General Chat

Has anybody had experience of surgery in a Belgian Hospital. It a long story, but I will cut it short, basically my son needs keyhold surgery on his knee, we have been told he will probably be on the waiting list for an operation in this country for about a year. I have enquired about having this operation performed privately in Belgium (its much cheaper there than here), from the literature it all seems ok, but I was wondering whether anybody had acutally gone to Belgium for treatment and could give me some feedback. Sue

Hello Susan, I haven't personally any experience of a "european hospital" but take the view that if the operation is necessary sooner rather than letter would be preferable and, I would go for it. It's appalling that a youngster should have to wait for a year for what I assume is a relatively simple operation (it being keyhole surgery). My neice had a similar operation some years ago on the NHS and it was a total success, but I dont think it would have done her any good having to wait a year. In fact, if I recall she was ice skating within a relative short time of having the op. Surgeons on the continent must surely be as good, if not better, than the UK counterparts mustn't they? I hope that whatever happens your son is back in good health as soon as possible. all the very best to you and your son. Jacqui

Hello Jacqui, Thanks for your thoughts, they mirror mine entirely, we have been told this operation will take no more than an hour and he will be home the same day. At the moment he is in constant pain, always taking painkillers and is now having trouble walking. A year to me seems a long time to wait just for an hour, if you see what I mean. Sue

Just to add my tuppence worth, i too needed keyhole surgery on my knee after managing to convince the doctor my pain was just because am i am mum to four young kids!!. I finally got to the hosp and then had to wait 2yrs for my op and that was cancelled at the last moment due to lack of beds. It was only becasue i broke down on being told that, that the admissions searched and found me a bed in a private ward. I was in for 2nights not day surgery. The op happened begining of June last yr and am pleased to say am now waiting to be re-refered back to hosp as pain is back again. I was discharged at first follow up. If you can do it another way I would personally recommend you do Shelli

Thanks for your comments Shelli. After reading of your experience I think I will go for it. At least I can book a date and know the operation will done without any last minute cancellations, and as Jacqui said european doctors must be as good if not better than ours. Yes I am going to go for it. You have both helped me make a position decision. Thank you. Sue