IS IT WORTH PAYING FOR NEUROLGIST APPT IN UK

[sunset709]

I have had several falls and cannot get up unaided.

I need help dressing and showering and getting up

from chairs.

I can only walk short distances without getting tired.

I was referred by my GP to Cardiology and Neurology

in January 2021.

I have had cardio tests and the Cardiologist is certain

it is a Neurology condition.

My Neurology appointment in June was cancelled and

is now in July.

Is it worth going private to see a Neurologist ? The

cost is about £300?

I could afford this but tests such as MRI scans are

expensive privately. Varies on how many areas are

scanned.

Has anyone gone down this route?

Any advice welcome

Thanks

Steve

[10gingercats]

In part whether to seek private nwurology treatment/advice might be down to who is recommended to you. Clearly you do not want just anyone but someone from whom you will get a satisfactory diagnosis. You do not have to have all the tests recommended re. money.It is your choice. Also the neurologist in question may be able to pass you on to his nhs list after an initial consultation.

[RufusScamp]

Do you manage to get much exercise? The BHF site has a good selection of programmes, including chair-based ones, and others for balance and leg strength. I am finding them helpful, as I struggle to get out of a chair.

[MaggieSylvie]

First of all, if you haven't already, you should apply for Attendance Allowance, as I'm sure you need some help that you might need to pay for, such as a riser/recliner chair and bath aids, not to mention someone to give you some help around the house.

If you go privately you might still not get an appointment until July, so personally I would wait. I have had an MRI scan at short notice, when referred by a physiotherapist and it was free on NHS. Perhaps it varies from area to area. You should not have to worry about this. That is the job of your GP. Don't let them trivialise what you are going through.

[Aopl]

I once paid privately to see a Cardiologist and during the consultation which included an ultrasound and subsequently a holter meter she then told me she would next send me an appointment as an NHS patient as “you don’t want to spend any more money.” That also happened to me after a private ENT consultation. Was I just lucky? I never thought about it. I hope that will happen for you.

[Qualipop]

Years ago I was in so much pain that no one was addressing, I went privately. He took one look at me and admitted me to hospital on his NHS list within 5 minutes. All I had to pay wsa the initial consultation. All tests, MRI scans etc were NHS. I'm geting to the stage where I may have to do it again because the pain is out of control and I can't even stand up when I get out of bed. GP tend s to say "Oh we've no more painkiller we can give you and tells me to try an osteopath.

[sunset709]

Thanks for replies. The earliest private appointment I could get was late September.So I will wait and hope July NHS appointment is not cancelled