How long is reasonable to wait for an operation via private health insurance?

[PeachyPossum]

Hi,

I'm due to have nissen fundoplication via my insurance company. Originally I was NHS choose and book, I was refered in jan of last year to the consultant, he said surgery was likely and sent me for tests to confirm. This finally happened in July, but the results were lost and were only confirmed end of sept, told op would be within a couple of weeks. I was then passed to the surgeon who I saw in November, he said op in January. By mid jan with no dates I was pretty fed up of the whole thing and my insurance company advised me to transfer to the private list.

I spoke to the private secretary a week ago last Friday and she said she would call back that day with dates to choose from. I haven't heard a thing. I have called twice and she has been out of the office. I left a message today knowing she would be back in the office from lunch time so hopefully she will call soon.

I'm exhausted, ill and scared but I don't know what is reasonable in terms of my expectations and hoped anyone with experience of going private through insurance could tell me of their stories etc?

Thanks in advance for any support!

[HeyHeySaturday]

Sorry to hear you're not feeling great. I haven't actually had an operation (yet) but am currently undergoing done tests through private health insurance. The care has been amazing - choice of appointments incl evenings and weekends. Every contact has been super-professional and for my convenience. Can your insurance co do some chasing? Mine offered to make appointments for me?

[HeyHeySaturday]

Oh and I've been offered appointments within days each time.

[CMOTDibbler]

My private operations have been within a couple of weeks of deciding to have it, just depending on if the surgeon has full lists, but I was offered those on the day of consultation or the day after.
Hope she gets back to you with dates today, but don't be afraid to keep calling

[PeachyPossum]

Thanks for your responses. She has called back and says she should have a date for me tomorrow, they are just matching up the theatre data and the surgeons diary (they said that over a week ago so I think she has been poorly or on her hols!)

She also wanted to confirm my insurance details ( policy no and company)

I'm finding the process fairly upsetting and it's making me want to cancel but I have to go ahead as I will get more poorly and risk esoephagal cancer and other potential complications. The faffing with the dates is just adding to my anxiety. I have been told a few times that it will be in a week, two at most, so my hosp bag is packed ready.

Scared.

[PeachyPossum]

Brilliantly again having hit send the hospital has called me. I'm in on Saturday with pre op tomorrow.

Tips on getting through the fear please!

[CMOTDibbler]

Good to hear that after the faffing, you'll be in quickly.

Get yourself some books, new PJs, easy to wear joggers and top, and freeze down some easy meals for afterwards. That should keep you busy!

[HeyHeySaturday]

Remember that people don't get to be surgeons without a LOT of hard work and training. And console yourself that going privately means a room of your own and more help for basic things like eating etc if you need it.
Good luck!

[PeachyPossum]

Thanks guys.

I'm not feeling too bad, a bit tearful and nervous. The op is a hernia repair as my stomach is into my chest cavity, then they will create a new stomach valve by wrapping the top of the tummy around itself so I stop regurgitating and having acid come up. Definately will need a the help I can get eating and stuff!

I wish it was all done now!! The waiting is awful isn't it!!