So, next phase... Sigh.
The local CCG changed the rules of referrals/treatment of a few conditions in my area. I was told at my last assessment by the brilliant consultant anaesthetist that this new system would leave his patients in pain and inevitably lead to the NHS spending more not less for treatments. He was so apologetic and yet angry at the same time.
What the CCG told all GPs and Hospitals in my area dealing with certain conditions that only two rounds of treatments would be paid for and then patients would have to be re referred for further treatment. Of old it has been a doctor who has discharged a patient back to a GP but now it is the CCG. What this entails is a wait for a GP appt. a wait while the referral is accepted another assessment then a wait for treatment. Two treatments and you have to go through the whole palaver again.
My last consultant anaesthetist said that this method would leave people in pain and needing more and more drugs at higher doses which is more expensive than the treatment that he and his colleagues offer. A treatment that for me gives 2-3 months of pain control.
Today I attended another assessment. This was taken by a nurse. A NURSE! This nurse who said her speciality was pain management thought neuropathy only applied to the brain and the neck. I kid you not. She told me another clause in the CCGs change of rules. Before any treatments are offered a patient must take part in a 'Wellness' course. This means a three hour session once a week for six weeks. This is to prove that a patient is motivated enough to help themselves! This course involves the dreaded 'Mindfulness' that has become a mantra for OTs. I swear I will slap someone if they tell me to go to my happy place. (My happy place usually was dancing on a nightclub table singing Uma Paloma Blanca with my shoes in one hand and a Black Russian in the other. Aahhh, the good old days).
So it looks like patients are being held hostage and made to jump through hoops. It is private companies that hold these courses, enough said about that. As my old consultant said, some sufferers will give up and opt for more expensive drugs. All the time (an hour) with this nurse today I just kept thinking 'I have said what works, just give me the treatment and stop going on about how your company can help me while charging the NHS exorbitant fees, you silly woman, you don't fool me'. A bit harsh but that is how I felt. I will have to do this stupid course and fingers crossed I might be happily surprised but I won't hold my breath. If not, it leaves drugs and more drugs from a GP not a consultant in spinal treatments for pain.
Aaaaarrrrrgh!!!
