Hi Everyone New to the forum, been diagnosed since 23rd nov 11 but knew something was wrong long beforehand My wife pushed me to seek treatment thank goodness Since then it has been constant med alterations that are never totally satisfactory I am fortunate to be in contact with a PD nurse who is always sympathetic but does not have the power to prescribe meds but can only E-mail my consultant for advice As there are few consultants per population of PD sufferers this can take weeks to resolve so leaving the sufferer to endure hours of pain ,discomfort,tiredness etc,etc. I have no qualms with the professionals that look after me but appreciate they are overworked and under resourced So to my question, is there any one who deals with PD through private health care and what are the benefits?
As my symptoms built up, I went to my GP, who first advised a visit to a bone specialist before I saw a neurologist. As I didn't want to wait weeks for a consultation in both cases, I went private. On the first visit to the neurologist, after a thorough examination and having been asked lots of questions, I could tell he knew what was wrong with me, so I continued to see him privately for about 8yrs - I had faith in him and at the time could afford the fee. Then my husband retired and I felt it was a luxury we could ill afford, so found an NHS specialist with a good reputation. That was over 5 yrs ago; I see him every 4 months and usually my session with him is relaxed and unhurried. Unfortunately medication alterations do take weeks even months before you can decide what is right for you and everyone I know with PD dreads any change because it is so upsetting. If you pay for your NHS prescription, it might be a good idea to check how you would get your meds, as a private health care prescription was very costly. The only way round that was for the consultant to write to my GP and advise her what I needed but that was always time consuming. If you have faith in your consultant, my advice would be to stick with him and the NHS, and talk to him about the problems you face with changing meds. Yes, many doctors are overworked, but as a patient you have to make him listen to the very real problems you have to face every day. Keep a diary of what a few days in your life is like, and write down everything you want to ask or say - that way, you don't forget anything and you can hand over your record/list if you find yourself unable to explain. Sorry it's a bit lengthy and hope it helps.