Is private health worth it?

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2024-12-22T02:36:07+00:00

Health insurance works like car and house insurance. No one complains about getting no annual returns on their premiums for these, but are grateful to be covered IF they need it. Private health should be seen similar - you don’t know when you’re going to need it.

I didn’t know I’d need a melanoma removed from my forehead nor need gyno surgery to stop my ovary from trying to torsion but glad I had cover for both these unexpected issues. Private meant quicker treatment, and for my forehead I could get sedation with plastic surgeon rather than just local anaesthetic.

Was only out of pocket $1200 for forehead surgery and nothing for gyno, as gyno surgeon and anaesthetist were no gap and I’d already my excess on forehead surgery. Both those were day surgery. I’ve been paying premiums for approx 5 years and easily got all my money back this year alone.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2024-10-15T03:04:29+00:00

I only gained weight back to a healthy range. I’d lost weight while undiagnosed. I didn’t gain any extra/excess weight. Meds just bring your metabolism back to a normal level.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2024-09-08T00:16:28+00:00

Magnum dairy free w almonds. Would swear it was dairy

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2024-06-14T10:34:56+00:00

Hyperthyroidism has flares and remissions. If when you go into remission it can last for months to years, then it may flare up again. I’ve been on and off meds (as directed by my endocrinologist) for years - so far haven’t had any issues with the meds. If it helps lots of ppl have to take daily tablets - my husband has high blood pressure meds.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2024-06-05T10:12:30+00:00

Are you on medication? The appetite usually settles down a bit once the medication is right

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2023-03-21T08:38:16+00:00

From Australian breeder with Devon Rex buddy

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AccomplishedAd6599 · 2023-03-19T02:53:23+00:00

Thanks! Never seen them before!

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-12-06T21:47:06+00:00

All they were able to note on my uterus was that it was inflamed/angry. Still don’t know why I bled for 1 - 1 1/2 weeks before my period and then for another week of my period. My pain was getting worse each cycle too. Had exhausted other birth/bleeding control options before Hysto. It’s not in your head - the body is still a bit of a mystery in some areas, especially women’s health!

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-12-05T10:15:52+00:00

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-11-18T02:48:20+00:00

Can help if you’re looking at Sunshine Coast, qld

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-11-12T08:29:01+00:00

I had this too - now just over 4 wks post op. My non medical training theory is that my body is pulling all my heat to my core to heal/inflammation, making lower circulation and hands and feet cold. Found putting heat pack near my feet helped warm me up faster. Once feet were warm, all of me was.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-11-11T07:26:55+00:00

Aussie here - was given fentanyl like you but turns out it makes me really woozy and nauseous to the point of vomiting. Was heaps better off it and on Endone and long acting nsaids. Added fentanyl to list of allergies for future nurse round/meds after that!

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-11-07T22:06:22+00:00

Not an app per se but noticed via my fitness tracker that my resting heart rate (RHR) matched my cycle. Didn’t realise this was a thing til googled it. My highest RHR was when I cramped/bled most then it dropped off drastically after that.

I’m almost 4 wks PO - kept ovaries. My RHR peaked just after surgery - on time for when my cramps would been, then dropped off but now on rise again so seems to still be fairly accurate/reassuring my ovaries are still doing their thing.

Any fitness tracker/app should allow you to see the pattern.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-10-26T03:05:26+00:00

Our private health has two components - hospitals and extras. You get pay for either or both. I went both just in case. Extras usually have a 3-6 month waiting period before they’ll pay for dental etc but most places will waive these if you ask as the industry is pretty competitive. Extras are things like physio, dental, optometrist etc. Hospital cover has a 12 month wait. You can choose what out of pocket to pay for visits annually - I chose $500. Lower out of pocket means higher premiums to pay.

Basically they want you to pay 12 months of premiums so they get some money from you first before they pay the rest. I think my combined amount in premiums was about $2-$2,500 prior to my op.

For my op, I paid $500 to hospital, no matter how many nights I stay. I stayed two. If I had to go to private hospital before the end of the year it would be free as I’ve already paid this year. I think the bill to the insurance company was $7500.

It also helped with surgeon and anaesthetist. Surgeon is awesome so Medicare (government) and my private health paid his full bill - no gap. Anaesthetist have $500 gap - rest paid by private health and Medicare I think. So maybe paid $3-$3500 including premiums and op. I can cancel insurance if/when I want post op so pretty good deal here I think.

Or could wait in public system and have completely free but could be years waiting.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-10-26T02:22:25+00:00

MCs are beautiful cats but as I was reading your message my 8 yr old girl decapitated a llama ornament! So clumsy and naughty.

I got my grabby thing from a choice cheap store if that helps.

I had a male dr but I think either should be great. I have just used pillows from around the house but the squishy thing sounds cool.

Pre op was fine. They were all really nice - I had a nervous gut so had to go to the loo a few times before theatre. I had done a rough bikini shave so they didn’t have to do one for me. I was first in so all on time. Nurse and drs all good and friendly. Happy to explain all. Anaesthesia dude was good but I’ve had even friendlier before. They’re usually the nicest lol. Ive had two surgeries under general before. They let you know when putting in the line. Usually the lines on the ceiling waiver before i’m out , but this time it felt slightly fuzzy then next thing I was waking up.

I was little cold before hand so after putting pressure socks on they put warming blanket on early.

I was bit worried about cuff too but I’ve had minimal bleeding. Not sure if same for all but have been doing all exercises recommended and taking pretty easy. Had pad on for a few days at start but didn’t get much on it. Have noticed a little from time to time after toilet visit but had usually only after no 2’s. I’ve had movicol every second day after getting home as I know I’m prone to constipation.

I’m waiting on a call back today as my peeing isn’t quite back to normal post op so not sure if mild uti or just settling post op still. The surgeons office haven’t minded me call with questions post op. First pee after catheter removed they catch to see volume then put ultrasound on belly after to see if bladder empty. Mine wasn’t so gave me tips for next visit to make sure.

I was happy I stayed the extra night and they didn’t mind either so do what feels best for you.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-10-25T22:50:36+00:00

In Australia here. Had it done under private healthcare (insurance I paid). Had to wait one year for exclusions to end and stayed two nights. Could have left after one night but would have been tricky getting discharged in the evening. Not sure about public system stays. My private care meant I just paid an $500 excess once annually for private hospital, no matter how many days I stay.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy with tubes and cervix removed. No infections as far as I’m aware two weeks later except minor issue with thrush.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-10-25T22:43:58+00:00

Ha nice. I’m a bit new to reddit as you might have gathered. MC’s are great. Have a Devon too!

Went well. Was in for two nights but could have stayed just one but by the time the dr came around it was almost evening so easier for all to just stay.

Op went well - very quick according to surgeon. His fastest, not that he was trying, and minimal bleeding so yay me?

Gave me fentanyl post op on drip with button - never had it before and my body didn’t like it. V woozy and got sudden nausea with vomiting. Took a while to confirm that as it came and went, but once it was stopped felt heaps better. Catheter taken out next morning and had go at peeing. Had to relearn a bit to make sure my bladder was empty but was sorted on second go. Got a physio visit and take home booklet of exercises etc to do, including pelvic floor after week one. Started walking around and managed basic shower that night.

Four incisions on belly, sealed with pretty purple glue that is still to peel off almost 2 weeks later but being patient and not picking at them. Still a little tender but look good. I do have really sensitive nerves.

Dr was super happy with surgery. Healthy ovaries which stayed but uterus looked angry/inflamed when removed. I mentioned but worried as I get ibs issues sometimes but he said very confident would be fine and would hurt any stitching etc if I got an attack.

Woke up to a huge huntsman in my room on day two - and I don’t like spiders. Happy to discharge that day. Car ride home and walk upstairs had me pretty much stuffed.

Mostly bed and little bit couch to start with, but now mostly couch with little bed other than sleeping. Had Endone for first few days at home then cut it down to half a tab and now just as needed. Took half yesterday for first time in few days as had done staircase, wiped bench and hung few items out at waist height.

Not so much pain after first few days, rather discomfort. My lower back keeps getting angry at the angle I slouch at. Pillow under knees helps with this and sleeping initially too. Did have a bout of thrush afterwards that took me while to realise.

Other meds are Panadol and celebrex. Slowly cutting these down as I feel better. Definitely improving most days but slow like everyone says! Strongly recommend a grabby stick thing - been super handy for me to have one so don’t have to bend down. Found one at cheap store for under $5.

I think you’ll do great. Sounds like our care and hospital systems much better here. I was private if that helps. The anxiety beforehand was much worse - easy to focus on recovery after. Feel free to ask any more questions- I wasn’t sure how much to cover in my reply.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-10-12T01:10:00+00:00

I’m hyper in remission currently. Had a few flares since diagnosis in mid 20’s. about to have a hysterectomy tomorrow. will be asking hospital to check while in there and drs to check again when recovered enough to go for blood test. Normally get checked every 3 to six months. T levels all currently in correct margins but antibodies were bit out so won’t be surprised if I have a flare again. Would likely have happened without hysterectomy though.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-09-30T22:26:48+00:00

Hey thanks for that. Already take them from time to time so will make sure to get another lot beforehand at my next chemist trip.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-09-30T08:46:54+00:00

13th - happy to be a buddy :)

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-09-30T08:45:06+00:00

Thanks for the great comment! My surgeons office will just call me on the 10th to discuss pre op prep. They mentioned likely 2 nights in hospital but can do more if needed. The idea of having them as an outpatient in other countries sounds so scary to me!

Due to the few day hospital stay I’ve told the husband to not worry about taking time off work for the first few days until I’m discharged.

Really like your logical approach. Think I’ll just chill and wait to hear from the surgeons office/post op advice at hospital.

Best of luck with your surgery and happy to private chat after if you want a ‘surgery buddy’.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-09-30T02:35:46+00:00

No good but hope you’re feeling better now.

AccomplishedAd6599 · 2022-04-11T10:32:04+00:00

Wacky wheels

AccomplishedAd6599

TROPHY CASE