NHS funding in the UK

[Matt645]

I’m getting fed up with the treatment (or lack of) I’m receiving from the NHS, drugs such as infliximab which seem to be commonly used in the states are only provided if you're at deaths door here in the UK (see link). I’ve been on Asacol for 12 years and I still get about 3 flares a year so it clearly doesn’t have the desired effect.

To make things worse I read that if you buy your own drugs privately the NHS won’t fund any further treatment… at all! I know people in the states may think we in the UK are lucky to get free treatment (we pay through tax mind!) but what use is it if we only ever get the cheap option?

http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/index.jsp?action=byID&r=true&o=11454

Fed up... got another colonoscopy in a weeks time. :depressed:

 

[Creepy Lurker]

Hi!

Do you know which trust you are under?

I've always had the option of using Infliximab, despite the cost, so I'd say that either you doctor, or the local trust is the one blocking your access rather than it being an NHS-wide problem.

 

[Matt645]

Weston area health trust, I haven’t asked the doc but it’s never been mentioned.

As I've said I have another colonoscopy next week so I'll discuss my options in the follow up appointment, the way I feel right now I want surgery to be on the cards.

Saying that, I don't suffer that badly compared to others to be honest but its the constant 'never feel quite well' nagging pains that really get me down, it really effects my work and home life but those around me don't really understand what I have to put up with on a daily basis, I’d do almost anything for a few pain free years.

 

[Creepy Lurker]

Weston area health trust, I haven’t asked the doc but it’s never been mentioned.

As I've said I have another colonoscopy next week so I'll discuss my options in the follow up appointment, the way I feel right now I want surgery to be on the cards.

Saying that, I don't suffer that badly compared to others to be honest but its the constant 'never feel quite well' nagging pains that really get me down, it really effects my work and home life but those around me don't really understand what I have to put up with on a daily basis, I’d do almost anything for a few pain free years.

I think it's generally reserved for 'moderate to severe' cases. That said, if nothing else seems to be working, you could kick up a fuss. Aim for the end of the financial year when the trusts are trying to use up any leftover budget.