DD5 with constant infections, pains etc - Should we go private or stick with NHS?

[urrm]

Hi,

My daughter is constantly ill and when not ill is exhausted and still complains of tummy ache etc. Doctor is concerned and is referring us. I was wondering if we should stick with the NHS for her referral to a paediatrician or go private?

Any advice gratefully received. If you do think it worth going private - how on earth do you choose who to see ? (we are in Nottingham) Money is not free flowing so i am a bit concerned about costs (any ideas on what these are) though prepared to do what ever i can to get her well.

thank you

Do you know who you are being referred too? first thing to do is ring up and find out what the wait is/when you are likely to be seen. If it seems like ages, or is too long for you, find out if that paediatrician does private work and where, get their secretaries number and find out the cost of coming off the NHS waiting list and going private.
I did this for myself when waiting for a scan, we did however have healthcare cover but I didn't realise it covered the scan. I rang up the private hospital and made appointment and then spoke to GP surgery to fax over the referral letter so consulatnt had a copy and they knew the background and concerns. then I had to ring NHS and get myself taken off the list - really important.

Hope that helps x

Just googled private hospitals in your area. This one came up - does that sound right? might be worth a call

Stick to the nhs. Private is for getting surgery faster, having your own room etc.
Ask around for recommendations of a paed in Nottingham, and then get your gp to give you an nhs referral.

what Rancer said! I work in private healthcare

Your dr is concerned and is referring you. If he is rapid with this you should stick to nhs. The difficult bit is getting the dr to take you seriously enough to refer.

I have had a similar problem with DD and it's really worrying I know what you are going through and wish you luck.

THANK YOU :)

For such quick responses and kind words.

Part of my indecision is about trying not to overreact ( people are constantly telling me it is just bad luck etc etc) whilst not ignoring my gut feelings ( she seems to have regressed - she has an renewed obsession with my boobs and wanting to cuddle them and the constant bad sleep has driven me to the point of putting her bed next to mine in the hope of more sleep for both of us).......sorry i have slipped into moaning :/ I know it could all be so much worse.

I think the clincher for the GP was my demonstration of her tiredness - at her 5 th birthday party (postponed once 'cos of tonsilitis) we only had three friends at the house and did craft things yet after about an hour she took herself up to her room for a 'break'. She has also not been to school since easter as she has only had about four days without being infections with something...homeschooling is an interesting new topic on our horizon!

Thanks again NHS it seems to be.

Sorry - GhouliaYelps

How are you getting on with your daughter? Have they given you any ideas or solutions yet...if not i hope you get some soon for both your sakes.

Hi we are ok ish..., she was finally tested at Christmas for all sorts of problems inc markers for Leukemia and it was all, apparently fine. The Paed had some really odd ideas about giving her certain medications whenever she gets a cold but they made no sense to me so it is still all a bit

I know so well the feeling of re-scheduling parties, missing countless events due to illness it's awful. DD still get's many more infections that I would like and has missed more school than any of her classmates but we just ride it through, we are used to it really....