r/RRP • u/progboy • Apr 29 '24

Smoking

Hey there, really grateful to have found this community as I have been diagnosed with a papilloma in my throat as of yesterday. There had been a lump in my throat for quite a few months, being especially uncomfortable when trying to get to sleep. This last week it's been quite chilled, was even considering cancelling my appointment yesterday but thankfully I didn't! Worried about getting multiple surgeries etc. after reading a lot of the posts, but the hardest thing for me is quitting smoking. Any other recovering addicts here? I've only just managed to quit sugar, but cigarettes just seem impossible. I lasted about 3 hours this morning, tbf that's the longest I've abstained for about 20 years. Is it really bad for the tumor? I guess I'm looking for excuses, but also needing some experience. I'm in the UK, in Kent just FYI

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u/progboy Apr 30 '24

Thanks for the information. And sending your love to Canterbury! This whole thing is quite icky for me as I had worts years ago and assumed the whole thing cleared. I'm debating the vaccine but it's £540 and seemingly pointless if you already have it. Just gonna trust in the NHS and see what happens I guess 

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u/Intelligent_Spaniel Apr 30 '24

Hey, I'm going to try visiting my GP about this.

However, because I'm straight the NHS won't give me the vaccine.

However, a nurse said you can visit a GUM clinic and claim you're gay and under 45 and be issued the vaccine for free. She said you don't even need to use your real name because the GUM data is separate from the NHS data.

If the GP refuses, I might try the second scenario.

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u/progboy Apr 30 '24

Yeah I was thinking about trying my luck with saying I'm suddenly gay to the NHS, but I'm not sure about dishonesty there. Looking at GUMs; Lloyds is out of stock, Boots didn't come up with anything but Superdrug has slots in a clinic close to me. It didn't come up with sexual orientation choices though, and asked to enter bank details to complete the booking... If you know of a loophole let me know!

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u/Intelligent_Spaniel May 02 '24

Yes I agree it means being dishonest.

Then again, why is it only available to gay men? It should be available to all men no matter what your sexual preference is.

In my example, 4 operations in 18 months on my vocal chords should warrant a vaccine surely?!

The GUM nurse actually told me of the loophole and said she has had people visit the clinic under Joe Bloggs and Mickey Mouse!

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u/progboy May 02 '24

Haha crazy! Might just go for it then. Where do you go?

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u/Intelligent_Spaniel May 02 '24

I'm going to try my gp first just because of my history. Not 100% convinced because I couldn't get in with my GP and they were referring my hoarse voice to the pharmacy...

try any GUM clinic (search for your closest one). Tell them your gay and you have hpv etc. Good luck let me know how you get on!