Getting surgery on Tuesday, by the NHS

[countryband100]

Hi I'm new but have viewed the site over the years

I finally had enough of my puffy nipples so I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist, Mr Thrush at the Royal Worcester Hospital.

They said I couldn't have it done by the NHS, as it's cosmetic, but I could PAY to have it done by the NHS, at a significantly reduced rate to that of going fully private.

I am paying (TBC) £1000-£1500 to have both my puffy nipples removed.

I will let you know how it goes! I am having a pre-op this Friday, so will update after that.

Really looking forward to it! I am using money I saved for travelling so it's a bit sad I can't do that, but the way I see it, it opens up new doors like working in Aus or Bermuda with my g/f, places I wouldn't go to for more than a week because of the hassle of covering myself all the time.

So I close one door to open many! (gotta justify that much money some how right ?!)

Cheers

Tom

x

[Bigdom]

(gotta justify that much money some how right ?!)

I personally feel on this subject 'money' isn't the issue, although i appreciate it's relative to some extent.  When something stops you from doing so many things; i.e buying certain clothes, covering up when you on holiday, going swimming, feeling self-conscious etc, etc.

To be able to enjoy life as you intend, i believe it's a price worth paying - that holiday, car, motorbike, tv etc will always be there next year, bigger and better than before!

Just make sure the surgeon knows what he's doing - THAT is the most fundamental part of the whole process.

[as400]

They said I couldn't have it done by the NHS, as it's cosmetic, but I could PAY to have it done by the NHS, at a significantly reduced rate to that of going fully private.

That's interesting, didn't know that was possible, did you have toconvince your gP you were suffering psychological distress or anything to get this discount?

[kingboob]

This seems really strange, as you are paying for a 'top up' treatment effectively.  And as we know these days many cancer patients are being denied potentially life extending / saving drugs, and forced to completely opt out of the NHS if they buy the drug for themselves........ racking up thousands in fees for care the NHS WOULD have provided had they not have bought the one drug the NHS would not provide.

I am not being critical of you at all here, and I think you should go for it............... I am just stunned at the inconsistency in the NHS at the moment.  Either they should provide the surgery to correct a defect which is having a significant impact on your wellbeing or they should say 'sorry, we can't do that'....... but asking you to pay seems unusual and wrong.

[countryband100]

the doc said they couldn't help as it's cosmetic. but I could pay for it if I wanted - guess it's differnt in each county?

I just had my pre op, and everything is ok... not had a chance to talk to my doc properly yet. I want to confirm that he will flatten my chest but also just as importantly stop my nipples being puffy.