Hi
Am a 60 year old female in serve hip pain been like this for 2years now I suffer with rheumatoid arthritis and am over weight I live in Wales my question is has anyone else been told a surgeon will not even look at me cause am overweight I am desperately trying to loss weight but my mobility is really bad I feel this is an excuse on behalf of the NHS too keep the numbers down I've had both my knees replaced without any problems just getting really desperate now as no one will help me any suggestions
Apparently the BMI for surgery is higher in private hospitals than on the NHS.
i was in a similar situation to yourself. I was too heavy for the NHS. Luckily I was within the guidelines for the private hospital.
For several months before surgery I could hardly do anything and my weight went up and up.
Since my surgery just over four weeks ago I have lost almost a stone. The anaesthetic kills your appetite for several weeks so almost guarantees weight loss after the operation.
I was lucky because although I had to raid my retirement money to afford it, I was able to.
At first the thought of spending several thousand pounds on an operation appalled me, but actually as I came to understand what was included, I decided it was actually good value.
I had an excellent surgeon, the same one as I would have had on the NHS, the anaesthetist was brilliant too. I had a private room, the nursing staff were excellent. The food was silver service and excellent even though it is hard to eat after the operation.
All the medication I needed was included, the physio at the hospital was included.
When I came home I was given a raised toilet seat, to keep, and was also given crutches and a walker.
The package also included physio sessions as an out patient.
It was the first time I have had an operation privately, but the NHS waiting list was up to two years.
I hope you will be able to find a surgeon that will look after you. It isn’t easy just waiting in pain.
I was very pleased with my decision, and I am coming along nicely, and so glad I had it done as I am able now to start putting my life back together.
Good luck anyway, but put yourself first, even if you do have to pull strings.