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Update on my R shoulder

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Posted 9/21/2007 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I had seen the GP today and he said I do not have frozen shoulder (good news), but it is caused by SLE.  Well!  I am sort of glad because at least I know it is treatable.  He prescribed me some anti-inflammation drugs (Volteran) for a week and go back for the next appt.  I have to wait at least a few weeks for a new rhumty appt. 

Here in UK is so different.  I only have 10 mins to see the GP.  He made a double appt for me next time. 

I am also so worried that the NHS will charge me and bill me later.  Although the GP said I do not have to pay even though I cannot register as a student until Oct, and I came in to the country with a valid student visa, I am still so scared and hysterial because of my bad expereicne when I first came to the States.  I guess I have to trust what the GP said. 

UK system and so different from the US, and I am still learning it, with fear that I will receive a bill.

 

Posted 9/21/2007 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Omega . . . sorry it such an adjustment with the docs here. It is very common to wait 2 or more months to see a new rheumy. I am still waiting for a Nov 15 appt which will be a 2.5 month wait. I am blessed because I am feeling way better than when I made the appointment, so I don't feel so flustered about it now. It must be really scary getting all new doctors PLUS being outside of your own country for care. I'm glad the gp was able to help with your shoulder. When you make your rheumy appt ask them if they would put you on the cancellation list so you might get in earlier. Keep us posted!! Blessings!
Posted 9/21/2007 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Omega, sorry to hear about your shoulder. I have had forzen shoulder a couple of times over the years. I think once the inflammation goes down you should be fine. I hear the UK is much better than the States. There was a movie recently on how France, Canada and UK health systems are so much better. From what I understand only emergency care is covered in UK. You may want to contact either the British Tourist Authority or the U.S. Consular Section of the British Embassy to see what their health care policies are. Good luck with everything - Kristin
Posted 9/21/2007 7:20 PM (GMT 0)
Omega, I never had frozen shoulder but it does sound painful. I sure hope that the anti-inflammatory works for you. Keeping you in my thoughts.

Take Care
Posted 9/21/2007 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Rosie. I will ask my GP to request me to be put on the cancelation list. It is pretty scary for me to be in a new country and everything is so new and different from the States.

Kristen, thanks for the info and I will look @ it. Yes, the health system is indeed better in the other three countries than in the States, at least for money matter.

Des, yes, it is very painful. One day it was so painful that I wanted to beat someone up and got my temper extremely grudgy and cranky.
Posted 9/22/2007 2:58 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Omega,
I was in the UK for the summer and went in for an eye infection and I was never billed, it was free because I had a valid visa like you, I was on a student visa and not working, but on a student work visa through BUNAC. Its hard to imagine a government that cares enough about people to provide medical care for them, when I went to the UK I realized how badly everyone in this country is getting ripped off. Basic medical care is the least we can do. I understand that seeing a specialist is a little harder, but the care I received was excellent and even the medicine was free. US is disgusting from a human rights standpoint, we do not care at all about the health and welfare of our citizens, especially the sick and aged, unless someone important can get really wealthy or unless they can create a glut of useless jobs, like trying to see whos ripping off who. UK figures its cheaper just to provide the care without discrimination and its right, and gives the citizens a feeling of dignity and respect. After all, if you treat your citizens like criminals, they will eventually act like it. I don't think you should get a bill at all so I wouldn't worry. It's amazing because their system really does work.
Posted 9/22/2007 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
I'm glad the health care in UK is working well for those of you who posted. I have relatives in Canada and my Aunt is battling breast cancer right now. I am appalled at the distance she needs to travel for daily radiation (an hour and a half each way) and the many months she had to wait for her radiation treatments. Everything has taken so long. Just to have an MRI (which had to be done before they could actually start any treatments) she had to wait almost two months!! I am afraid for our government to take over the health care system . . . but yet, I agree that it is not as good as it could be right now. I would love to hear about other's experiences outside of the US.
Posted 9/22/2007 9:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marji
Thanks for the relief.

Hi Rosie,
I studied in Canada when I was a teenager. The health system back then was pretty good, at least in my experience. I only needed to pay for the first half year of insurance, and then I was treated without any charges. I think I had to pay for prescription that time, but not expensive. Here in UK each prescription cost $7 pounds no matter how much it is (one month supply 7 pounds, three months supply also 7 pounds). It is pretty good for us with chronic illness.

My shoulder pain is better. It still hurts but not as much as before. I think the Volteran starts to kick in. The movement is still the same, but at least the pain is much better.
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