Private X-Rayd

[Thisoldbird]

Can anyone tell me how to arrange an X-Ray without going through a GP please.

Not for me but I've offered to make enquiries on behalf of a relative.

She had a fall late July..suffered pain but didn't want to make a fuss by going to A&E while Covid is about. She did eventually go when the pain got worse..few hours later she was told she had fractured her pelvis..apparently no treatment other than pain relief.

4 weeks later, extreme pain so returned to A&E..wondering had they missed something..they wouldn't do another xray as she hadn't had another fall..

Prescribed Morphine patches that made her violently sick..

The pain is getting worse, she is in tears half the day, takes far too long to get to bathroom and ankles very swollen..as a last resort she wonders if she pays she could get an xray without GP and A&E involved..

It shouldn't be this way but at 80 years old she is desperate to get better..

Sorry it's a long read..any advise please..

[dannyk13]

shedman, doctors are reluctant to prescribe 30/500 co-codamol as it can become addictive.

[bednobs]

however, as thisoldbird has said the sister has already been prescribed morphine. Therefore I doubt the GP would be reluctant to prescribe something that's weaker.
GPs are not always good at reading between the lines when it comes to symptom control (although of course some are excellent) so your sister will have to spell it out how much pain she's in

[youngmafbog]

Most consultants will required you to be referred. Of course for things like boob jobs that is not the case. However phone you GP and say you want a private x-ray I have never met a GP yet that wont refer (Most of them 'moonlight' down there anyway so probably get a pint of their mates for the referral.

My last visit in Feb to the Nuffield was:
£190 for first consultation
Ultra sound (outpatient) £123
X-ray £281
Follow up consultation £210

[theshedman]

dannyk13, yes but if you are in enough pain they will do it for a time. I always have some in for my back and doctor is happy to prescribe them as she knows I only take when really needed along with Diazepam but again only when really needed. If they are on the 8/500 they could get the 15/500 and that may work.

[Thisoldbird]

Co-cocodamol help for a while but not long. She is taking as prescribed.
She most certainly has told the GP how bad the pain is..over the phone he seems to not have be of further help.
Bednobs she must definitely is determined to help herself..sometimes people need a bit more help.
We both spent best part of our working life helping people when they needed it..with compassion. Sadly the world has changed and it seems every man for himself..

[bednobs]

Then she needs to ring the gp again and explain how th cocodamol is not strong enough and she needs something stronger.

[jennyjoan]

When a person is given a strong painkiller and it could be addictive - why would one worry about addiction at 80 years old.

My nephew's wife got a private x-ray last year for cancer related problems. I think he said it cost £200 and was worth every halfpenny.

[Sqad]

JJ

"When a person is given a strong painkiller and it could be addictive - why would one worry about addiction at 80 years old."
Exactly.

[pixie374]

Well said, jj. It seems to be a problem with ineffective painkillers, rather than a misdiagnosis. There are lots of others she could try, but you will need to be really clear to them about which are or aren't effective, how and why.

[jennyjoan]

exactly Sqad - I have a friend who has great sleep problems - her doctor has given her quite a mild sleeping pill - guess what - she won't take them in case she gets addicted, oh me oh my - she is 71. Why would you sleep deprive yourself when help is near, it beggars belief.

[fbg40]

One way around this would be to dial 999 and ask/plead for an ambulance. The paramedics would probably give you a lot of help. I was a Fireman and we worked closely with the Ambulance service who, these days, are very well practiced and informed. They are almost as good as doctors. Good luck.
FBG40

[bednobs]

I disagree (not with you saying paramedics are fab - they are) but this is a chronic condition that does not need a 999 call