Maddog I don't always agree with you but you are spot on. NHS standard doctors and nurses are not paid well. Their strike demands would not have been met if the government did not recognise that. Senior consultants may well do. Immigrant medical staff get paid even less than the aforementioned docs and nurses hence why the NHS rely on them. In the private sector they are paid far more but many evidently cannot pay for private healthcare. Apparently our Labour PM has decided that he will deny more legal immigrants Visa which will destroy the social care sector. I just hope anyone here who has a problem with immigration doesn't God forbid become unable to care for themselves and need the services of care workers . Because the majority of which are immigrants and if this abusive narrative continues there won't be any.
The figures are pretty clear. Even Canadians are paid much better (I imagine because we can poach them if they aren't).
I can't help but think that impacts performance. That's why employers pay their employees a good wage. It's not altruism, it's how to make more effective employees.
It also seems to impact wait times because a low number of lower paid individuals aren't going to be as effective..
Knee replacements here are done in about 3 weeks after diagnosis..
It could be a year in the UK..
It's 18 weeks not a year. Though perhaps Syl is more qualified regarding dates. I'm sure some people do have to wait a good while but its not over the board for the whole country. I had a hernia repair and it took 4 weeks from diagnosis to operation.
18 weeks is the goal.
My buddy had a hernia a few weeks ago. Fixed him up a couple of days later. He's going to be traipsing around Italy 4 weeks after his diagnosis..
The point is, if you need a knee replacement there has to be pain or lack of mobility. People shouldn't have to spend months (or longer) of their life in that condition.
I think the area in which you live has a baring on how long you wait for joint replacements.
I didn't wait long for my first knee replacement, nor for a hip replacement, 3 years ago.
The problems with the other knee that I have waited three years for, is that the hip replacement still aches, so they have done numerous tests, like bone density scans, MRI scans, appointments to see the consultant etc,,,that's why I have had to wait so long.
But Maddog, we could easily have our ops done just as quickly as you can, IF we go private...we have the choice.
If you go private you will get closer to our times.
Well, hopefully you get some relief soon. I don't know how much pain you're in, or how limited your mobility is..I know how crazy I would be going with either of those two issues.
Maddog said
May 14 4:16 AM, 2025
As for going private, pre existing conditions might matter. They do here to some degree. Since Obamacare they really can't deny you, but they can charge you a shit ton for private insurance.
That's why you can't get pregnant then decide to get insurance..
There are folks that will try to game the system by not buying insurance and then buying it if they develop a probem.
There's an old saying. "You can't insure a burning barn or a pregnant woman"..
Anonymous said
May 14 10:22 AM, 2025
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
Syl said
May 14 4:12 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Syl wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Digger wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog I don't always agree with you but you are spot on. NHS standard doctors and nurses are not paid well. Their strike demands would not have been met if the government did not recognise that. Senior consultants may well do. Immigrant medical staff get paid even less than the aforementioned docs and nurses hence why the NHS rely on them. In the private sector they are paid far more but many evidently cannot pay for private healthcare. Apparently our Labour PM has decided that he will deny more legal immigrants Visa which will destroy the social care sector. I just hope anyone here who has a problem with immigration doesn't God forbid become unable to care for themselves and need the services of care workers . Because the majority of which are immigrants and if this abusive narrative continues there won't be any.
The figures are pretty clear. Even Canadians are paid much better (I imagine because we can poach them if they aren't).
I can't help but think that impacts performance. That's why employers pay their employees a good wage. It's not altruism, it's how to make more effective employees.
It also seems to impact wait times because a low number of lower paid individuals aren't going to be as effective..
Knee replacements here are done in about 3 weeks after diagnosis..
It could be a year in the UK..
It's 18 weeks not a year. Though perhaps Syl is more qualified regarding dates. I'm sure some people do have to wait a good while but its not over the board for the whole country. I had a hernia repair and it took 4 weeks from diagnosis to operation.
18 weeks is the goal.
My buddy had a hernia a few weeks ago. Fixed him up a couple of days later. He's going to be traipsing around Italy 4 weeks after his diagnosis..
The point is, if you need a knee replacement there has to be pain or lack of mobility. People shouldn't have to spend months (or longer) of their life in that condition.
I think the area in which you live has a baring on how long you wait for joint replacements.
I didn't wait long for my first knee replacement, nor for a hip replacement, 3 years ago.
The problems with the other knee that I have waited three years for, is that the hip replacement still aches, so they have done numerous tests, like bone density scans, MRI scans, appointments to see the consultant etc,,,that's why I have had to wait so long.
But Maddog, we could easily have our ops done just as quickly as you can, IF we go private...we have the choice.
If you go private you will get closer to our times.
Well, hopefully you get some relief soon. I don't know how much pain you're in, or how limited your mobility is..I know how crazy I would be going with either of those two issues.
Thanks. I should have the op within the next month, hopefully, because we want to get away in October, and after the op you can't fly for a few months.
I am not in great pain, it's just so very limiting to how far I can walk without pain....and running is out.
Maddog said
May 14 4:20 PM, 2025
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
Digger said
May 14 8:20 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Digger wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog I don't always agree with you but you are spot on. NHS standard doctors and nurses are not paid well. Their strike demands would not have been met if the government did not recognise that. Senior consultants may well do. Immigrant medical staff get paid even less than the aforementioned docs and nurses hence why the NHS rely on them. In the private sector they are paid far more but many evidently cannot pay for private healthcare. Apparently our Labour PM has decided that he will deny more legal immigrants Visa which will destroy the social care sector. I just hope anyone here who has a problem with immigration doesn't God forbid become unable to care for themselves and need the services of care workers . Because the majority of which are immigrants and if this abusive narrative continues there won't be any.
The figures are pretty clear. Even Canadians are paid much better (I imagine because we can poach them if they aren't).
I can't help but think that impacts performance. That's why employers pay their employees a good wage. It's not altruism, it's how to make more effective employees.
It also seems to impact wait times because a low number of lower paid individuals aren't going to be as effective..
Knee replacements here are done in about 3 weeks after diagnosis..
It could be a year in the UK..
It's 18 weeks not a year. Though perhaps Syl is more qualified regarding dates. I'm sure some people do have to wait a good while but its not over the board for the whole country. I had a hernia repair and it took 4 weeks from diagnosis to operation.
18 weeks is the goal.
My buddy had a hernia a few weeks ago. Fixed him up a couple of days later. He's going to be traipsing around Italy 4 weeks after his diagnosis..
The point is, if you need a knee replacement there has to be pain or lack of mobility. People shouldn't have to spend months (or longer) of their life in that condition.
I wasn't allowed to do anything for 6 to 8 weeks other than walk around the house. So, not sure what kind of repair he had but that seems a very short recovery time. Perhaps he had keyhole. I had to have full surgery.
Anonymous said
May 14 8:23 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
You do you.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
Maddog said
May 14 11:19 PM, 2025
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
You do you.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
The poor have medicaid which means they get to see private doctors and get the same rapid care I do..👍
Maddog said
May 14 11:23 PM, 2025
Digger wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Digger wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog I don't always agree with you but you are spot on. NHS standard doctors and nurses are not paid well. Their strike demands would not have been met if the government did not recognise that. Senior consultants may well do. Immigrant medical staff get paid even less than the aforementioned docs and nurses hence why the NHS rely on them. In the private sector they are paid far more but many evidently cannot pay for private healthcare. Apparently our Labour PM has decided that he will deny more legal immigrants Visa which will destroy the social care sector. I just hope anyone here who has a problem with immigration doesn't God forbid become unable to care for themselves and need the services of care workers . Because the majority of which are immigrants and if this abusive narrative continues there won't be any.
The figures are pretty clear. Even Canadians are paid much better (I imagine because we can poach them if they aren't).
I can't help but think that impacts performance. That's why employers pay their employees a good wage. It's not altruism, it's how to make more effective employees.
It also seems to impact wait times because a low number of lower paid individuals aren't going to be as effective..
Knee replacements here are done in about 3 weeks after diagnosis..
It could be a year in the UK..
It's 18 weeks not a year. Though perhaps Syl is more qualified regarding dates. I'm sure some people do have to wait a good while but its not over the board for the whole country. I had a hernia repair and it took 4 weeks from diagnosis to operation.
18 weeks is the goal.
My buddy had a hernia a few weeks ago. Fixed him up a couple of days later. He's going to be traipsing around Italy 4 weeks after his diagnosis..
The point is, if you need a knee replacement there has to be pain or lack of mobility. People shouldn't have to spend months (or longer) of their life in that condition.
I wasn't allowed to do anything for 6 to 8 weeks other than walk around the house. So, not sure what kind of repair he had but that seems a very short recovery time. Perhaps he had keyhole. I had to have full surgery.
He had to be knocked out and get a catheter.
It was day surgery. I've never heard of anyone being off work for more than a few days for that procedure. Obviously they had lifting restrictions.
Maddog said
May 14 11:43 PM, 2025
How quickly can I get back to my normal activities after hernia surgery?
You will be asked to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, operating heavy machinery or caring for young children for 48 hours after surgery until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
You can return to light activities such as housework and shopping after a couple of days.
Generally, patients can start driving again when they can make an emergency stop without any pain or discomfort. For patients who have laparoscopic or robotic surgery, this will be anywhere from a couple of days to two after surgery, while patients who have open surgery may need more time to recover before driving again.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster.
Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks.
Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery. 🤷
This sounds like what he had..
Anonymous said
May 15 12:37 AM, 2025
No sex please, we're British! :-D
Anonymous said
May 15 1:06 AM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
You do you.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
The poor have medicaid which means they get to see private doctors and get the same rapid care I do..👍
Numerous official data/articles* and actual folks polled must have it wrong then.
Short article extracts (April 2025) from a surgeon of 44 years standing (American btw)…
“ Currently the US, compared to similar Western countries, has the lowest life expectancy at birth, highest reported maternal and infant mortality, highest hospitalization rate from preventable causes, highest death rate for avoidable and treatable conditions, highest suicide rate, and highest chronic disease burden rate in the world.
In essence, weare spending more than any other civilized country in the world and getting markedly worse results. No other known industry in a competitive or many noncompetitive societies could survive by being twice as expensive while producing markedly inferior products, services, and results.
“ This system leaves too many people out resulting in 26 million uninsured and 43 million underinsured. In fact, recent World Health Organization metrics suggest that the US does an incredibly poor job with healthcare delivery, with the US ranked 37th overall to comparable Western country metrics and last among the 11 highest-income countries. These rankings are not surprising when you consider the fact that the US healthcare delivery system consumes 17% of our current gross domestic product and is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy accounting for 66.5% of total US individual monetary defaults…”
“ As someone who has dedicated my entire life to the practice of the noble art of medicine and has served in healthcare leadership at the highest levels, I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a luxury for the privileged few. I do not believe that the provision of healthcare should be a profit-centric-driven system.”
All in all having better paid medical staff and bigger (and probably better equipped) hospitals doesn’t necessarily equate to being better.
Syl said
May 15 2:10 PM, 2025
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied.
In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
Anonymous said
May 15 3:47 PM, 2025
Syl wrote:
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied. In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
My point exactly Syl. People in glass houses and all that.
Maddog said
May 15 3:59 PM, 2025
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
You do you.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
The poor have medicaid which means they get to see private doctors and get the same rapid care I do..👍
Numerous official data/articles* and actual folks polled must have it wrong then.
Short article extracts (April 2025) from a surgeon of 44 years standing (American btw)…
“ Currently the US, compared to similar Western countries, has the lowest life expectancy at birth, highest reported maternal and infant mortality, highest hospitalization rate from preventable causes, highest death rate for avoidable and treatable conditions, highest suicide rate, and highest chronic disease burden rate in the world.
In essence, weare spending more than any other civilized country in the world and getting markedly worse results. No other known industry in a competitive or many noncompetitive societies could survive by being twice as expensive while producing markedly inferior products, services, and results.
“ This system leaves too many people out resulting in 26 million uninsured and 43 million underinsured. In fact, recent World Health Organization metrics suggest that the US does an incredibly poor job with healthcare delivery, with the US ranked 37th overall to comparable Western country metrics and last among the 11 highest-income countries. These rankings are not surprising when you consider the fact that the US healthcare delivery system consumes 17% of our current gross domestic product and is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy accounting for 66.5% of total US individual monetary defaults…”
“ As someone who has dedicated my entire life to the practice of the noble art of medicine and has served in healthcare leadership at the highest levels, I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a luxury for the privileged few. I do not believe that the provision of healthcare should be a profit-centric-driven system.”
All in all having better paid medical staff and bigger (and probably better equipped) hospitals doesn’t necessarily equate to being better.
Apparently it does when you need a knee replacement.
I wonder how much that surgeon made in his career? 😉
Maddog said
May 15 4:00 PM, 2025
Syl wrote:
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied. In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
One of the main differences is we don't have to pay for insurance. Yours is mandatory..
What happens to someone who chooses not to pay NI?.
Syl said
May 15 4:05 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Syl wrote:
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied. In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
One of the main differences is we don't have to pay for insurance. Yours is mandatory..
What happens to someone who chooses not to pay NI?.
Not paying NI won't affect the treatment you receive on the NHS.
Maddog said
May 15 4:20 PM, 2025
Syl wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Syl wrote:
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied. In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
One of the main differences is we don't have to pay for insurance. Yours is mandatory..
What happens to someone who chooses not to pay NI?.
Not paying NI won't affect the treatment you receive on the NHS.
I know it won't. Can you choose to just not pay it then?.
Anonymous said
May 15 4:38 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Syl wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Syl wrote:
I posted a link a while ago...how satisfied were the American people with their healthcare, many were very unsatisfied. In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
One of the main differences is we don't have to pay for insurance. Yours is mandatory..
What happens to someone who chooses not to pay NI?.
Not paying NI won't affect the treatment you receive on the NHS.
I know it won't. Can you choose to just not pay it then?.
No, automatically docked from your salary. As far as I know if you’re claiming benefits then your NI is paid, by the Govt, which is important when it comes to pension claims etc.
Anonymous said
May 15 4:42 PM, 2025
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maddog wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
You do you.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
The poor have medicaid which means they get to see private doctors and get the same rapid care I do..👍
Numerous official data/articles* and actual folks polled must have it wrong then.
Short article extracts (April 2025) from a surgeon of 44 years standing (American btw)…
“ Currently the US, compared to similar Western countries, has the lowest life expectancy at birth, highest reported maternal and infant mortality, highest hospitalization rate from preventable causes, highest death rate for avoidable and treatable conditions, highest suicide rate, and highest chronic disease burden rate in the world.
In essence, weare spending more than any other civilized country in the world and getting markedly worse results. No other known industry in a competitive or many noncompetitive societies could survive by being twice as expensive while producing markedly inferior products, services, and results.
“ This system leaves too many people out resulting in 26 million uninsured and 43 million underinsured. In fact, recent World Health Organization metrics suggest that the US does an incredibly poor job with healthcare delivery, with the US ranked 37th overall to comparable Western country metrics and last among the 11 highest-income countries. These rankings are not surprising when you consider the fact that the US healthcare delivery system consumes 17% of our current gross domestic product and is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy accounting for 66.5% of total US individual monetary defaults…”
“ As someone who has dedicated my entire life to the practice of the noble art of medicine and has served in healthcare leadership at the highest levels, I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a luxury for the privileged few. I do not believe that the provision of healthcare should be a profit-centric-driven system.”
All in all having better paid medical staff and bigger (and probably better equipped) hospitals doesn’t necessarily equate to being better.
Apparently it does when you need a knee replacement.
I wonder how much that surgeon made in his career? 😉
That must be a great comfort for diabetics who can’t afford diabetic meds let alone medical treatment.
If you go private you will get closer to our times.
Well, hopefully you get some relief soon. I don't know how much pain you're in, or how limited your mobility is..I know how crazy I would be going with either of those two issues.
That's why you can't get pregnant then decide to get insurance..
There are folks that will try to game the system by not buying insurance and then buying it if they develop a probem.
There's an old saying. "You can't insure a burning barn or a pregnant woman"..
Give me the NHS every time despite its faults, at least every citizen has access to medical treatment and medication…who the hell wants to worry about the cost of medical treatment if and when you need to visit the ER for example.
Thanks. I should have the op within the next month, hopefully, because we want to get away in October, and after the op you can't fly for a few months.
I am not in great pain, it's just so very limiting to how far I can walk without pain....and running is out.
In theory you get treatment, at some point.
20% of Brits have purchased private insurance. I guess they are willing to part with extra money for better care. I don't blame them..
Here's the thing about the NHS. It's been very successful in convincing people that it's part of being British and the level of care (lack thereof) shouldn't be challenged and woe on the fool that thinks the concept should be challenged. It's like getting Muslims to abandon their faith. No matter how bad it gets, it will be revered.
I wasn't allowed to do anything for 6 to 8 weeks other than walk around the house. So, not sure what kind of repair he had but that seems a very short recovery time. Perhaps he had keyhole. I had to have full surgery.
when 11%* of the UK population can’t access treatments and prescriptions because of poverty then I’ll change my mind.
* plenty of bona fide out there.
The poor have medicaid which means they get to see private doctors and get the same rapid care I do..👍
He had to be knocked out and get a catheter.
It was day surgery. I've never heard of anyone being off work for more than a few days for that procedure. Obviously they had lifting restrictions.
You will be asked to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, operating heavy machinery or caring for young children for 48 hours after surgery until the anesthesia has completely worn off.
You can return to light activities such as housework and shopping after a couple of days.
Generally, patients can start driving again when they can make an emergency stop without any pain or discomfort. For patients who have laparoscopic or robotic surgery, this will be anywhere from a couple of days to two after surgery, while patients who have open surgery may need more time to recover before driving again.
Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster.
Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks.
Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery. 🤷
This sounds like what he had..
Numerous official data/articles* and actual folks polled must have it wrong then.
Short article extracts (April 2025) from a surgeon of 44 years standing (American btw)…
“ Currently the US, compared to similar Western countries, has the lowest life expectancy at birth, highest reported maternal and infant mortality, highest hospitalization rate from preventable causes, highest death rate for avoidable and treatable conditions, highest suicide rate, and highest chronic disease burden rate in the world.
In essence, we are spending more than any other civilized country in the world and getting markedly worse results. No other known industry in a competitive or many noncompetitive societies could survive by being twice as expensive while producing markedly inferior products, services, and results.
“ This system leaves too many people out resulting in 26 million uninsured and 43 million underinsured. In fact, recent World Health Organization metrics suggest that the US does an incredibly poor job with healthcare delivery, with the US ranked 37th overall to comparable Western country metrics and last among the 11 highest-income countries. These rankings are not surprising when you consider the fact that the US healthcare delivery system consumes 17% of our current gross domestic product and is the leading cause of personal bankruptcy accounting for 66.5% of total US individual monetary defaults…”
“ As someone who has dedicated my entire life to the practice of the noble art of medicine and has served in healthcare leadership at the highest levels, I firmly believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and not a luxury for the privileged few. I do not believe that the provision of healthcare should be a profit-centric-driven system.”
All in all having better paid medical staff and bigger (and probably better equipped) hospitals doesn’t necessarily equate to being better.
In fact, the healthcare in the States was actually ranked a lower than how Brits graded the NHS.
We both do pay for the medical care we receive...us via national insurance and general taxation and US through private insurance. The main difference being everyone here gets the same NHS treatment irregardless of how much they have paid into the system, which in light of uncontrolled immigration, seems to be a huge drawback nowadays.
My point exactly Syl. People in glass houses and all that.
Apparently it does when you need a knee replacement.
I wonder how much that surgeon made in his career? 😉
One of the main differences is we don't have to pay for insurance. Yours is mandatory..
What happens to someone who chooses not to pay NI?.
Not paying NI won't affect the treatment you receive on the NHS.
I know it won't. Can you choose to just not pay it then?.
No, automatically docked from your salary. As far as I know if you’re claiming benefits then your NI is paid, by the Govt, which is important when it comes to pension claims etc.
That must be a great comfort for diabetics who can’t afford diabetic meds let alone medical treatment.