Today I have realised that money really does talk.

Two weeks ago I found a lump in my breast. I did what you are always told, and went to see my GP straight away.

I was told I was going to be referred to the hospital for a mamogram and ultrasound. At this I burst into tears!! I was petrified, as any woman would be.

When I calmed down I thought oh well at least if it is anything serious we have caught it early enough to do something about it.

I expected my appointment to come through really quickly, afterall surely a breast lump should be given the highest priority.

Well I was wrong. I received a letter from the Hallamshire informing me that my appointment would be in a private hospital in 2 months time!!! They expect you to wait for a whole 2 months to find out wether or not you have something serious.

I was gobsmacked. I called the private hospital to see if I could get in any quicker as I'm worried to death. I was told I could only get in quicker if I pay. If I pay £120+ just to see the consultant I can go first thing in the morning. If I can't pay, tough **** wait two months, by which time if it is something serious it will be too late.

I was so upset, it just goes to show that money can even buy your health.

I will be sorting out private health insurance today!

By the way, according to the NHS, 2 months is within the national guidelines!! I could laugh if it weren't so serious.

I know what you are going through Steelblade as exactly the same thing happened to me.

The chances are it will be something benign like a cyst but we all think the worst when we find a lump. The mental anguish of having to wait all those weeks for an appointment is a disgrace.

I too looked into the possibility of going private which I did in the end. I used up all my savings but would have gone into debt to have it done privately if need be.

I was seen the next day at the Chatsworth Suite in Chesterfield...cost £70 (but that was 6 years ago). The operation was scheduled for the day after.

The cost of the operation £1,000.00. Out of this £500 was for the accomodation (day only no overnight stay) the rest was split between surgeon and anaethetist.

Good luck Steelblade hope all goes well.