My talk with my PALS officer

Today I spoke on the phone with my PALS officer who explained a few things to me. For a start, she informed me what my first GP told me was not true. The operation can be done on the NHS but only in very exceptional circumstances. What happens is they use a QALY or a quality of life assesment which is like a score sheet to assess how having this operation will affect my overall quality of life. In my case, I will have to prove that it would be impossible to lead a normal life even with psychotherapy which is actually extremely hard. One thing that may work in my favour is that I am still a virgin and have serious social interaction issues but again, she said I would still have to meet the right score. They literary tick boxes! This is rubbish because I only have to be one box out and I won't get it!

She also explained to me that there was also a risk that the surgeon could very well turn to me and, even if I was in a terrible state, refuse to put in for the funding on the grounds he thinks that therapy would be a better step or that he isn't confident enough that I could meet the QALY standards. If this happens, no one will be able to help me as in order to even start, the surgeon must be willing to help me to apply for the funding and the problem is that this surgeon is the ONLY one my GPs can refer me too! Everything literary rests in the hands of a stranger.

I am keeping my MP up to date. If for any reason the surgeon does refuse, I am hoping my MP can hold some sway.

There was one light at the end of the tunnel though. My PALS explained to me that I stood of very good grounding as not only had I been refered by a GP, I also got the consultation which some women in my circumstance don't even get that far so if any ladies are at the same stage as me, take heart. If you got this far, it must mean they think you could have a case!