Laproscopy wait times during covid

[Sazzy_K]

Hi all,

I just wondered how long people are currently waiting for a laproscopy?? I waited 6 months for a follow up at the hospital following an MRI scan which showed a plaque of endometriosis in my pouch of Douglas. I was advised surgery would be best to remove this plaque. However was told the waiting list is currently at 18 months to 2 years for the surgery!

I am quite a bit of pain and desperate to get it fixed. I already paid £6k for my first laproscopy privately 2 years ago and I just can’t afford to pay for it privately again but really not sure I can wait that long. I’m 28 and eventually want to start and family

Is everyone else in the same boat because of covid? I really don’t know where to turn and I keep getting really upset about it all

[Claire_Alexandra]

It’s variable with your location and nhs trust I think. So another postcode lottery. I waited 3.5 months from consultation but was lucky and got pushed through on the nhs private clinics they did over lockdown 3 as a cancellation and repeatedly called and had been delayed before otherwise advised at least another 3 months on top. I had had my initial consultation delayed from March 2020 - September then to December 2020. Should’ve had the op summer 2020 but eventually March 2021.

[dolly26]

I have been on the list since august 2018 ( based in N.I) and have absolutely no idea when it will happen

[Gardenist]

I am on the prewaiting waiting list for consultation with a surgeon. Even though the surgery was agreed. Its roughly an 8 month wait I've unofficially found out. I received a letter saying do not contact anyone about it as they are too busy. On the one hand I get it is because of limited resources because of Covid etc on the other hand it is no way to treat someone in real pain. I think an apology might have made it feel marginally better. I am considering private. Last time I had health insurance but not now and I can't really afford it.

[Hunter-23]

Hi Sazzy_K.I've just spoken to my consultant today regarding MRI results. He said he can't give a specific time frame as he might get through surgery faster or it might be slower but around 6 months. That's through the NHS.

[wilderness62]

I’m in a similar situation with a large endometrioma and increasing pain and just joined a 12 month (or more) waiting list for laparoscopy. I don’t know how or if I can face 12 months of my current situation so considering private but I may not be able to afford private for future treatments if needed... pre Covid the waiting list was apparently 4 months. Take care, it’s difficult both mentally and physically and I definitely sympathise.

[PurpleSynesthesia]

In your boat - ocean with no visible land on the horizon ⛵ ⏳ 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Avalonlea]

I should have had my laproscopy in April 2020. Cancelled, and had one check up appointment with a consultant (not mine) in September 2020 over the telephone,which was horrendous as telephoned 3 hours after my appointment time and clearly hadn't read my medical file. I have been in the worse pain withy endo this past year and emotionally mentally drained from.it. I telephoned my consultant secretary last month to see what's happening basically. She couldn't give a date of when my lap would be, just that I'm on the list still and to be patient as its not important, just a routine op. So a year on ... 😔

[SSPain]

I have been waiting since June 2020. Got MRI next week. Have been told it may be another 6 months 👎

[Vinnie99]

Hello, I was referred for a lap in January 2020 and still no date in sight. I've spoken to my GP several times to try to expidite it and also had another follow up phone consultation with the consultant who said that although she couldn't give me a date she's moved me further up the waiting list due to my symptoms getting worse. I've also said that I'm available for any cancellations last minute, it's worth having that added to you file if you're able to just incase a cancellation comes up. Good luck x

[tamara92]

I'm waiting for my 1st lap which was finally agreed upon end of last year. 3 weeks ago I got a pre-op consultation call just to go over my personal details once more and the admin told me that she couldn't give me a day for the procedure, but that 'things have started to move along in the department now' and that it was 'something to give me a bit of hope'. Take what you will from that! I'm in South Wales to note, as I expect different waiting times depend areas too? Good luck for everyone waiting

[Millabajack]

HiI’m in Leicestershire, been waiting for my first lap since jan 2020, I haven’t heard a thing since, my dr did make a call on my behalf to speed it along after 6 6 months but just got told because of COVID they weren’t treating as many patients.

Am at the end of tether with it all and feel deeply let down. I’ve been battling these symptoms for 18 years.

I was elated jan 2020 when they suggested I need explorative surgery ......... finally felt like I may get answers......... but I’m still in limbo and with ever increasing problems.

The very sad fact here is it appears I’m not the only one 😢

Wishing you well and hopefully more luck than me xx

[Sazzy_K]

Thanks for all the replies. It’s such a rubbish situation and I feel like there just isn’t any help either and I just don’t know where to turn really.

It’s disgusting really that if you have the money you can pay and get it done next week...