Update...

Again thank you all for your support and suggestions.  A few updates.

I just did a short interview with Matt Cooper which might be aired on tomorrow's edition of Today FM's The Last Word.  They are going to get in touch with the HSE and see if they can get a response.

UPDATE - Looks like this will be aired tonight after six, all going well.  For those of you who know me personally I am going by the name Mary on the show.  Click here to listen live.  Here's hoping something will come from it!

I also just spoke with my GP who informed me that the list of people waiting for scans in the Midlands has been forwarded to a Dublin hospital.  He asked that I be patient and that I should be finding out something soon.  *SIGH*

I rang some of the private hospitals in Dublin to try and cost things out.  I would be looking at around €200 up front for the ultrasound.  If a biopsy is needed it would be another €250 plus pathology fees and then several hundred for the consultant.  My insurance (basic level) will cover some at about 35-60% depending on the service, but that would have to be claimed back by myself in May when the policy is up for renewal.  Unfortunately I just don't have that type of money lying around. 

On the suggestion that some people made of camping out in A&E until someone does the scan, I am seriously thinking about it.  With the man's work schedule and the wee ones at home, it won't be an option until Monday at which point in time I hope to have some better news.  If not, I might just do that.

I also received a response from Olwyn Enright who invited me to give her a ring or stop into her office tomorrow as she will be here.  I think I might take her up on it.  Of interest is that the Fine Gael TDs are the only ones I've gotten a response from with absolutely nothing from the HSE or Fianna Fail.  I suppose I'm not surprised. 

I am still wondering who else is affected by this.  There must be other women out there.  Where are they?  Surely I'm not the only one facing Christmas with the fear of the unknown hanging over my head.  In the meantime I will remain positive and hope that maybe the HSE will respond to the folks at Today FM, although it doesn't seem like bad press fazes them in the least.

Thanks again for all the support.

Comments

[Green Ink]

Fuck your GP telling you to be patient. If it was someone belonging to him he'd be pulling every string that's unravelled from the health service to get it sorted. That's what they want, people to just fuck quietly off and not be causing a scene. Don't do it.
Going the press route is absolutely the best way now. Keep on it.

[AvoidingLife]

Thanks GreenInk - Just been on to Cian, and all going well they will be airing the piece tonight, sometime after six. Here's hoping!

[disgrace]

Or, alternatively, present at another GP saying you live at an address in Dublin or (if you're into the driving) an address in Northern Ireland, depending on where you might have friendly relatives.

[Green Ink]

Well those dirty HSE bastards. What a copout, they could easily have commented on the service being withdrawn without a public announcement, they don't need your particulars for that!
Well done for going on and keep us posted.

[Twenty Major]

I heard you, well done.

And I'm with Green Ink, the fact that the HSE wouldn't make a statement was a disgrace and should be another nail in the coffin for its current administrators.

[Eolaí]

Yeah I didn't really get why they couldn't say anything at all.

You did well though. I'm disappointed they didn't try and follow it up once the HSE refused to comment - nothwithstanding the criticism of them Cooper implied.

[Caoimhin]

Best wishes to you and do keep us updated! The HSE is a blight on the nation....

[Maria Fitzpatrick]

I dont know you personally...But i for one would be happy to pay for your Ultrasound and consutlant fee.. send me a email to the adress i left ...and im not joking i WILL pay for it...Its a fuckin disgrace this county....you can pay the half back in may if you like....my thoughts are with you...

[Maria]

Sorry ...i dont mean that post to sound like charity it could be like a Bertie loan... ..but i would love to be able to help out if you would accept the offer...