Originally Posted by aries

I miss not being able to see a regular doctor as I could in Oz, but the ambulance system locally seems to be working well. During the early hours of this morning I felt extremely unwell so phoned the NHS line 111 for advice. A nurse phoned back and kept me talking until an ambulance arrived with three paramedics. My heart was checked but fortunately I didn't have to go to hospital, it is not one of my favourite places.

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse

I will admit that I was worried about the change from the Australian health care system to the NHS. I'm not even sure how I got my negative view, mainly anecdotal I guess, from Scouse's family here.

Now that I've been here over a year, I think I worried for no reason. Sure, there's some things I miss like my fantastic Oz GP who knew me and my health inside out. I like most of the doctors in my local practice here, but haven't been able to stick with one because you need to wait for at least a week (usually longer) if you request a particular doctor. Never had a problem getting a same day appointment if I'm ok with seeing anyone.

The biggest difference, for both scouse and I, is that diagnoses of health conditions that were made by specialists (consultants) in Australia have been strongly disagreed with by consultants here.

Scouse had been diagnosed with a lung condition and was on a lot of different medications. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and was injecting a strong drug weekly, which made me quite ill.

After being referred to the appropriate consultants here by our GPs and having a lot of tests, Scouse has been assured that he doesn't have a chronic lung condition and is now off all medication.

The rheumatologist I see, while acknowledging that I have some sort of inflammatory condition, isn't at all convinced that it's RA and together we made the decision to stop the drug. That was 8 months ago and I'm fine.

I know that we're only two people so our experience can't be considered to be typical. But it does make me wonder - is the medical profession in Australia too quick to hang a label on patients? If so, is that a product of the medical system itself, or training, or something else?

Originally Posted by Perth

I am hoping that I will have the same experience as you when we return. I was diagnosed with asthma and treated for years, although I was later told by another doctor in the practice that I saw that she would not have diagnosed me as my lung function had always been in the good range. So unless I get bronchitis I never use my inhaler.

In addition, I have been on meds for 3 years for pre-diabetes, but another doc has since disagreed with that! Here in the US at least I think it has a lot to do with doctors' liability and in some case others being paid to prescribe certain drugs.

I even had prescription glasses in my 20s here, but when I went back to live in the UK for a while was told I didn't need them, and have only been wearing glasses for the last 3 years and I'm going on 59!

I am looking forward to being completely and thoroughly evaluated by a medical system that does not try to make money off of me, and that does not fear that I will sue them.

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse

but very glad to hear that the ambulance service and NHS 111 were so efficient and prompt

Originally Posted by spouse of scouse

Another good reason to move back, all your health problems disappear Hoping you get some good news when you're over here!

Re the pre-diabetes, this is what my GP is doing with me - she said that two consecutive HbA1c results of 46 mmol/mol or above results in a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. My results have been 45, 46, and 45. So another one in three months. In the meantime I haven't been given any medication, but the practice made me an appointment with their diabetes nurse. She gave me some good eating tips and I've been very good, so hoping the next result is way down!

If the testing protocol in the US is the % one, Diabetes UK provides a conversion calendar. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to...betes/Testing/

Originally Posted by Perth

It's magic! I'll tell you one thing, I will feel happier, that's for sure! Thanks for the encouragement

Great conversion chart. I had found two diabetes organisations online and that was one of them but hadn't yet come across the chart. I need to get the HbA1c done, since it's been nine months. Last time it was 5.9, which is 41, but I have since changed diet and lost weight, so it should be better

Originally Posted by LauraPC

We will be moving back to London after 23yrs in the U.S. As I have Rheumatoid Arthritis I am concerned about my medication. I just went on the latest and greatest drug which is working well but I don't think the NHS has even heard of it yet let alone approved it. I also take expensive medications which are definitely not on the prescribing list. Has anyone had the experience of needing expensive medication and is there an option to pay for it?

Originally Posted by LauraPC

The drug may be available by the time we get there as it won't be until the end of the year. I have seen the advice posted to bring doctors letters detailing conditions but if all else fails then I can pay for it because I'm certain the drug won't be anywhere near as expensive there as it is here.