considering private treatment - how do i go about it?

[Moomin]

have been ttc for nearly 2 years - secondary infertility. my consultant says there is evidence of cysts in my ovary from endometriosis. he wants to scan me again next month then talk about the possibility of sugery or drugs. but i've been reading up on this and the drugs are not recommended for someone ttc. i started another thread about the endo yesterday and was forced to think about my consultant and whther he's right for me. it's very awkward though as dh works with him (and all the rest of them at my local hospital).
am thinking about private care now - but where and how? i live in the west midlands but could travel if it's necessary.

[strawberry]

I think you should do what's best for you. What does DH say about going private? You could even use the excuse that it's a bit 'close to home' for such a personal situation. You have a right to a second opinion if you're not happy.

In order to arrange a consultation with a private specialist you will need to be referred by your GP.

Good luck

[SantaFio2]

have you been to your GP? whenever i have gone private they have sorted it out for me.

Are you under Birmingham Womens Hospital because they are suppossed to be one of the best

[Moomin]

am going to see gp on friday morning. spoke to dh about it this morning. i think he's just worried because he didn't really know how upset i was about it all until it came out after the scan yesterday. he's very supportive and says he will do whatever he can to help me.
b'ham women's hosp is not too far away if i get private treatment there. thanks for that santafio2

[Moomin]

just did a quick search of private fertility clinics and the nearest priavte hosp actually lists my consultant as one of their specialists, first in gynae care and second in fertility. so would he be telling me exactly the same as anyone else who specialises in fertility treatment then? I'm so confused!

[pantomimedame]

No, consultants differ in their approach/beliefs about which treatments are effective, based on their own experience with their own casemix as well as hard research - medicine is an art as well as a science, IYSWIM. But you probably know that anyway if dh works at a hospital!

If you are researching going private check any consultant you see is on the General Medical Council's specialist register www.gmc-uk.org and do ring a few different consultants (via their private secretaries) to compare prices, can vary wildly. Check what's included in the quoted price, some include investigations etc. some don't. Dr Foster website www.drfoster.co.uk can be handy in pointing you in direction of some consultants but they rate consultants via how good they are at research which isn't necessarily the same as being a good doctor. GP is probably safe bet as they know the reputation of local consultants and have feedback from any patients they've referred.
Good luck!

[MeerkatsUnite]

Moomin,

I would also ask this question you pose on the NES's website and see if there are any other women who have seen a consultant with a specialist interest in endometriosis in your area. Some gynaes are far more clued up on endo than others.

Think GP will have to refer you initially to such a person but there is nothing to stop you making your own enquiries in the meantime. Getting a second opinion may give you more options as well.

[nicolaomalley]

consult your gp and ask to be referred to birmingham womems hospital... best hospital

[JAG123]

Have you tried the Midland Fertility Clinic. I think its supposed to be one of the best private clinics. It gives lots of information on it's website www.midlandfertility.com (sorry don't know how to do links)including info about fees. I think that they also have regular open evenings. Hope this is of some help & Good luck.

[suss]

if you are eligible for nhs treatment but the waiting list is too long consider self funding ie nhs treatment but you pay., it's cheaper than going private ( they can't make a profit.) good luck I had my fertility treatment in London at the chelsea & westminster and know nothing about the midlands but very good luck am sure you will be successful