paying to see specialist!!

[chatty girl]

Thats it I've done it, I've made an appointment to see a private gastro specialist tomorrow at 6.40pm!!!!

I had to go to the doctors this morning again to get referal letter, saw a locum doctor who was really nice, didnt know me and listened to my whole story, he still came to the ibs conclusion but understood what I was saying. He also said he wouldn't refer me so basically this is my only option, either that or drive myself to the brink!

Its so hard to try and explain how I feel, one minute I'm thinking your being bloody rediculous girl sort it out but then my tummy starts and I'm back there again.*

I'm writing everything down this time to take a list so I wont forget to tell him anything.

Xx

***

[Carrie8484]

Good for you.
Yes, it's expensive, but what price can you put on your physical and mental health?!
I've gone down the same route with my throat issue and also had a breast lump seen privately.
I actually have a credit card just for my medical appointments and procedures.
You've taken the bull by the horns and are going to see an expert in the area of your body you are concerned about. There is nothing at all wrong with that.
GP's don't know enough about every medical condition to be able to make the referral decision IMO. I've been refused referrals previously yet had friends who attend a different practice who are given MRI scans at the drop of a hat.
Good luck tomorrow, i'm sure you'll start getting some answers x

[Mercime]

Can I ask, for those who have gone the private route and were given the all clear, was it enough? Is it ever enough or do you still disbelieve the results?


Carrie, that practice that does referrals at the drop of a hat are just so wrong to do so I think. Only if there is clear recommendation it's needed should it be done. I agree it is a system that sends mixed messages.

[axolotl]

My concern here is that it's a very expensive manifestation of HA if you go private every time a GP thinks, in their professional opinion, that you don't need a referral.

I'm also a bit concerned with the wording of being "refused a referral". We can't just go and order expensive tests we think we need based on our flimsy medical knowledge. Being told by a medical professional they're not worried should be a positive thing, surely?


GP's don't know enough about every medical condition to be able to make the referral decision IMO.

They know a damn sight more than we do...

---------- Post added at 19:06 ---------- Previous post was at 19:03 ----------

Forgot to say - good luck to the OP. Hopefully you get the answer you want, whether that is it's "just" IBS, or it turns out to be something more treatable.

[Carrie8484]

Can I ask, for those who have gone the private route and were given the all clear, was it enough? Is it ever enough or do you still disbelieve the results?


Carrie, that practice that does referrals at the drop of a hat are just so wrong to do so I think. Only if there is clear recommendation it's needed should it be done. I agree it is a system that sends mixed messages.


When I got seen privately for a breast lump I was seen in 2 days, had the cyst drained, and was reassured immediately. The NHS appointment i was offered was 2 weeks on from my GP appointment and I was due to be at a conference that day. I was anxious, scared about the lump and had work on my mind and it was worth the £200 to go private.

My throat issue is a different, ongoing story as you know!

---------- Post added at 20:22 ---------- Previous post was at 19:46 ----------


My concern here is that it's a very expensive manifestation of HA if you go private every time a GP thinks, in their professional opinion, that you don't need a referral.

I'm also a bit concerned with the wording of being "refused a referral". We can't just go and order expensive tests we think we need based on our flimsy medical knowledge. Being told by a medical professional they're not worried should be a positive thing, surely?



They know a damn sight more than we do...

---------- Post added at 19:06 ---------- Previous post was at 19:03 ----------

Forgot to say - good luck to the OP. Hopefully you get the answer you want, whether that is it's "just" IBS, or it turns out to be something more treatable.

I've never gone to a GP asking for a referral, so maybe my wording was off. I have gone to a GP I hadn't seen previously with continuous symptoms , who told me there was nothing wrong with me. I went private and had treatment.

Yes, they absolutely know a lot more than we do. But sometimes, occasionally, it is worth the peace of mind to see someone different or go private for the difference in opinion or a different technique/approach to treatment. Or to see a specialist quickly. After all, that's what commonly happens in America ? They often go straight to the specialist ...

[chatty girl]

Thanks for your comments guys, my appointment is at 6.40pm so its being a long day!!

I'm terrified xx

[MyNameIsTerry]

Can I ask, for those who have gone the private route and were given the all clear, was it enough? Is it ever enough or do you still disbelieve the results?


Carrie, that practice that does referrals at the drop of a hat are just so wrong to do so I think. Only if there is clear recommendation it's needed should it be done. I agree it is a system that sends mixed messages.

I agree. NHS MRI's should only be when needed, someone is waiting in that list too. Like any tests. The NHS needs to clamp down on such GP's.

[spacebunnyx]

I think if you can afford it then pay for it. I've always been reassured by specialists. Actually the only two times I wasn't were when the gp referred me privately with my insurance. One for an abcess and second for a cyst.

Xxx

[pulisa]

It also takes the pressure off the NHS' limited resources.