Surgery / Covid 19

[peeweehelp]

I am due elective surgery in less than 2 weeks.

The procedure can wait but it is being done via a private hospital and I have paid in full a few weeks ago.

Do I cancel and lose my money? As per their terms.
Hope that they cancel (it's before 15th April)?
Or go ahead? I am young and in good health.

I'm so scared.

Advice please!

I'd just sit tight and wait and see for the time being rather than risk losing your money

The cost was £7k which I can't really afford to lose and certainly can't find it again when this passes.

It's for a breast reduction which although cosmetic for me would be life changing.

From a care point of view they won't proceed unless safe to do so i.e correct amount of staff

I am also having a surgery next week at a private hospital. I am also young but not concerned. The hospital doesn't have an a&e or urgent care and I think the odds of catching the virus there are probably less than a lot of places right now. What are you concerns?

@ErickBroch catching it during recovery / lowered immune system after general anaesthetic

You have made me feel more confident though - thank you. Maybe I am over worrying.

I'm also having elective surgery tomorrow at a private hospital. I have no qualms at all about going ahead. I'm more afraid they will cancel me

Wait for them to cancel!

I'm having my gallbladder removed tomorrow and have been unsure about proceeding. I'm an NHS employee and have been on waiting list for 6 months, NHS are sending me private to 'fast track' me and get me back to work as fit as possible as I've lost working days due to it.

Gallbladder has been bothering me these last few days so I know I should just get it over and done with, then i can be back at work on light duties to help my colleagues in whatever way I can.

As I waited for years (I was 43) because I could not decide whether to have a breast reduction or not, I do assure you that it could wait until the crisis is over. Do not cancel. They will contact you. If it had to wait until late summer, for example, would it really matter? I know it is life changing (for the better) but a few months might not really be very important if it has to be postponed. You will not lose the money so do not worry. They just might reschedule you. Good luck when you do go in. You will not regret it.

@InTheCludgie thank you for everything you and your colleagues are doing! Best of luck with the recovery

Thanks peewee I'm hopeful of only being off for two weeks as all being well, it will be done laparascopically instead of open. The hospital is currently in a preparation phase (training of ppe use, emptying beds and reorganising critical care facilities) so hoping to be back in time for the predicted busy period.
All the best to everyone else undergoing procedures!

I'm currently sitting in a private hospital waiting for my partner to come out of cancer surgery. His was urgent so was going ahead no matter what, but the hospital will cancel anything non urgent if they think there is a risk

Hello! Is anyone still around?

Getting very nervous and just don't know what to do as things are changing so fast.

Personally, I would speak to the hospital and see what they think. I wouldn’t want to lose my money but, think about how you’ll feel if you catch it during your stay or soon after?

Can you imagine how painful it will be to cough after this type of surgery? Or how the other symptoms will make you feel on top of the recovery pain from surgery? People describing it as feeling someone is sitting on your chest, I can’t imagine how that would feel having had a breast reduction.

@FinanciallyUnsavvy that's exactly what I'm worried about.

It's something I've wanted for years and could not afford it again if I lose the money I've saved and paid.

I'm thinking of saying I have a cough etc, terrible I know but then they couldn't go ahead!

I’d contact your surgeon / hospital and ask .

@bengalcat I have - they want to go ahead

If they want to go ahead you'll almost certainly lose your money. My contract with the hospital was very clear about that. To get a refund THEY would have to be the ones cancelling.

Mine was one on Friday and I'm in the recovery period. It was my leg though so if I do get CV19 it shouldn't have any impact on the outcome. It would have taken a great deal for me to want to have to cancel. Whilst nowhere is "safe" we are not as badly affected here as in places like London so that would have a bearing on my decision.

Not sure what I'd do in your position though.

@peeweehelp what's your situation once you leave the surgery? Can you isolate fully at home for your recovery?

Also can you isolate fully for two weeks beforehand to ensure you don't have it come on at point of surgery or in recovery?

It is unlikely to still go ahead. Any ventilators and anaesthetist will no doubt be in use elsewhere. Sit tight for now.

@Littleninja1 I can yes but I will obviously be exposed to people whilst I am there and my husband will be shopping for us before and after so can't guarantee!