Delays in Surgery? Covid-19

[Blue261]

Hi all, (I am new here..)

I was intrigued to read that quite a few of you have undergone Lap surgery in the last 6 months. I have been hospitalised every 3 weeks since Oct 2020 and although I have severe Endometriosis Stage IV I have been told on the NHS I won't get surgery until next year. I am due to see a Private Consultant but I am not insured. No one is able to relieve my symptoms and I can not wait until next year as I am now off work. Just wondering if anyone knows how I can push for this on the NHS sooner? I am in London so I am not sure if that is playing a role.

Thanks in Advance

[Titch1908]

Can you speak to the consultant directly or email his secretary? I'm in the South West and due my laparoscopy next week. It had been cancelled previously but that was due to my health.. We were quite lucky with COVID here and it was quite low and most services were running pretty much as normal. I would definitely email your consultant or their secretary and see if you can be put on a cancellation list or something.

[Blue261 in reply to Titch1908]

Thank you for your reply. I have spoken to him but I am just told that this the situation. Just wondering if there was anyone else I could get in my corner especially when being hospitalised so frequently is surely not good management of time and resources.

[AllthatGlitters]

Hi your GP can expedite an appointment for you to see a consultant depending on the severity of your symptoms and how it’s effecting your daily life. Once you see the consultant they have the means to put you onto certain surgical lists, such as urgent, category 2 which is surgery within 90 days etc .... I have had this done for me, I had 2 surgeries last year and possibly away to get another this year.Unfortunately you really have to be strong and push them to do what you want, it has worked for me.

Good luck and I hope you get seen very soon.

You can also pay for a private consultation (mine cost £200 at a BMI hospital to see a BSGE consultant) I got this within a week then I got put onto the NHS list for surgery 😀

[Blue261 in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Thank you. That is exactly the plan, I see the private consultant next week and I am hoping he will put me onto his NHS surgical list. I felt that paying private as you did would then be money well spent to then go NHS. I really hope this is the case. Can not believe how much you have to push. Thanks again

[AllthatGlitters in reply to Blue261]

Hello I found it very beneficial to have the private consultation and then ask to be put on the NHS list. Ask them what list you will be on? Ask the length of time you will wait? If you aren’t happy with it, tell them. I do 😀haha and it seems to help me. Good luck xx

[Blue261 in reply to AllthatGlitters]

Great thanks. Think I need you in with me. Thanks again