Bluewhippet wrote:I am not sure that going private in UK necessarily makes a difference to care other than, perhaps, getting an earlier operation date (I waited 2 months) on our NHS.
I was seen 7 days after my operation by the nurse specialist whom I had met during my initial surgeon consultation and who had deflated me after the operation whilst in hospital. She told me I was healing well, that the pump was ideally placed central and low and that I should gently pull down to keep it there. I was told to leave the implant alone until activation 5 weeks after the operation and answered all my questions.
I still have no pain, just minor discomfort sometimes because my ball sack has more in it than I am used to. Uninflated the tips of my implant appear to be about half way into my glans and seem to support the head well. I will know for sure after activation.
At no point do I feel that going private could have given me better care and attention or a better outcome thus far. Some people criticise our NHS system but as a 20 year diabetic and now an implantee I cannot fault the care and support I have received over the years. A health system that is universal and takes no account of ability to pay is a great privilege. Moreover, the option to go private with or without insurance is still available if you feel you need it.
I agree with this. The only benefit is normally getting an earlier appointment and the level of communication/flexibility in being able to speak to your physician etc. Ralph and Muneer are both private and NHS, so the same surgeon would be doing the procedure anyway
