Laproscopy waiting list

It's something that may be worthwhile investigating (approx waiting time) and considering (going private). I had laproscopy surgery for endo several years ago in Auckland (I imagine the costs have increased since then of course) and I think it was in the region of $10K (I can have a look through the bills and confirm that if you want) - I've heard that going publicly is a bit like how long is a piece of string? I have heard that because it's a 'non-essential' surgery, it gets bumped frequently for other surgeries and therefore the wait can go on and on.

Sorry I couldn't be more help and that it's just hearsay - hopefully someone else has gone publicly for endo surgery and knows. The other thing to consider though, is once you've been through the waiting list for endo surgery, you then have to go through the waiting list for fertility treatment (if necessary). I'm not sure how much time you have up your sleeve, but the waiting list for IVF in Auckland is now around 18 months from what I gather

Neither had I, and it's quite frightening because it's tied up with a fertility issue as well. I had surgery and continued to try and get pregnant naturally for about another 6 months, but had no joy and so from there went to FA. We had a double-whammy though, as we also have male factor infertility, so we were a bit b*ggered all things considered and went straight to IVF with ICSI (where they inject the sperm straight into the egg). Quite often once the endo is cleared out, you're good to go - it's amazing what a mess endo can make of things!

Found the bills! It was approx $7,800 all up - $4,300 approx to Ascot Hospital, $2,900 approx to the surgeon and $600 approx to the anaethetist.

If you want any advice as to who might be good to see (eg. Who I saw and what my experience was, and an alternative, give me a PM and I'll fill you in!)

Thanks ginger and tal! I really appreciate your advice.

Ginger - I think I will look into private costs. Thanks so much for sharing yours with me.

Tal - sending you all the best for wed and hope you recover quickly.

DH feels better with your advice too so thanks!

Hi Lilymay,

I'm in Wellington so not sure what the difference is with Auckland but I assume it would be a bit like IVF waiting lists and double the wait BUT just a little tip for you. I had two ops in the last year through the public system (one the whole lap/hyst/dye test) and second another hysteroscopy to remove a uterine polyp which came back. I was told a 3-6 month wait time. First time took 4 months and second time I was a bit pushed for time because of my upcoming IVF cycle and I rang up and asked to be put on the short notice list which means if someone cancels you are available to come in with 24 hours notice. This worked a treat and I had a call within a week! Call them and ask if you can do that as it really speeds up the process. Good luck!

hi guys, just an update....i had my lap surgery last thursday through the public system after my husband chased and chased the hospital directly for an appt. results were no endo. pcos on one ovary and one blocked tube (to my good ovary). now waiting for follow-up appt at FA. any idea on how/if they treat blocked tubes or pcos? i'm not keen on another surgery. thanks lilymay

Hi Lilymay,

I have the exact same thing as you diagnosed with my lap, only difference is I had a uterine polyp removed too but I have a blocked tube and PCO ovaries in appearance and got straight on the waiting list for govt funded IVF as that put me over the points mark. Hopefully it'll be the same for you. Having said that though, I also did clomid for 8 months and that didn't work for me. You could still fall pregnant naturally with this diagnosis but it could take time as obvioulsy with only one working tube it'll slow things down. Whether they can unblock it or not will depend on how it's blocked but they don't really like to unblock them because it can put you at high risk for ectopic.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi Emma,

Huh? How the hell does that work?!

hi ladies

i am just recovering from having lap surgery and was wondering if you have any idea on what the next steps for us might be.

they found a 4cm cyst sitting beside my left ovary and a couple of spots which may have been the start of mild endo. they drained the fluid in the cyst and removed the spots and have sent all away for testing. everything else looks 'perfectly normal'.

 gotta go back in a couple of weeks to discuss findings with the surgeon. am just not too sure what they will suggest for us next... any ideas? 

 

i was on public list for a long while before being removed as it was not serious enough (suspected endo and a growing cyst on one ovary) and i had been on there too long. Just took me off and sent me a letter saying i had to start all over again if i wanted to.. bah..

luckily i ended up in a job which gave us good insurance so have had all my surgeries privately and it was wonderful, have had three laps since the first in 2008 and managed to get preg naturally within 3 cycles of last operation this year (though miscarried i still felt it was a miracle after years of trying!)

if they found a blocked tube they may have flushed it for you during the operation depending on the extent of blockage or why it appeared blocked, you should check with your surgeon or ask for the operation report to see exactly what was done during your surgery.

mollymoo yes i was told if you dont concieve within 3 months after operations then to go back and go from there, may mean starting clomid, they will want to check your husbands sperm (if not done already) and then hopefully all going well you will be all sorted and UTD in a couple cycles!

best of luck to both of the ladies here that have had recent surgery, it seems to sort of kick start your body somewhat but it did take me three surgeries unfortunately :( also anyone trying to get preg should try Pre Seed.. i used this this year and am convinced it is the reason i fell preg naturally also.. no harm in trying lol..