Would you pay to have this done privately?

[Topplace]

I've never used private medical care and TBH struggle with the idea of buying better or quicker care than is available to others.

I'm a runner. It's huge part my life, all my social life and general wellbeing is tied up with it. I haven't been able to run for the last few weeks because I have a minor condition causing pain.

It's something the NHS might treat, if I can convince them it's having a big enough impact, but I'd guess nothing will happen quickly.

I have an appointment with a private consultant (£210). £210 isn't a lot of money to me, I'd spend it on running shoes! but somehow this seems like a terrible extravagance. Also, of course, £210 won't be the end of it, it will likely need minor surgery, and maybe that's one worry, I don't know where it will end.

But, I have the money. I could spend up to say £10k, maybe more, without it impacting on my standard of living/retirement plans. It is a lot of money though!

And what happens next time? Perhaps next time I'll want urgent care for something more serious...?

I realise these thoughts are not entirely rational but the decision is creating a lot of conflicting thoughts in my mind!

Yes, without a doubt.

The nhs, even when it is functioning to the best of its ability, is there to support population health. You are the only person who understands your personal, individual needs. Your case is unlikely to reach the threshold of ‘urgent’ for an organisation dealing with the health of the population, but it sounds like it has already reached that threshold for you personally and you’re in a position to take action. So why wouldn’t you?

Of course! It’s for a health issue so is hardly extravagant. A good sense check is whether you would spend that if the issue was for your child, or even your pet.

The consultation is definitely worth it - there are likely to be other options than surgery