Private surgery

I’m going for a private consultation tomorrow because I’ve been told it will be several more months before my surgery with the nhs.

I’ve been on the nhs waiting list since February. I can’t go on with the pain like it is. It’s now starting to affect my mental health. My nhs consultant just keeps pushing for me to go back on zoladex. I’ve had it twice and it’s awful.

So I’m now taking some control!!

Just asking for experiences of private care.

TIA 💛

[Starry]

My experience via my employer insurance was excellent, the main thing is to ensure they are bsge accredited and working to the same standard privately.

[luthien in reply to Starry]

Mine was part of The Gynaecology Group which is still accredited but specifically for this area (Gloucester, Cheltenham and Worcestershire) so I guess as long as it's searchable which all private consultants have to be (freedom of choice)....and in their speciality it matches your issues; for example I chose one that specialises in painful periods, heavy periods, endometriosis, fibroids, laparoscopy, and fertility problems.

[luthien]

Yay well done!!!

I thought private was awesome. Obviously it cost's; I'm happy to share how much mine cost, if you want to message me.

I felt it was a lot more directed around what you want and what your aims are, which was more in line with my way of thinking.

Have a diary of all your symptoms and pain, location, what it feels like, severity, including ones you think aren't exactly related. Periods - heaviness, clots, flow, accidents. What painkillers you take to manage if you can. Sexual activity - partner / toys , pain during / after / or on orgasm / bleeding during or after etc. Bowel and bladder movements including pain weeing or pooing, consistency, blood in either.You'll probably spend about 30 to 45 mins discussing you / history / related problems / sometimes it includes an on the bed stomach prodding examination. Basically be happy to discuss everything. Don't be surprised if they're keen to operate to find out what's going on. Treatment methods; depends if you want an op to diagnose / and or remove what they find, or hormonal - that's up to you. They'll discuss future plans, but won't put pressure on you like the NHS makes you feel. You don't need to make a decision about anything there and then - you can get an email address for your private consultants secretary whom you can email to ask anything / confirm dates for stuff. If the specialist isn't happy doing something (treatment wise) he / she will say so and usually why - it's that which I liked, you're told more about what's going on. They do discuss fertility however mine was very careful to say they don't speculate until they can see and examine - there may be some additional treatment required and he added "don't forget your partner - men have issues too!" - I think my hubby got worried lol!

Usually your consultant is the one performing the laparoscopy / other procedures, and has a lot of women he / she is currently treating - so quiz them on what the procedures they would do are, what methods do they feel are best. If you do decide on surgery see what they can do all in one go - I had lap to diagnose and excise endo, plus take biopsies, along with a hysteroscopy and biopsies, and visual examination of vagina and cervix - thorough stuff.

I had one consultation and my specialist had decided he'd like to do the op after the first appointment - I didn't need another! Pre op was two weeks later, op was two weeks after - I could have had it the day after the pre op, scary! Obviously had follow ups after - which I understand isn't normal under the NHS - one at two weeks and the other at 4 months.

Oh and if you can take someone along for moral support and in-case the specialist says something you didn't catch, someone else can be there to listen - a close friend, a family member or partner. I took my hubby, which meant my specialist could explain some stuff to him too like how to help when I'm bad, and what to research into. Hubby found it useful to see what I was going through and how serious it is. I think it brings you closer together and you're not hiding anything.

Happy to talk xx

[Hidden]

Waiting lists are hideous Mine is a 30/35 week wait ☹️ I plan to fight this injustice!

I know the nhs has to legally treat you within 18 weeks and if the hospital can’t they have to send you to a private hospital. Have you considered contacting PALS and stating your symptoms and the affect it is having on your life?

It’s not fair you should have to pay because they aren’t endearing to rules set by the nhs.

Good luck xoxo

[Melanias1 in reply to Hidden]

PALS is a good idea. I did the same and now I am on emergency list for endometriosis excision after 7 months of waiting... they fogot to book me for surgery after 6 months of Zoladex😤😤😤.

Good luck

[Mandy79]

I started off on nhs and had my first lap in October when I was told i had severe endo and needed to see a specialist. I was told the waiting list was 6 months plus just for the initial consultation so decided to go private. My first appointment was a joke and she tried to fob me off with painkillers and I made a second appointment with an endo specialist and I've nothing but praise for him. So my advice would be go private if you can but make sure you do some research first and see the right person