[nickbraddock]

Hi all,
have not posted for a while, my house sale fell through a week before exchange, we were due to go at the end of August. Received another slightly lower offer a couple of weeks ago, accepted and then 4 days later my wife has discovered a lump on her thyroid. It has been a very weird stressful week or so, she has had one test which was inconclusive and is due an ultrasound scan in a week (2 week waiting list for URGENT requests!) The specialist has also pencilled her an operation in for 19th October.

At this time, NZ is so far away, I haven't been able to think about anything else other than getting my wifes health sorted. Hopefully when it is removed, it will be benign and we should be back on track soon, fingers crossed!

One question, are we entitled to the equivalent of the NHS when we move to NZ or do we have to pay extra until we have lived there for a year? I need a knee operation for a torn cartliage and was wondering if I should wait the 6 months here to get it or just go and see a doctor in NZ. Also my wife may/may not need tests every so often to confirm she is clear, could she get them ??
Speak soon
Nick

[Kim39]

Nick, sorry i can't answer your question, but just wanted to say i am sorry to hear you have had a double whammy and i wish your wife all the best. Your wifes health is the focus now. The house, and its easy to say because people have said this to me before now, but another buyer will pop along and your dream will be realised. Chin up bud.

Kim

[kiwidebs]

Nick, sorry to hear about your wife - sending lots of get well soon wishes your way. That is definately your priority for a while - the NZ stuff can get underway again when thats sorted.

I know urgent medical treatment for UK citizens is covered by some recipricol agreement the two countries have, but I'm not sure about 'non-urgent' stuff such as cartilage ops. I'm pretty sure any tests your wife needs will be readily available.
Hopefully someone who's already done the move will be able to answer your questions for you. Just wanted to wish your wife all the best.

Debs

[jubjub]

Hope your wife gets better soon, and the house sorts itself out.

This site might help with healthcare questions

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf

[Diny]

NZ will always be here Nick, focus on the more pressing matters for now and then pick up the reins and ride towards your dream when all is clearer.

Best wishes to your wife, please keep us posted.

Diny

[Smiler]

Nick & Mrs Nick

I'm sorry to hear you are having a tough time.

Nz will always be there, so will the dream. Try and concentrate on just getting Mrs N well. I expect this is a very anxious 2 week wait and you have enough to worry about without the house sale too.

Please let us know how the tests/op go and I wish you both all the best.

We'll be in welly monday week and I'll make sure to put my towel on the sun lounger for you.


Deborah x

[baboonworld]

I hope all is well!

I think it would be wise to get private healthcare in NZ - due to the "user pays" philosphy.

On the bright side - at least you get to use the NHS one last time (since you have been paying for it for so long anyway!!)

[Babette & Andy]

Nick

Same as what's already been said above, I'm so sorry to hear about your double dose of bad news above. Wish you & your wife all the best these next few weeks / months.

Babette

[blue]

Hi Nick I had the same thing myself back 20yrs ago. The operation wasnt too bad at all and I had part of my thyroid gland removed. I now take thyroxine for life. You will need to pay for this in NZ. In most cases the lump is benign.
Anyway wish your wife well from me and if you need to know anything more please feel free to pm me.