I have had bumps removed by laser mainly from my body. The scars
are really noticeable and are fleshy like blisters especially on my
neck and shoulders. The plastic surgeon I see is reluctant to
remove any unless it is absolutely necessary. Laser surgery is not
always successful. I am 41 and have an increasing number of
neurofibromas appearing everywhere. I feel increasingly isolated
and lacking in confidence. I cannot wear nice pretty feminine
clothes and try not to look in the mirror too much.

Many people are extremely shallow and unkind. It is very hard when
you look different to be confident and to go out and make friends or
the kind of friends you want. Many people equate facial
disfigurement to 'stupidity'. I have lost count of the number of
times people have treated me in this way. It is very hard to change
people. I would love to have had a husband and children and feel
very envious of those who look normal and have those things. I feel
very upset when I see a normal looking family, ie nice looking
husband, pretty wife and lovely children. I feel left out.

Is anyone in the UK especially those from the North East going to
the NFA AGM in Newcastle at the end of March? It would be nice to
meet up. I am interested in getting a local group together
especially for adults with the condition who feel isolated.

--- In neurofibromatosis2@yahoogroups.com, "Steve Parker"
<s_c_parker@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All
>
> Yes ive had a lot removed from both my front and back using some
sort of
> laser/lazer ok it leaves a scar but there's no lump !! I have the
larger
> ones from places like my shoulder and inside leg removed by
scalpel, and it
> does make a difference as i feel a whole lot more confident in
myself and
> other people have noticed and told me this. Rita is right not all
people
> are that shallow, OK yes some are but try to keep smiling and
you'll never
> know :)
>
> Steven
>
> >From: "Rita" <sugarrita@...>
> >Reply-To: neurofibromatosis2@yahoogroups.com
> >To: neurofibromatosis2@yahoogroups.com
> >Subject: [Neurofibromatosis] Re: Hello
> >Date: Fri, 03 Mar 2006 00:29:27 -0000
> >
> >
> >Bill,
> >Not ALL ladies are that shallow. Many people can overlook the nf.
> >After all, there are many diseases and disorders that leave people
> >looking different. We are all beautiful in our own way. It
could be
> >worse! Maybe you should look into having some removed by a
> >dermatologist or plastic surgeon. It does make a difference.
Maybe
> >you are sending out negative vibes and that is what is keeping
you from
> >dating.
> >
> >
> >
>