I thought I would post on my journey so far with applying to have the implant done via the NHS in the UK and the process I have been going through.
When I first tried to find info and asked on FT about other guys that had the implant done via the NHS I had to wade through a lot of posts to get to the meat of what I was trying to find out. Often enough, the guys have many posts, and it's hard to find one related to anything about the NHS process easily.
A couple of guys PM'd me, and I got some great info that has helped me on my journey so far that have had the implant via the NHS.
I'm going to post my journey so far and update this thread when possible, but I welcome anyone else to share their experience as it all could be valuable for others going down the NHS route.
My Journey
Not the whole ED journey but what led me to the NHS and onwards to now.
About 4 years ago - I first went to a Urologist in Bangkok Thailand trying to find a solution to the ED (started 20 + years previous).
And he suggested a doppler test, and low and behold, my problem was found - venous leakage.
By this time all pills etc, were having minimal effect. Well before, actually.
I spent 1000's on various treatments over in Thailand.
After coming back from Thailand I went to my doctor with my results, and I was referred by my GP to the Urologist in North East Lincs. About a month later I had the referral date and got to show the Urologist doctor the doppler test results and asked if I could be operated on to fix the venous leakage, and I was told the NHS will not do the operation, and it is very unlikely to be successful (I was pretty gutted about this).
The Urologist referred me to a specialist nurse in ED to look at injections and pumps.
About a month or so later and not too long of a wait I went to see the ED nurse and was offered a vacuum pump and Caverject injections. The injections gave me a 70% erection for 5 minutes after waiting 5 minutes, and the pump was great, but the whole process of only having 30 minutes and the lack of sensation made the pump, not a great option.
Meanwhile, I spoke to a friend about implants, and he had a friend with one who was happy, but I hadn't given it a thought. I looked more into it and it seemed like a good option, although I like the idea of hoping that a miracle was going to happen, and suddenly my dick would work again (reality check came along - 25 years and only getting worse - a miracle? when?).
My research led me here to franktalk and what a blessing ---seriously helpful.
About 9 months ago --I knew the implant in my heart is my only real way. So I asked my nurse to refer to the urologist or consultants that do the implants if possible and I was told to go back through the triage and a referral from my GP. This time and about a month or so later I went to go to see another urologist in a different hospital.
This doctor was okay but he did try to convince me to use the pump in a another way which was daft advice as he knows nothing about using these pumps, then agreed to refer me to a urologist/andrology in Leeds or Sheffield that would see if I was right for the implant.
I posted here asking about anyone in the UK having a NHS implant -- viewtopic.php?f=6&t=20525
5 Weeks Ago -- I went to Sheffield hospital and had to see the special ED nurse. She was nice and helpful despite trying to convince me that I should now try 60 MG of Caverject injections. She sees patients before the next state of seeing the doc that does the operation to make sure it is right so far for the patient She showed me the implants etc., and told me the horror stories.
She also said there was a long waiting list to see the implant doctor even for an appointment and I asked to be referred to London (Dr Ralph), but she convinced me it would be done there and to wait about a year or it could be quicker if someone cancels their operation.
I got some sound advice on FT months ago about getting referred to Dr Ralph (UCLH London Hospitals) previously which got me thinking again.I phoned this Sheffield nurse back up and asked if she would refer me but she could not but agreed I should try Dr Ralph as the waiting times was very long there at Sheffield now. She said I had to go back to my GP.
About 2 weeks ago - I spoke with the GP and he agreed to refer me and said it is within out right to be referred anywhere we wish to on the NHS.
My referral is in place and I am awaiting contact from Urology/Andrology at UCLH or contact from my own GP surgery. The referral is still in at Sheffield also, but if I get on the list at UCLH then I will go with that and cancel the Sheffield list.
I'm happy to wait on the NHS but anything more than a year then I'm going to have to think about getting it done outside and paying for it.
I kind of think it might get done in this time frame, but at the moment there is only negative news about the NHS being understaffed, overworked, not paid enough, and the rest of the issues.
I'm strong with all this, and I am not bashing the NHS at all, and Im even grateful they are doing something at the moment. It's my dick that is weak and not my brain!
I will update this post with any progress and news.
I've only written this to try and help others going down the NHS route, and hopefully, others can contribute by us sharing the
experiences on a specific NHS thread.
Let's see how the story goes from here
