15k loan for surgery

[HelpMeWithMyHip]

Hi all

I have name changed for this as it is really outing.

More of a what would you do really. I suffer terrible RA. I am only 31 and already have my right hip replaced. I am now on list for my other hip, but due to covid this is a long time coming and I can now hardly walk (I am having both knees, shoulder and elbow replaced too as I am on the list for them but it's my hip that is the main issue with my mobility). I have been told the wait is 'ages' by the consultant. He thinks that I'll be on the NHS waiting list for 52 weeks before they then put me on the list to have it done at the private hospital , but at a cost to the NHS. This is what happened with my first hip but the waiting time was not half as long as it was almost 4 years ago. My dilemma is, should I get a 15k loan and go private? The waiting time then would be under a month and my mobility would be significantly improved to a life changing level.

There are cons.. obviously the 270 quid a month payback for the next 5 years is a big burden to bear. WWYD and AIBU to consider this.

Thanks if you've read this far.

If you think you can afford the fees, I would urge you to go private.
It will be worth every penny. I had a very similar choice to make regarding a spinal surgery. I was in excruciating pain and unable to function. Within two weeks my surgery was done and has been life changing. I wish you all the best and do let us know how you get on.

I've worked in NHS...my sympathies, I hear you, I've had bad arthritis and needed to new knees in my 30s...its utterly shit being in that much pain and being so disabled, and so young..!

Ask for ANY short notice cancellation? Say you can come in at x notice... Nicely hassle them... I got one of my surgeries (years aho though) at 24 hour notice as someone above me on the list was sick. I had only been on a 2 year waiting list for 6 weeks... It went massively in my favour tja tu was available!

I would ask everyone in the chain to try and lobby on your behalf... (gp/physio? /anyone else...).

Under the NHS rules now you can go anywhere in the country for treatment... So perhaps a neighbouring area with good orhto has shorter list?

I'd also serisouly consider the European clinics. Its cheaper than the UK and your health authority may well pay it... Although you'll prob have to do the leg work for them!

Good luck!

Absolutely yes go for it. I find it really strange in the UK how people are willing to spend money on Absolutely anything except what's most important- your health.

People spend similar on holidays / legals fees / accountant / insurance without a second thought but for some reason don't see health as an equal priority

Good luck

Hope you feel better soon

I have RA and I find this thread so upsetting and it makes me so angry. You are a young person who shouldn’t have to wait so long in pain. The NHS is supposed to be there for people like you, a full time working contributor. It is disgusting that you have to fund this yourself but I can see why you want to. Good luck OP. So sorry this has happened to you.

100% I would loan for it as long as I could afford the repayments comfortably.

My DH had spinal surgery 2 years ago which was covered by insurance (thank god) but definitely would have loaned if not. He was in excruciating pain for a couple of months beforehand and couldn’t continue like that for long.

Have considered going abroad?

I know the scare stories, but there are literally thousands of amazing clinics abroad.

I had surgery in Lithuania and would happily recommend them to anyone and everyone. In fact DH has just emailed enquiring regarding a knee op.

It would be a 3rd of the price.

@Bumblenums1234

I'd go abroad and get it cheaper, Nords in Lithuania are fantastic. The care I had when I had surgery there blew the UK out of the water and was a third of the cost. The surgeons are UK licensed too so you are getting the same thing really for much less money.

Omg! That's the clinic I was referring to!

Is it really upsetting that anyone should have to take on a £15k debt for something like this. Life with a chronic disease is expensive enough (I have crohns and it impacts my earning ability massively) without this on top.

I sincerely hope the nhs can find a way to get you treated sooner OP.

I wish I was loaded, I wouldn't hesitate to pay for something like this for someone.

@JustFrustrated

Have considered going abroad?

I know the scare stories, but there are literally thousands of amazing clinics abroad.

I had surgery in Lithuania and would happily recommend them to anyone and everyone. In fact DH has just emailed enquiring regarding a knee op.

It would be a 3rd of the price.

I will definitely be looking into it. I'm not sure how we would deal with the logistics of it. But dp has been looking tonight

@Florence282

Is it really upsetting that anyone should have to take on a £15k debt for something like this. Life with a chronic disease is expensive enough (I have crohns and it impacts my earning ability massively) without this on top.

I sincerely hope the nhs can find a way to get you treated sooner OP.

I wish I was loaded, I wouldn't hesitate to pay for something like this for someone.

That's such a nice thing to say. I would too. I've had a go on the euro millions the past couple of weeks. And just thinking of that amount of money and all the people it would help is mind boggling

Gosh, how awful that people need to do this sort of thing. Especially as we’re supposed to have an “amazing” nhs

Could you crowd fund or similar? The idea that you have to take a loan and pay for an op you really need is just awful

I’m really anti-loan but I think this is an exception. You can’t put a price on being pain free and mobile. Good luck.

I'm with the nationwide and they were very helpful. The other £5000 could be done interest free on credit cards. To keep that interest free you'd need to be on the ball and transfer it from card to card. Its a pain in the backside but it can be done.

My DH had both hips replaced by the time he was 51 and I thought that was young, we both work for the NHS and was seriously looking at going private for the second operation even though it pissed me off as we had over 50 years joint service and DH works frontline. He had so much sick leave that he went to half pay and we’d be looking at no pay if it carried on. Thankfully he had the operation and we managed financially. I remember how much pain he was in and if you can afford it, especially at your young age, go for it, you’ll be able to do so much with your children. Covid has been really shit for those who need NHS treatment, I can’t fully understand the pain that you are going through but I have a little understanding, sending you hugs

The logistics are fairly simple and actually, the standard of care was outstanding. If you need any help feel free to message me.

I know with my clinic, you have a dedicated representative from the day of your first email. Then a video consult, they request any and all information they need which GP was happy to provide, then they arranged everything from collecting me at the airport, all my tests whilst there, all my medication I needed for after surgery, and then my return to the airport.

I just booked flights and accommodation for before/after I left the clinic. The airport was amazing at providing assistance whilst there as well.

It seemed daunting, but in reality, was no harder than here. But the care was immeasurably better.

In fact I just had an email yesterday from them asking how I am, and if I needed anything.

yes its awful you are young and need this sorted. i cannot understand why the nhs cannot fund some of these operations as people are suffering and having to take out loans or use savings. or pay a contribution and this would reduce the waiting lists which will only get worse - people have paid in some all their lives and are in pain - if you paid into bupa and they never came up with the goods they would be dragged into the courts for failing to meet their term of their contracts.

lg