Hello am new here

scotmac
scotmac Member Posts: 1
in Living with arthritis

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left hip in May 2022, I continued to work as a lorry driver up until May 2023 when I was involved in a serious accident.

Since the accident my osteoarthritis has become worse, I have seen doctors and physios, the problem now is I went for a mri scan in January with an appointment to see the consultant a week later but the hospital keeps cancelling and I am now waiting for a new date, they have already cancelled twice so don't think it will be any time soon.

It seems that the NHS cannot cope especially in London now but how much would it cost to go private

Comments

  • Baloo
    Baloo Member Posts: 527
    edited 15. Apr 2024, 23:52

    @scotmac I looked online and found an MRI scan including report doesn't appear to be much of a big deal to book online privately for a few hundred pounds which is not bad considering the test machine costs a fortune. Consulting on the results looks like it might be a different story which probably a hidden cost.

    It was interesting to look up because some scanners are upright, like Arnold Swartznegger in total recall. I didn't know there was such a thing.

  • Ellen
    Ellen Moderator Posts: 1,841

    Hi @scotmac welcome to the online community.

    I see you are experiencing frustrating wait times to see someone about your Osteoarthritis. Have you considered asking whether it's possible for someone to call you back to just give you some feedback on the MRI? Has your GP been given a copy of the report yet?

    As far as having a private MRI done a fair few people here do end up doing this. Here is a search I did of recent posts for you:

    https://community.versusarthritis.org/search?domain=all_content&query=private%20MRI&sort=-dateInserted&scope=site&source=community

    @Skinny Keef has priced one up you'll see and he is in Essex so maybe not a million miles from you.

    Do let us know how you get on

    Best wishes

    Ellen.

  • ItsjustLisa
    ItsjustLisa Member Posts: 45

    @scotmac Google is your friend here. Where I am in the east midlands, private THR costs anything between £16 and £20 thousand, then you have to factor in the aftercare (physio) if that isn't included.

    There are so many different clinics and I'm not sure if the pricing would be regional (everything is more expensive in London)? There are also different surgeries (posterior and anterior) and they are different prices, I think it depends on the clinic and the surgeon to be honest.

    I went on the NHS waiting list and because I'm 54 I've been referred to NHS choices which means my operation will be carried out in a private hospital by a private surgeon funded by the NHS, I've also been told the wait in my area is 8 months to 1 year but I can opt for a cancellation when I've seen my surgeon. I was also shocked when they rang to know I can actually request the surgeon I want on this scheme and I'll be put on his waiting list. I can't afford private surgery so it's great for me.

    Also, if you have health insurance it's worth checking to see if that will cover the cost of the surgery? Some of my clients had Bupa and had hip replacement with their cover.

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