Scoliosis

Engine No.9

Hi All. Hoping this doesn't fall under the category of looking for medical advice. let me make this specifically clear I AM NOT LOOKING FOR MEDICAL ADVICE. I've gotten all the medical advice I need at this stage.

My 15 year old daughter was diagnosed with a quite severe case of scoliosis about 6 months ago. While I have medical insurance to cover her, somehow, Crumlin won't take her as a private patient so we'll be waiting well in excess of a year (likely 2 years) for an appointment, let alone any treatments which may follow. The GP referred her up North to a private hospital to get her seen under the Cross Border Directive. We went up there yesterday only for the consultant to say that he doesn't handle paediatric cases. A long day and £180 wasted to be told that. Fair enough he examined her and was concerned enough to say that he wants to refer her to another colleague in the Ulster Independent Clinic and while my insurance covers this clinic, the consultant does not respond to the insurer, so we're left with the prospect of having to deal with the CBD again.

Spoke with my insurer who informed me that I can select basically any surgeon who performs the surgery down south and they will cover it so long as the consultant responds to them, which is quite a few down here from what I can gather.

Thing is, I don't want her to go to just any surgeon. I need someone who specialises in scoliosis (she doesn't need neurosurgery as there is no concern with the spinal cord or base of the brain). I'm finding it so hard to find any information on any surgeon who specialises in scoliosis. Don't even know where to start.

I'm wondering if any of you guys have heard of any surgeons who specialise in the condition or who have done this surgery? Once I get names I can do all my own research and get the information I need so that we can go back to the GP and get referrals etc. But it's finding out what they do first and foremost is the issue. Thanks in advance.

Engine No.9

I'm looking the Limerick/wider Munster region btw. Thanks again.

Andy From Sligo

Hello - sorry to hear of your predicament . As a father of a son with bad scoliosis and kyphosis i know how painful it is for the patient and how frustrating and heartbreaking it is for a parent. my sons surgeon was/is Mr. Noel and is based in Crumlin - which i think you said you have tried but they wont do.

I hope you get get something sorted soon.

magnumlady

Mr. Kiely is another scoliosis surgeon. He treats people in Crumlin but also seems to work in the Mater Private.
Hope you get help for your daughter soon.

halvis

Sorry only just seen this, but it still may apply given you were having to wait.

My son was operated on privately by Mr Kiely in Blackrock. We were in the same boat, waiting on the Crumlin list, but once he was 14 he was able to go onto the private Blackrock waiting list.

Hope your daughter is getting on OK.

JDMC2

My son is being seen by Ms Cassidy in Sports clinic, sentry. She doesn’t do private (we have VHI) but said waiting list for surgery is about six months. We could possibly go private with another consultant but I’ve heard great things about Ms Cassidy so I’m prepared to wait.