Imagine a 19 year old girl, obsessed with image, concious of how people see her,just finishing her first year at university. That first summer as an official student, where the lucky ones can travel with new friends, and generally live through all the privilages student life provides.
I was suppose to do that, until I developed a growth on my face. As a tall blonde tanned 19 year old, a growth is the last thing you wish to get. Its like having a golf ball strapped to your face.Overnight your confidence ies, you become a recluse, hating any person who even looks you in the eye. The over sympathetic or disgusted glances, and the complete lack of pulling power (which to a 19 year old student is pretty damn important!!)
Doctors put me on antbiotics, took scans and eventually referred me for an operation at Leeds General Infirmary. They decided to remove this 'growth' without a full diagnosis, under a simple local anathestic.Needless to say; they cut into my face and sent me on my way with no further antibiotics, a few wound dressings and a scar which will be with me for the rest of my life.
My 'growth' grew back. Not only did it grow back, it festered. Proceeded to turn into a weeping open wound, which I still have TWO AND A HALF YEARS LATER. now you may ask why the hell did she not go to her doctor, return to the hospital, get medication.
But I did. I returned to my university doctor, who gave me a few tablets, a wound dressing and sent me away. I returned to the hospital, who poked my face around and sent me on my way. I had to live for a whole year with some sort of dressing on my face. I have had to live for 2 years with a weeping cheek that stains my pillow every night with mucus.
I have been told that i will forever be disfigured.
this blog is a cry out to all other patients who i know have been in far worse situations than me who have been ignored or mistreated by the system and feel that their voices are not heard.
this is also my journey to gain the service that the NHS is adamant it hands out. I want an operation. I want the surgery to make me right, and i want to go through life being able to feel beautiful again.
