boots (other pharmacies are available:)) and they are very effective.

 

UV light also works so a few minutes on a sunbed a couple of times a week might be helpful and you get a tan!!

 

I personally feel that it is unfair to blame your GP as it is impossible to predict Keloids. Any area directly over bone is prone to Keloids developing, hence mine on the sternum and yours over the collar bone so there is always a risk and maybe you should have been advised of this. The pacemaker issue is entirely different as your GP shouldn't have been messing about with a bit of you that she didn't fully understand.

 

I assume that the reason for her suspension is altering the notes and not the fact that you have a Keloid scar.

Edited June 1, 2008 by revolting peasant
added a bit

[miziwizzi]

I have a friend who had several ops with no probs then 2 that went keloid.

[Alipeeps]

Also, prescribing antibiotics would not have prevented the stitches being "physically rejected by [your] body". If the stitches were "rejected", only immune-suppressants would have prevented that. All antibiotics do is treat bacterial infection. Unless you're saying the inflammation etc was due to a bacterial infection for which your Doctor did not prescribe antibiotics?

[legalpickle]

I have used Advasil which is meant to be very good. So far it's been Ok with me, though can take a while for larger scars.

Make sure you follow the instructions, as I thought you just cut it to size and put it on as long as it sticks - as I was told by my GP - but actually you aren't meant to keep them on 24hrs a day to start with.

It's about £50 over the counter, for 5 large pieces, but can be got on prescription which will knock it down to one prescription charge for every 5 large pieces - that should be cut to size depending on the size of the scar.

It's variable however, some people say it's amazing, others say it doesn't work. But it will take time if it does work.