Punch

[JanW]

Has anybody had a punch biopsy to diagnose what is wrong?

[Hidden]

Yes I've had four - two from V of neck with dermatologist who was certain my rash was Lupus but it was just traces of IgM - relating to eczema/ allergies/ RA. Then two from calves which were looking for small fibre neuropathy but nothing found. I think my GP took them from too high up my leg though. 

[JanW in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for reply good news in a way for you though. I've had 3 the Rheu said Lupus but the woman dermatologist wasn't sure. Yes I have heard it depends on them doing the punch in the right place. You would think the blood tests would be more conclusive these days.

[DorothyLava]

yes for fibroids very quick

[fragile]

Yes I had one took from the rash and another from normal skin.two weeks later told it was defo lupus.dont worry it doesn't hurt 

[JanW]

Agree fragile I had three done and it didn't hurt only the injections a tiny bit. Good you got a diagnosis.

[Wendy39]

Hello. I had a punch biopsy on the nape of my neck at the end of January this year.

I have a copy of the results, my GP ran them off for me. At my Rheumy appt she told me that the results of the biopsy were inconclusive. Which is always frustrating isn't it, after putting yourself through it and thinking it will be worth while.

But then at the Dermy appt to discuss my results, she told me it was Lupus. However further on in our conversation she asked if she could see my rash and she then said, but that is Psoriasis. Arghhhh! So frustrating. (From my own research, apparently to the naked eye, SCLE rashes can mistaken for Psoriasis). But I had had a biopsy to be sure. You cant get the results of the biopsy and then change diagnosis by looking at it, can you??!!

Like you said you would think nowadays that you would have a test and they would consider all of your symptoms and diagnosis and come up with a clear answer. But no. I made a fuss at her complete contradiction and she didn't even tell me how they were going to treat the rash now they knew what it was. So i asked to see the senior man, who conducted the biopsy, as I had lost all trust in her. I see him on Tuesday and am taking my husband with me.

You must be feel very frustrated and annoyed having 3 and still no answers. Would you request to have more taken in different places?

Best wishes.

[JanW in reply to Wendy39]

Hi Wendy 39. No I don't think I'd want anymore biopsies done. Rhum and Derm from what I gather don't seem to agree on anything it's like a competition going on. I'm seeing Derm again later on this month so will see what they have to say... Agree it is very frustrating as you have found and you would think with them being the so called 'experts' they could tell from the signs and symptoms of a rash what it is and what's going on, sort of their job I would have thought. To be honest if they can see how you present and have the blood tests I don't really see what a biopsy can tell if it's taken in the wrong place, but then why would it be done in the wrong place anyway. I'm finding the whole process very irritating with one saying one thing another saying different, and as you say not coming up with a clear answer. What's the point comes to mind.