Re: uk medical info - help !

Hand on heart, I'd have to say sort this out before you come.  You're not just talking about waiting list for the operation.  But you'd have to convince your GP that a consultation with the ENT was necessary, then a waiting list for the appt. with the consultant, more waiting for the operation......do you see what I'm getting at.  Plus the fact that the NHS tends to take a more laid back-let's wait and see approach to ENT type issues.  This is just my opinion, but I really think you'd be waiting months and months, if you got it at all.  

Is there any way if you told them you were moving out of the country they could move the date of his surgery up?

No, I tried explaining that we are moving internationally and got little sympathy.  His ENT referred him to the specialist at one of the largest hospitals.  Great doctor I'm sure, but obviously very busy.  

We are hoping for a cancellation to bump us up a bit but as it stands he goes in for surgery the middle of January and it's a 4 -6 week waiting time before we get another ct scan and the all clear.  Sucks.  

I am going to phone the G.P where my parents live tomorrow and see what they say. I'm sure I won't get much of an answer without showing them the ct scans and actually being there.

Thanks for the answers so far it really helps.

Bummer. :-/ I'll keep my fingers crossed for a cancellation for you.

I say do what you can to get it cleared up while you're in the States.  If not more for your peace of mind.  You're familiar with the system, know your specialist, the hospital, etc.   Having your child undergo any type of surgery is already cause for concern and stress.   Having it here would just add more unnecessary stress to the matter (not knowing the system, the doctors, the hospitals, etc.) especially being it's your child.

Good luck to you.

Just a thought, but it would seem that the Health Visitor of your Surgery-to-be would have an idea of how long any waiting periods might be, or could even find out the information if they didn't know. I have a great Health Visitor, she's been a gem, and I would be asking her this sort of question if it were me, she has a great grasp on the system and waiting times for different conditions.

Best of luck in your decision, what a tough one. :-/ Please keep us posted.

Thanks for all the input, I can't tell you how much this site and your input helps out !!!

I called the Health visitor and spoke at length with her.  I was told IF the GP agrees that we need to see an ENT then we'd be put on a waiting list (3 - 6 months) and if the ENT agrees that we need CT scans he will refer us to the hospital (3 - 6 months) then back to the ENT (3 -  6 months) then on to the hospital - another wait.

In a nutshell it could be 6 -12 months easily but it is hinged on the GP's and ENT's verdict as to if this is 'urgent' or 'routine'  My sons U.S ct scans have little relevance.....

So.....we feel like the op' has to be done before we move.  The kids eyes are yellow and swollen the infection is so bad.

It screws everything up on with our move, but it feels like the right choice.  If we were already in England and had been seeing the Dr anyway I think we'd be fine, but at this point we've already been dealing with an ENT for 5 months and to start back over just seems cruel to my son.  

So, we're now thinking Feb / March for a move when he gets the all clear...

Thanks again to all of you for answering my post.

Understandable decision, best wishes for his speedy recovery.