UK people having CCSVI tests & procedures done abroad
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 2009 8:27 am
Perhaps like many of you, I see little point (for now) in trying to convince my GP and Neurologist to organise any kind of CCSVI tests for me here in the UK because they probably won’t be very sympathetic to the proposed links between MS and CCSVI. Even if they were, it would take forever to organise and I doubt that many professionals over here would conduct the tests in accordance with the specific protocols recommended by Dr Zamboni that are required to show conclusive results. Therefore, getting the tests done in Poland by Dr Simka (my nearest option) seems to be a no-brainer.
So I am in the process of organising the trip to Poland for a Doppler and MRV and I am very excited.
If this confirms that I have CCSVI then do I have a choice as to whether I
a) Present this hard evidence to my GP here in the UK (since they cannot dispute this if I have proof right?) and pursue treatment options here in the UK via the NHS (zero cost), or
b) I ask Dr Simka to do a liberation procedure for me in Poland (and I fund this personally)?
The plus side of getting my veins taken care of here in the UK is that it probably won’t be as costly and I’ll be in familiar surroundings. But the procedures/stents/diligence etc may not be EXACTLY what I would have received from Dr Simka and his colleagues, and therefore the benefits may not be all that they could be. But on the flip side I am sure that Dr Simka and his team will have far more experience in carrying out this specific procedure and I won’t have to jump through so many hoops to get the procedure done. So I can’t quite weigh up if I really have that much to lose by having any corrective procedures done here in the UK? Have any of you had the tests done in Poland, and then had any corrective treatment done via the NHS in the UK? And if so, are you happy that you made the right choice?
I am also a little worried about how any treatment that I organise in Poland may affect any follow up care that I may need when I get home to the UK. Is anyone in the medical profession here in the UK likely to refuse me for any consultations/care/treatment etc because I chose to have an unapproved treatment done outside of the UK? If not, could they make it awkward for me somehow?
I understand that there is a possibility of follow up tests/procedures/medication to keep my veins in tip-top condition, but would it be best to have all of this taken care of in Poland regularly, or could I trust the professionals in the UK to at least do this much?
I’d be very grateful of any input. My gut feeling is to have the tests and any subsequent procedures done in Poland by Dr Simka, and then worry about any repercussions later. But any info or experiences anyone else may have would be very welcome.
Many thanks!
So I am in the process of organising the trip to Poland for a Doppler and MRV and I am very excited.
If this confirms that I have CCSVI then do I have a choice as to whether I
a) Present this hard evidence to my GP here in the UK (since they cannot dispute this if I have proof right?) and pursue treatment options here in the UK via the NHS (zero cost), or
b) I ask Dr Simka to do a liberation procedure for me in Poland (and I fund this personally)?
The plus side of getting my veins taken care of here in the UK is that it probably won’t be as costly and I’ll be in familiar surroundings. But the procedures/stents/diligence etc may not be EXACTLY what I would have received from Dr Simka and his colleagues, and therefore the benefits may not be all that they could be. But on the flip side I am sure that Dr Simka and his team will have far more experience in carrying out this specific procedure and I won’t have to jump through so many hoops to get the procedure done. So I can’t quite weigh up if I really have that much to lose by having any corrective procedures done here in the UK? Have any of you had the tests done in Poland, and then had any corrective treatment done via the NHS in the UK? And if so, are you happy that you made the right choice?
I am also a little worried about how any treatment that I organise in Poland may affect any follow up care that I may need when I get home to the UK. Is anyone in the medical profession here in the UK likely to refuse me for any consultations/care/treatment etc because I chose to have an unapproved treatment done outside of the UK? If not, could they make it awkward for me somehow?
I understand that there is a possibility of follow up tests/procedures/medication to keep my veins in tip-top condition, but would it be best to have all of this taken care of in Poland regularly, or could I trust the professionals in the UK to at least do this much?
I’d be very grateful of any input. My gut feeling is to have the tests and any subsequent procedures done in Poland by Dr Simka, and then worry about any repercussions later. But any info or experiences anyone else may have would be very welcome.
Many thanks!