Hi everyone,
I'm new to posting in forums but I wanted to get some advice/feedback on how people managed to get breast reduction through the NHS.
A bit of background on me... I am 26 years old and have a 32 HH/J cup size. I have always had larger breasts, which developed early, but they have been about this size for the last 5 years. I am not overweight (I typically wear a dress size 12) and frequently exercise, although I do struggle because of the weight of my breasts.
After considering breast reduction surgery for the last 3ish years, I finally decided to approach my GP over a year ago about the possibility of breast reduction through the NHS. After a short consultation, he referred me to the breast clinic in my local hospital for a follow-up. I waited a few months for this and when I arrived had my weight taken followed by a short consultation with a breast nurse. Before even examining me, she asked whether I'd had 2 years of physiotherapy for my issue, as well as a psychiatric evaluation. I'd had neither - although I'd had some private support from a chiropractor for back pain - and had not been told I needed them. I was told I could not be progressed until I had completed the 2 years of physio and the assessment! I was obviously distressed by this news as I had waited months for an appointment to then be told it would be another 2+ years before I could be put on a waiting list. I went back to my GP and he referred me to the relevant services, but here is where it becomes a bit crazy...
I had about 5 physiotherapy sessions before my physio said that I was confidently carrying out all the exercises (they were really just floor work in the gym that I do normally anyway) and she had to discharge me, as no physio would keep me on their books for 2 years! I went back to my GP and he said to park that for now and proceed with the psychiatric evaluation. I was referred through the mental health pathway and waited a couple of months to have my assessment. The therapist was unsure what to do with my case and after taking my case to a meeting, said that because I am presenting with a mental health issue (low self esteem/mood, anxiety) because of a physical problem, that has a physical solution (ie. surgery) that they could not progress me and carry out a full evaluation! I was told to go back to my GP and ask for a secondary care referral to a psychiatrist (which I know is impossible to get for complex mental health disorders, let alone a red tape breast reduction assessment!) My GP said that this route would not be possible and has since gone back to the breast clinic for further guidance. I am continuing to wait on what they will say next. It is so frustrating that I am trying to jump through their hoops and play along but none of the services join up and I am no closer - a year on! - to getting this surgery. I have looked at the NHS website and fit all of their criteria for surgery - low mood/anxiety, struggle to exercise, impacting on relationships etc - so it is maddening to me that I cannot progress my surgery when it is significantly impacting on my quality of life!
Has anyone else had struggles similar to this in their area and how did they push through the red tape to get the surgery?
Going private isn't option as I don't have that kind of money for a breast op and I also feel I should be able to get this on the NHS!
I hope some of you can help me with advice. Thanks for listening x