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Private spinal surgeon appointment

(11 Posts)
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Luckygirl3 Fri 30-Oct-26 11:30:01

I have an NHS appointment with this guy (who I have seen before - he operated on my back) because of further problems with my neck but it is at a hospital 80 odd miles away in an out of the way place (Oswestry) and getting there is very complicated. It is an up to 4 hour train journey (depending on train changes) and a 2 mile taxi ride from there. Going by car is 2.5 hours.

I honestly do not feel up to all this at all.

So .... he does attend the local Nuffield Hospital which is 16 miles away and I would happily drive there.

Here's the rub ..... I rang this morning and he only does phone appointments initially and even though he operated on me 2 years ago this is not seen as a follow up and thus ineligible for face-to-face.

So - I would have to pay £350 for a half hour phone appointment and I have to chase around making sure that the NHS referral is passed on to him and the results of the full spinal MRI that I had in June. I do not want to fork out all that money if he is not able to physically examine me, but the trek to Oswestry involves such hassle (and possibly my DD taking a day off work to drive me) that I really cannot face it - and to be honest I suspect the outcome will be "grin and bear it" rather than any positive treatment.

So ..... what to do!?

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Tizliz Fri 30-Oct-26 11:52:06

It's difficult. After two x-rays and a scan I got a long letter which could be summed up as 'grin and bear it' which didn't surprise me. Seems a waste of time - NHS and mine (and OH) but what if there was a curable problem.

I didn't want to go to all these appointments but family nagged me as your family will if you do nothing. So I recommend you ask your DD for help (she will be upset if you don't).

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foxie48 Fri 30-Oct-26 12:04:06

I think there comes a time when it's worth spending the money (even if you think it is unfair or pointless) if it's going to avoid unnecessary inconvenience or discomfort. We can't take it with us and I bet your children would prefer you to spend your money whilst alive on your own needs. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

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BlueBelle Fri 30-Oct-26 12:04:07

Oh I think how ever inconvenient I d try and keep the appointment Luckygirl I’m sure your daughter wouldn’t mind taking one day off work I know mine would insist on it and would be very insulted if I didn’t let her.

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BlueBelle Fri 30-Oct-26 12:06:12

Posted too soon
One day I took myself to casualty on the bus it’s two buses away about a half to three quarter of an hours ride. she was really upset that I hadn’t rung her for help. I learnt my lesson 😀

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dragonfly46 Fri 30-Oct-26 12:06:22

It must be different in various parts of the country. I was referred to a spinal surgeon by my GP after an MRI. I was seen very quickly by a One Health surgeon who has referred me to a One Health physio and he will see me again in 3 months.
This is all on the NHS.

It is shocking to charge £350 for a half hour phone call.
I think I would talk it over with your daughter.

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Susan56 Fri 30-Oct-26 13:11:44

I would ask your daughter to take you Luckygirl.

The hospital at Oswestry is a centre of excellence.We feel lucky it isn’t too far from us.The staff are incredible and our experience of being outpatients and also from having surgery have been very positive.

In August they topped a survey for the best patient experience.I honestly think if you go you will be pleased you went.

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Sarnia Fri 30-Oct-26 13:21:09

Susan56

I would ask your daughter to take you Luckygirl.

The hospital at Oswestry is a centre of excellence.We feel lucky it isn’t too far from us.The staff are incredible and our experience of being outpatients and also from having surgery have been very positive.

In August they topped a survey for the best patient experience.I honestly think if you go you will be pleased you went.

With a recommendation like this, I would make the effort. Our health is important and contributes greatly to our quality of life. It is worth the hassle.

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saintpiran Fri 30-Oct-26 13:28:44

Give your daughter the 350 pounds and enjoy a day out with her at the same time.

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Luckygirl3 Fri 30-Oct-26 13:45:33

It's the same consultant in Oswestry as on the phone so likely to get the same advice.

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Charleygirl5 Fri 30-Oct-26 14:09:33

I wouldn't pay £350 for a telephone conversation, I know I( am Scottish!) but what are you going to gain from it? You need to be physically examined. Oswestry is the best, I would make every effort to get there,

Did you not have a hip replaced years ago and it wasn't the best outcome? The two, back and hip, could be linked.

As your daughter is helping her so much, give her money towards petrol and take her fpr a ,good meal afterwards.

That is my ex professional opinion.

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