NHS v Private

[Chessman]

I have serious Cartilage problems of the knee, and at present am off work, I have been told that too long off, will mean no job, I can understand that, and obviously do not want that to happen, so, have any of you had experience of this, and if so, did you have it done on the NHS or Private?, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind saying how long you had to wait, and also, how long was the recovery period?.

Many thanks.

[Philtaz]

I've known of patients who have taken the private option and be treated within a week, especially for orthopaedic problems such as yours.

Recovery period is a difficult one as you haven't said exactly what the problem is. Is it meniscus(torn cartilege) or is it a problem with cruciate ligaments i.e. unstable knee? With the modern arthroscopic(keyhole) techniques used today the recovery period is greatly reduced and surgeons along with physiotherapists do their utmost to get people mobile ASAP.

Speak to an Orthopaedic Consultant who will advise you further.

P.S. Going private is no guarantee of quality as the surgeon is also an NHS surgeon, he's just doing your operation in his free time. It's just a guarantee that you will be seen/operated on quicker and have nicer, fluffier pillows! Hope that helps.

[Chessman]

Thanks pihltaz, your post is most helpful, at present i've been waiting a month for the hospital to get in touch, its about time I got in touch with them I think.

Thanks again.

[littlesa]

Not sure if you have already had a consultation yet. If not you could pay for a private consultation and then request any subsequent treatment to be on the NHS. This way you would at least get a good idea of the nature of your injury relatively quickly. Check out kneeguru.co.uk if you are looking for a good knee surgeon in your area. With modern techniques you can walk out of hospital the same day as having a menisectomy and if you work in an office be back at work within days. Obviously longer if you do manual labour (light duties after a couple of weeks).

[Chessman]

Thanks littlesa, i'll have a look at that, i'm still waiting for the first consultaion on the NHS.

[footwonder]

nhs did wonders for me......i had to wait about five months, but once i had my consultation , i wait a further 4 months for my operations.( that,s one for each knee) after each, i was back at work after 7 days, but if you can take 14 days and keep the weight off of your feet in that period. it,s been a year since all this and i have made a full recovery i can happily say.

[Chessman]

Thanks for that one footwonder.