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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Problem With the NHS

5 replies

SucculentChalice · 30/03/2022 01:06

Trying not to be identifying.

Nearly 3 years ago, I suffered a dislocation and subsequent lower limb fracture. Was referred by GP for x rays and NHS physio. I presented on crutches, non weight bearing on the affected limb. It was the type of fracture which commonly doesn't show up on x rays and needs an MRI scan to show up. NHS physio refused to refer for MRI scan, told me there was nothing wrong with me and to start weight bearing and return to exercise. Insinuated that I was lazy. I am an experienced long distance runner.

Months later it wasn't improving and due to GP's persistence, was referred for an MRI scan which showed the fracture. I then rested the limb and it healed. No follow up to check this. Later, complications developed with a piece of cartilage/bone breaking off and causing irritation. Lately this has also settled down. Due to NHS advice, I have been running mostly throughout this.

Now have no problems. NHS sent me a letter informing me that I am only to do "low impact activities". All travel insurance companies refuse to insure me for my usual holiday activities. I have a horse trekking holiday booked to North America in August. I suffer NO pain, no limits on my activity and run every second day. I was ski-ing when I received the letter (except I didn't receive it as it arrived at home and I wasn't there; the effect of the letter was that I wouldn't have been insured had an accident occurred and I would have had to self fund).

I complained to my healthcare trust; they admit to some mistakes due to communication difficulties but STILL haven't changed the advice, which appears in my medical notes and which will be apparent if I make any claim. I'm just about to buy a holiday home in France and spend a lot of time staying at a friend's place in the French Alps. The NHS is insistent that I am suffering from life limiting, degenerative osteoarthritis.

Got a private opinion from another orthopeadic consultant who disagrees with this and says I only have typical osteoarthritis for someone of my age, like thousands of people who run and do high impact activities.

There is literally nothing seriously wrong with me, but this persistence in this life limiting diagnosis is really causing me a lot of anxiety, sleepless nights, stress and so on - I think about it and it stops me falling asleep etc..

Any thoughts/advice? Is this not utterly farcical?

OP posts:
Waterfordaston · 30/03/2022 01:10

Since when has osteoarthritis been life limiting?? I have it, quite severely. It pisses me off but it isn’t shortening my life span.

Waterfordaston · 30/03/2022 01:11

Also you requested and got a second opinion. Won’t that do for insurance purposes?

SucculentChalice · 30/03/2022 01:16

@Waterfordaston

Since when has osteoarthritis been life limiting?? I have it, quite severely. It pisses me off but it isn’t shortening my life span.
I should have said activity limiting. To me, that means life limiting in the sense that I compete in my sport abroad a few times per year and currently can't do this until I get this sorted out.
OP posts:
MrOllivander · 30/03/2022 01:17

That seems odd definitely
Saying that, my record says I have asthma. I don't have asthma
I've also had a letter saying I've "had peritonitis for many years". I'm not a medical miracle and have never had peritonitis... Hmm

SucculentChalice · 30/03/2022 01:17

@Waterfordaston

Also you requested and got a second opinion. Won’t that do for insurance purposes?
I tried several insurance companies (I have to renew my travel insurance) and answers vary between requiring two contradictory opinions and requiring a correction from the NHS. I am already nearly 3 years from the initial injury and still haven't made any progress.
OP posts:
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