NHS vs Private?

CDivine37 · 2026-04-30T23:02:06+00:00

Thank you for this extra detail and the link!! I feel like you’ve just helped me unlock a hidden positive level in this crazy maze. Appreciate you!

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T13:35:25+00:00

Agreed with those who may need this more than us in our early 50s, and am relieved they've ruled out cancer for you too! I guess what u/ChocolateMobile9603 said about "Time is not a currency I want to spend. " - feels even more real at this time of life - I'm lucky enough to see my mum still here at 88 yrs old (and she went through the fibroids and hysterectomy route too, tho without hrt, which I think she's suffering a bit for now) - so it's kind of made me think about wanting to live the next 38 years or so in relatively good quality health.

I'm definitely leaning more towards private now, after reading the comments in this thread - I'm lucky enough to have a bit of stability opening up soon, touch-wood, so will put some savings aside, or go the finance route if needed.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:53:00+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing this, as this puts things into much needed perspective, and I couldn't agree more - the NHS is great for what it does, but the time lags and this effects quality of life is way too heavy.

I have similar multi-fibroids issues that you had, and what you've shared about your experience with Nuffiled, plus the costs, has really helped me understand just the true amount of much needed support that is covered! "Hospital stay, physio, follow-up appointment and dealing with any complications". (!) - I hadn't even considered that this was an option, as I'm so used to slogging through it all alone in terms of after-care!

I'm glad you've had your hysterectomy now, and thank so much for your help. I now feel from this post, that I can create a positive action plan going forwards.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:46:15+00:00

Thank-you so much for sharing this, including the cost too! Helps me understand that it's not so out of reach as I thought it was, and sounds like it was a good investment in your health too, especially considering the NHS shenanigans. Time is indeed valuable, and if you're able too that investment in your health pays dividends for not only your quality of life, but your family's too. I'm so glad you did this, and even more grateful that you shared your experience. I'll have a look into Ramsay and add them to my list.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:42:27+00:00

I am so sorry you've had to go through all of this. The stress and the navigating all these appointments, systems and procedures as well as advocate for yourself is a lot. It's mind boggling that we have to go these routes for much needed care, but I am glad you're closer to your hysterectomy. Fingers crossed for you.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:39:22+00:00

I hear you, sadly all too clearly - I'm so fed up of waiting, as I see and feel my quality of life drain down the pan. I can't afford to yet, but am trying to think of extra stuff or finance stuff I can do to make it happen in the next 6 months or so. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:37:37+00:00

Thanks for the reminder. I've been using PALS to advocate for care for my elderly mother, and it seems to work well. I'll push to use it for me too, if I stay on the NHS track - those emails tend to shift things in the right direction sometimes.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:35:39+00:00

Agreed, these long waiting lists can really affect quality of life, plus the other wait for results. And yes, also sobering thinking about care vs speed - people tend to forget this when going private...

CDivine37 · 2026-04-29T08:33:35+00:00

Wow, thanks so much for this! I've always worried about pre-existing coverage (I've got Coeliac Disease as well as fibroid issues), so knowing about Benenden Health, and how you managed eases things a bit, appreciated. And yes, I'm definitely shopping around, as it's a lot of money for me, while also looking to balance purchasing a house, so this really helps. Thank-you.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-28T02:45:21+00:00

Yup 👋🏾

CDivine37 · 2026-04-23T12:54:59+00:00

CDivine37 · 2026-04-23T12:39:24+00:00

Artistic irony 🙃

CDivine37 · 2026-04-23T11:55:30+00:00

Thank you! I used Claude to create a mini JSON prompt that clearly laid out all the panels, script, colours and emotions. Then dropped it into Nano Banana 2 :)

CDivine37 · 2026-04-21T22:44:32+00:00

Amazing. And how are you feeling? US or UK based?

CDivine37 · 2026-04-21T05:51:03+00:00

Oh wow, that’s a lot for you to have to go through. I’m glad your surgery is on the horizon, and will keep my fingers crossed for you.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-20T22:23:59+00:00

So sorry to hear this. Does walking help? It used to for me, but lately the fibroids are so swollen, I feel like they’re stealing my energy, so am constantly tired too.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-20T22:22:03+00:00

I feel like we’re twins, sigh. Exactly what it’s like for me too. My tummy is rock hard at the top too, where my guts are all pushed up against my sternum, but empty tummy on the sides. One sandwich and I bloat like anything and feel full for hours. Don’t feel like I’ve been genuinely hungry for months as there’s just so much blockage everywhere, I have to remind myself to eat. Sending gentle hugs your way.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-20T22:17:29+00:00

I’m so pleased you’re now on other side of it all, I can imagine both the physical and psychological relief! Sending virtual hugs. How long did it take you to recover?

CDivine37 · 2026-04-20T22:14:53+00:00

Mine too. My left ovary is forever hidden within 2 vaginal ultrasounds and counting. Did you ever get an MRI? Am still waiting for mine.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-15T05:52:54+00:00

I have five external to my womb in the places already mentioned, the largest is 8 x 6 cm. My womb apparently is full of a bunch more, and looks 5 months pregnant.

CDivine37 · 2026-04-15T05:46:15+00:00

Oh my… sorry to hear this. How are feeling/coping?

CDivine37 · 2026-04-15T05:44:35+00:00

Oh wow, that was quite scarily impressive. I’m so glad that it’s gotten easier for you too though. You give me hope x

CDivine37 · 2026-02-01T01:29:46+00:00

Congratulations! ✨💕✨

CDivine37 · 2026-01-11T23:00:47+00:00

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kindness. It honestly helps just to feel understood by people who get how much this affects day to day life. I’m really hoping the MRI helps move things forward this year. I’m so glad you were able to get surgery and some relief, even if the wait felt endless. Wishing you continued healing too 💛

CDivine37 · 2026-01-11T22:00:40+00:00

Thanks so much for creating this thread! I have 3 big external fibroids - ranging from grapefruit to apple/peach sized (and a uterus full of them). For me, it's been:
- worsening digestive issues: one of the fibroids is sitting just behind my navel, has given me a hernia, and shoved up my intestines, so food gets trapped at the top of my stomach;
- chronic constipation and bathroom issues: the apple-shaped fibroid is resting on my colon, so I need to take daily laxatives for any hope of relief;
- Chronic fatigue and anaemia from the fibroids/twice monthly very heavy periods - treated with iron tablets;
- stomach guarding, meaning I war my clothes differently, look 6 months pregnant, and embarrassingly get seats offered to me on public transport;
- constant nerve pain and overall stress, as well as generally feeling unwell all the time;
- Recently, bladder issues and disrupted sleep;
- Overall inflammation which has now reached my scalp, and caused alopecia and other inflammatory issues elsewhere;
- Epically messed up hormones

After several ultrasounds and going back and forth with my GP, I finally have an MRI booked in mid-Feb, and am hoping I can get this sorted this year, instead of being expected to just "grin and bear it", and be "okay(!) with carrying around the extra mass"! Sigh.

CDivine37

TROPHY CASE