Peter -someone need to tell you Sqad lives ABROAD is getting treated ABROAD because he lives ABROAD and has no intentions (I believe) of coming back to the UK and certain no intentions (I believe) of ever suffering the NHS ;-)
hellywelly -you are very lucky then. I'm in the process of being tested /diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Privately ! got an appointment with the consultant in less than a week, NHS appointment - 3 months waiting list (despite having paid into the NHS for over 30 years).
He'll probably log on and let everyone know it was no big deal however not for Mrs Sqad was it :-) He has been let home but needs a lot of care from his wife - an unenviable task, I understand he's a grumpy and difficult patient who won't do as he's told. I hope he regains enough strength to give someone a spanking.
For the record he lives in Menorca and they both have nothing but praise for the Spanish medical services, not something I think he's said about the NHS.
Mrs Sqad must be an angel, or have the patience of a saint. I don't think men make good patients, and old and male retired doctors will be just about be too much for any human female to cope with.
Sqad - I hope that you are feeling back to normal soon.