Can you change your mind about private surgery?

[Imfinee]

Hi everyone.

I’ve had three miscarriages and since then had pain round my ovary.

I have private healthcare through work. Rang up last week and got a hospital appointment in less than a week. I know I am very lucky.

I expected diagnosis of a cyst and was really surprised that the doctor said possibly it’s endometriosis and recommended keyhole surgery. I am phobic of surgery so from then on was in shock my mind was blank.

He said he’d get me booked in and confirm dates later and before the op I’d have a pre-op consultation and my private healthcare would cover it all.

I signed something and I’m not really sure what it was, I think it was about would you have a blood transfusion or maybe something to do with my private healthcare.

I know I should have said can I have some time to think but I feel my phobia is stupid and it’s a bit embarrassing to say I have a fear of a survey can I have a think.

Surgery does seem drastic to me as my pain isn’t severe or anything and I don’t have any of the classic endo signs. Never suspected I have it. I thought they’d scan for cysts first.

My question is, are you bound by the first consultation? If I decide not to go ahead with surgery it / when they send me a date will they ask my healthcare to pay out anyway for the operation ? Or is this common.

I know I should have asked all this it’s just been an emotional year and my mind shut down.

You can cancel up to moment of the anaesthetic.

I would suggest phoning the healthcare provider and talking to them about it. We have a similar set-up where I work and I've always found the helpline very good.

You can cancel definitely, but if the cysts are affecting your chances of a viable pregnancy, is the surgery worth the risk of not having another miscarriage? Also if you do go on to have a child, you make need a section, which again would require surgery.

I would talk to them about your fears around surgery; you would not be the first person to express such fears to a gynae and they won't think you are at all stupid. Please talk to these people and or the healthcare provider and ensure they answer any and all questions you have.

I was also very shocked and somewhat scared when the possibility of gynae surgery (laparoscopy) was mooted - but it gave me answers.

Surgery complications should have been explained to you, including all the risks associated. It sounds like they bulldozed you into the op. Phone them up and cancel, you don’t need to give any reason. Get a second opinion, I’ve had private health insurance pay for second opinion before.

Thank you very much Attila, I really appreciate this and I’m glad you got your answers

You’re right Spaghetti I was really surprised. Bearing in mind this is the first appointment I have EVER had in relation to gyno and I’m not on severe pain all the time or anything. It was via private healthcare so know they’re decisive but friends who have ended up having lapro seem to have a bit more of investigation prior to this although one was NHS.

I have responded to a couple of people individually but want thank you all for your really helpful responses.

If he is suggesting a diagnostic laparoscopy, then that is the only definite way to know what, if anything, is causing your issues. 3 tiny incisions in the skin on your abdomen where teeny cameras are put in to see what's going on in there. From there, they can perform any surgery, if before the actual surgery you sign to say they can, or they will suture the teeny incisions and let you make your decision about a future op.
Of course you can change your mind now! Right up to the second before you go under the anaesthetic. But it may cost (at that point) as it's private healthcare.
From my very basic understanding, hope that helps a bit

That helps so much thank you, and actually doesn’t sound as bad as I’ve whipped it up in my head. I am just struggling to believe I have endo. I don’t know if my intuition is correct or I’m just in denial. I’ve never had super heavy or painful periods and my ovary pain only started during pregnancy which is why I thought oh probably it’s a cyst. I appreciate I’m not medically trained though although I am a biological scientist. Really really just surprised me (as I’ve said repeatedly sorry 😂).

ps he did say if they find anything (I.e. endo) they’ll remove it there and then

Laparoscopy is minimally invasive surgery and the definitive test for your symptoms. If you can manage it, it would be great to go through the procedure.

Usually with private health care you also have the option of a second opinion with another consultant or if you tell them your doubt they may approve a second consultation to discuss your concerns. The secretaries of the private consultants are usually able to give you additional information about the procedure.

The thing with private they tend to just get on and do the full investigations rather then faff about with the cheaper often non conclusive options.

Thank you I see a lot better knowing it’s not that invasive

Feel*