Frustration with the NHS (for UK members)

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I'd love to go to a private doctor, but there is no way I could afford it. I'm a student, I can barely afford my rent. I can't see any reason not to go the private route other than the cost.

I've found the NHS to be wonderful, but thats because I had a full on major breakdown, I have/had been seeing psychs/psychologists/CPNs etc for about 3 years before my psychologist brought up that I might be on the spectrum. She's sent me straight to someone to give me a full assessment. I have just found out though that although she knows more about it than some 'official' autistic psychs and doctors and that it is the correct assessment that its not an actual diagnosis because she is a psychologist or something and it doesn't count.
So I may be cursing the NHS yet!

I've seen my GP about a referral and apparently he has sent off the request. I still don't know whom to yet, so I'll have to reserve judgement on the NHS until I get a bit further into the process.

so has the NHS!

Hahaha. Point taken.

I live in the US so I know nothing about how the NHS works. Do you have a choice of seeing someone outside the "practice" of those 5 DRs? I mention this because a lot of times they will be afraid to step on the other DRs toes by going against what they originaly said. Lots of social politics involved. If possible, I would try and see someone in a seperate practice. Be aware though that DR's right cute little notes on your files that do go with you where ever you go...things like.."patient appears to be dellusional obsessed with autism and very uncooperative as a patient" it sucks because you have no opportunty to defend yourself but you can request a copy of your medical records...it might show what the DR wrote about you.

I had my psych consultation this week. The psychologist I spoke to was very understanding and he said he isn't an expert on Autism, but he said he's putting it in my file that he "thinks" I have Aspergers. I guess that is the first step, I have something tangible to pursue now. And it will be sufficient evidence for my university to release funds for me. Apparently I get a free computer. How strange.

i'm guess i'm luky i'm still at school and getting a referal as my school knows what it's doing and woun'nt hand it over to some footsugeon in texas.

i know this blog's been plugged before but at risk of p'ing everyone off - this is NHS care in the uk and its crap! www.the-newrepublic.blogspot.com read it and weep!