Private consultation

[rb1992]

Just wondering if anyone who has been for a private consultation could tell me what it’s like?

I’ve had an appointment with a general gynaecologist which went ok, I was “diagnosed” with endo without laparoscopy and nothing was really explained.

My pain has been getting significantly worse over the past 2 months so I have decided to see a Consultant who specialises in endo.

I’m just wondering how much this will differ from my NHS appointment, I have another ultrasound or will it be more a case of talking through symptoms and treatment options?

Thanks!

[Thecraftyadder]

For me it was a chat about my symptoms and possible diagnosis. Then an internal examination. Then taking about surgery and treatment and I felt he tried to explain a bit about the disease. Its many symptoms and what the grading of endometriosis (1-4) means. It felt unhurried and respectful (something I hadn't felt before, I've left public health consultations either angry or in tears feeling that I was ignored or belittled). Of course it might depend to a degree on the individual doctor. My private gynae seems quite a chilled individual to me. It was a positive experience for me and a relief to be listened to.

Hope it goes well for you to

[rb1992 in reply to Thecraftyadder]

Thank you for your reply, I thought it would be along these lines so that has definitely put my mind at ease.

Thanks again

[Bluetop1981]

Hi

The attitude described my thecraftyadder sums it up. You are listened to, and all options considered. I had 2 appointments with my consultant. One was an initial consultation where he tried to put it in context (am I trying for a baby? Is the pain in the way of my daily life?). He sent me for an internal ultrasound and some bloods. A couple of days later I met with him again and he discussed the results and gave me his opinion on what I should do next.

If anything, a second opinion can’t hurt.

[rb1992 in reply to Bluetop1981]

Thank you! Sounds like it was a much nicer experience for you so fingers crossed I’ll feel the same.

Thanks again

[Doggiedogmom1973]

All i can say is that gynecologist have different skill levels. If you ever end up getting surgery to remove any potiential endo, i can only hope you get a gynecologist that knows how to do 'deep-incision surgery' and not 'burning of the endo type surgery'. As excellent gynecologists knows how to do 'deep-incision' which is by far the gold standard. Burning off your endo leaves you in more pain after the opertation than before, terrible pain... even tho gynecologists still practice this burning method and don't realise the pain they leave there patients in afterwards. Major difference in your gyne skill level leaves a major difference in your pain levels. Something to watch out for....if not sure if they can do the 'gold standard' of 'deep-incision' then ask them. Run a mile if they only burn the endo off. (i don't know the proper term gynes use for 'burning' endo off, is).

You'd get in faster with a private gyne, comparted with the NHS. Just be honest with whats happening with you and your pain. Private gynes are generally very good. It could help if you brain storm a list of pain problems/points before you go, so you don't forget what you wanted to say by the time you are there.

All the very best. xoxoxo

[Liquiddreamsxo]

Hi rb1992,

I had my private appointment on Tuesday and it was a really nice experience for me. As the others have said - I was listened to and didn't feel rushed. He did an internal exam and made some comments (apparently I have a small womb! Haha) then after that we sat back down and had another chat. He told me suspected endometriosis and the plan from there. He said we need to do a laparoscopy to have a proper look and see what's going on. So he has referred me to his nhs list to have that done. I would try and find a private consultant who also works for the nhs then you can be referred for the surgery on the nhs instead of paying out thousands but if you have that or insurance and happy to do the surgery private then go for it! It will be quicker that way but obviously just depends on individual circumstances.

I hope this helps!

L x

[rb1992]

Thank you ladies for taking the time to reply, your comments really did ease my worries and also made me realise I wasn’t crazy in thinking my previous experience wasn’t the best! He definitely wasn’t mean but he also definitely didn’t give me enough advice/information about the condition he was diagnosing.

I had my appointment today and it went well, he is referring me to the NHS for a laparoscopy, which should include removal of any endo found, a dye test and ovarian drilling (for my pcos).

Thanks again for all your advice x

[Dancer1992]

I paid a lot of money to have a consoltation with one of the most specialist surgeons in gynaecology for endo. He was very informative as to what was wrong with me but unfortunately there’s still not enough progression so he couldn’t offer me anything that wasn’t on the NHS. Worth the consoltation for the info though xx