is Private always better?

In the UK we are very lucky to have the NHS, I think everyone will agree with that. Whether it is working at its best is another question entirely and a whole other discussion that I may touch on in parts today but it is definitely not the focus.... 
I am very fortunate in that I have the option of NHS and private, due to my husband's job providing health insurance for him and his family, which has meant that I've been able to fast track most of my appointments, investigations, tests and treatment. I have also, however, now learned of why private may not always be best.

For a bit of insight, during my Endo investigations prior to the laparoscopy, I had a pelvic MRI that revealed a synaptic cyst in my lumbar spine, this is a completely incidental finding and not something that has been causing any known issues, aside from perhaps some mild discomfort. As a result of this finding I was referred to a spine consultant (I'm not sure the proper name!) who reviewed it, clarified it was not encroaching on any nerves nor the spine itself just in proximity, and stated it's rare for someone of my age to have such a cyst (they are very common as we age due to wear and tear). As such they recommended I have a steroid injection to reduce the size and inflammation around the cyst to prevent it becoming an issue. Without knowing any different I agreed and this is presently arranged. 

Now, for the question about whether it's always good to go privately. This was raised as I was also referred to rheumatology to ensure that the cyst was not a precursor for arthritis, during my consultation with said rheumatologist I mentioned about the planned injection and, without directly saying as such, they communicated that they didn't feel it was necessary at this time. Which left me questioning whether it was strictly necessary right now to put my body through yet another procedure when I am still recovering from the laparoscopy. So, I've raised the question to my spinal consultant; if I were an NHS patient, would they be recommending the injection take place now, or wait until the cyst is more of an issue and addressing it then? Especially considering my age and the fact that the effects of the injection only last around 3 months. I've no doubt that the consultant is right, and I will need an Injection eventually. However, considering everything else going on with my body right now, the other treatments I'm starting, and the backwards step I've taken due to another 'simple procedure', I'm not sure it's worth it right now unless they come back saying it is! 

So, yes, private is excellent for getting seen faster and by the right people but it can also potentially mean you have a 'not strictly necessary' procedure that could have waited just because you're able to get that access and pay for it.

Ta ta for now! 

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