Thats ok.  I'm not sure if the cauterisation or compression dressings are standard - I'm guessing it probaby varies dependent on person (my thighs are quite hefty as I seem to carry weight at the top of my legs so don't know whether things like that make a difference).    

I wasn't advised not to drive.  My partner came with me for my initial appointment at the clinic and he asked that question.  They said I would be fine to drive - but he rearranged work so that he could take me as he was worried if it was painful and I had to do an emergency stop then I might hurt myself.   I've also seen some literature for different health authorities where they say not to drive.   I think I would have been ok.  However I came out really emotional an upset (which I wasn't really expecting) and I was really glad I didn't have to drive home.

I wasn't provided with any additional dressings.  I was told to go to my GP at 7 days for a dressing change and wound check (unless there were any problems then obviously sooner) and 16 days for stitches out at my G also.   I went last Thurday for the check and dressing change where they put a standard dressing on - oh I also had lots and lots of steri-strips over the compession dressing and they were removed too).  There were a little gaping part but she wasn't concerned, changed the dressing and I'm back this Friday.  Its a day early, it will be 15 days and the nurse has said that she will decide on Friday whether the stitches come out then or whether I need to rebook for Monday.

As I say, I'm sure different health authorities probably operate differently but I hope this helps a little.  Thank you for your well wishes.  Its still quite sore and achy tonight but then I've been on my feet alot with work (just been out for another 6 hours this evening and I can feel it).  That said its not awful, I'm probably just being a wimp!  I'm also still waiting for the results so whilst I'm sure its all ok its still worrying.

I'm sure you're not being a wimp. My excision biopsy wasn't painful as such but the tight skin was uncomfortable so I'm expecting worse this time just not sure how much worse!  I have chunky thighs too so there's plenty of flesh to work with at least. 

I'll keep my fingers crossed for your results. Hopefully not too much longer for you to wait now. Please come back and let me know. It's good to know someone else going through it at a similar time. 

Thank you so much.  I'd just say that to listen to your body and take it sensibly.   When I went to have my stitches checked I knew the nurse through my job and she said that I still needed to take it easy because of the lifting.  Where it is I think its really easy to knock if you're carrying things about (or closing drawer like I did the other day) and I guess we just don't want to delay our healing.

I've just had a letter with an appointment for next week at the clinic.  There isn't any info on it  as to whether its for results ... but I've called and they've said its a follow up.  I haven't had a great experience at my clinic as they were rather cold so whist its horrible that you're going through this as well, it is indeed good to know that I'm not alone in it! 

Hi again Madcats - thought I'd let you know.  I went to have my stitches removed today (15 days post surgery).  She removed one but there was still a part that was gaping a little - so a steri-strip back on, another dressing and back on Monday to hopefully get them out.   She confirmed its still quite swollen - and its been quite painful today after she has messed about with it.  She said I still need to be careful with what I'm doing. 

Hope it helps when planning for your recovery.  Do you have a date yet?

Thanks again Snara. I hope your stitches settle over the weekend and you're able to get them out next week. My op is the end of next week, and I already had a few work & social things planned over the following couple of weeks, so guess I'm going to have to play it by ear and see how it goes and follow the advice of the doctor who does my op. 

I'm the same. Was diagnosed with melanoma in situ on back of my lower leg . I had my WLE 3 weeks ago. It was pretty sore first 3-4 days. Healing up nicely now though I've not looked beneath the steristrips yet! I did make the mistake of running for a bus on Tuesday, bad mistake! Swelled up and very sore. So rest up and heed the saying don't run before you can walk!!

sharon

Ouch, that sounds sore. i will heed your advice not to run.

I had mine done last week and it's been much better than I thought. Only had a bit of discomfort and was a bit sore the first 4 days when  I just needed a couple of paracetamol each day to take the edge off it. Scar is about 6cm long with 13 stitches. Quite swollen along the stitches and very tight so mobility is limited until the skin stretches. Overall, it has been easier that I expected so no need to worry for anyone else about to go through similar. 

Your sounds much longer than mine. Mines about 3 inches. Glad your on the mend and not too sore!   Your right it's not to bad after the first couple of days. pretty okay procedure

Hello Everyone

It is a scary diagnosis when you find out you have Melanoma, While on holiday my Sister noticed the mole at back of my knee had changed, needless to say I got it checked out asap. Had referral from G.P. had biopsy in March, waited 3 weeks for results was told Malignant Melanoma, stage 1b 0..9mm in to margin which was a 2cm margin cut around mole. Had a WLE last week still recovering but it was better than I expected as I didn't need plastic surgery, now it's the waiting game again 4/6 weeks for results. Everyone says it will be ok, don't worry, but until I hear the words all clear I do feel afraid of the future.We are only human & sometimes it can be a scary place that we live in, it is a difficult time in our lives, but I have to think of all the patients staff & people who have lost their lives with Cornavirus & all the patients fighting for their lives that have got it,  & all the marvellous NHS & front line workers. We are still here thank goodness, we are still scared but l hope the outcome will be good for all of us, in the mean time I can only hope my outcome will be a good result I await the results with baited breath.