Hernia belts

[ericdv]

Ian was also told NHS didn't do them and also told by clinic nurse they didn't recommend using them so I took the one I had bought and showed it to the Consultant and he said it was fine.
To be honest I would have really struggled without it.

[edward]

Sixsquid

Your GP is lying. Trusses are available on the NHS. The drug tariff http://www.ppa.org.uk/edt/July_2007/mindex.htm list all prescribable items available in the UK. Trusses are there. look under 'appliances'. Below is the text. You need the doctor to specify type, and then take it to a pharmacy to get measured and fitted. Not evey pharmacy does this, so check before you go. Also, they almost certainly won't have the item in stock, so there may be a delay while it is ordered. It should really be fitted when it arrives as well, and you have to take care when you put it on not to trap the hernia (make sure it is inside before you put it on).

I don't work in community pharmacy anymore, so i can't help directly, I'm afraid.

Cheers

TRUSSES
each
(See Part 1, Clause 2 3)
Before the prescription can be dispensed three details must be given by the prescriber:
(i) Single, or double, and the side, if single
(ii) Position, eg. Inguinal; Scrotal
(iii) Type, eg. truss; Elastic band truss
In the event of a dispute between the patient and the pharmacy or the appliance contractor about whether the truss supplied is satisfactory, the doctor's decision shall be binding.

Spring Truss
each
Specification 31(a)
Spring Trusses shall conform to the British Standard 2930: 1970 for Surgical Spring Trusses
Inguinal Single 3025
Double 4221
Inguinal Rat-tail Single 3724
Double 5566
Femoral Single 3341
Double 5169
Scrotal Single 3724
Double 5566
Double Inguinal/Scrotal 5352
Back Pad, fixed or sliding (if ordered) extra 858
Slotted, polished Spring Ends (if ordered) Single Extra 436
Double Extra 879

"Special" Trusses Single Extra 963
- conforming to the requirements in Specification 31b Double Extra 1902
NB:Requirement for a "Special" Truss should normally be confirmed by the prescriber.


Replacements and repairs:-
Understrap for Inguinal or Femoral Trusses 265

Elastic Band Truss

Specification 31b
Elastic Band Trusses shall conform to the British Standard 3271: 1970 for Surgical Elastic Band Trusses
Inguinal Single 2054
Double 3422

Scrotal Single 2138
Double 3482

Umbilical, Single Belt Single 2332
Double Belt where specified by prescriber Double 3176
"Special" Trusses Single Extra 604
- conforming to the requirements in Specification 31b Double Extra 875
NB:Requirement for a "Special" Truss should normally be confirmed by the prescriber





Issue: July 2007

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by edward

Sixsquid

Your GP is lying. Trusses are available on the NHS. The drug tariff http://www.ppa.org.uk/edt/July_2007/mindex.htm list all prescribable items available in the UK. Trusses are there. look under 'appliances'. Below is the text. You need the doctor to specify type, and then take it to a pharmacy to get measured and fitted. Not evey pharmacy does this, so check before you go. Also, they almost certainly won't have the item in stock, so there may be a delay while it is ordered. It should really be fitted when it arrives as well, and you have to take care when you put it on not to trap the hernia (make sure it is inside before you put it on).

I don't work in community pharmacy anymore, so i can't help directly, I'm afraid.

Cheers

WOW Edward What a lot of fantastic info, thanks

I have actually ordered one now and paid an extra £5 to get next day delivery as I feel the sooner it's on the better and there's stuff I need to do. Not least getting my twins in the house and fettling along with a kit check dive Weds (subject to suit) which I also thought would be a good time to try out a new item of support, if you know what I mean

I'm a bit concerned that you stress the fit and can only hope this one fits properly. It certainly wasn't cheap.
On a positve note, and those a bit squeamish look away now, every time I've checked for size etc. I've given it a wee push and I seem to have pushed it back I'm trying not to cough LOL The area and leg is still uncomfortable but it must be a good thing and if it's still like that when I get the belt on that's gotta be a plus

Oh, and could we not call it a truss Makes me think of 85 year old men!

[purple vonny]

Did you get the "scrotal single"?

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by purple vonny

Did you get the "scrotal single"?

I always knew I'd have to pay for "having balls" sometime

[edward]

Glad to be of help. The NHS versions have a 'crotch strap' that has to be adjusted to the correct size, hence the fitting advice. Most others have a 'user adjustable' strap and are hence not so critical to fit. Read the instructions thorougly, and make sure the hernia is inside before you tighten the truss, as you don't want to trap the loop of bowel (or whatever) outside and pinch it with the truss. Some people have sucess putting it on while laying down, as gravity means it will stay in while tightening up.

And your right fitting old men with trusses was the least fun part of my old job. particularily if they hadn't changed pants in a while. Two pairs of latex gloves for those ones....... That's why I prefer to drive a desk these days

Won't be down to wraysbury on Wednesday (pool session to go to) but might pop along the week after if anyone is about.

Cheers

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by edward

Glad to be of help. The NHS versions have a 'crotch strap' that has to be adjusted to the correct size, hence the fitting advice. Most others have a 'user adjustable' strap and are hence not so critical to fit. Read the instructions thorougly, and make sure the hernia is inside before you tighten the truss, as you don't want to trap the loop of bowel (or whatever) outside and pinch it with the truss. Some people have sucess putting it on while laying down, as gravity means it will stay in while tightening up.

Aah, so you are 'allowed' to push it in then I thought I was being a bit naughty but it took a couple of days to get there. Shouldn't the GP have told me this and advised on how to do it?!

Won't be down to wraysbury on Wednesday (pool session to go to) but might pop along the week after if anyone is about.

and I thought I was going to get a personal check on fitting

[edward]

Hello. Yes, normally you would push the hernia in and the truss (sorry!) holds it in. This is true in most cases, but you should really check - without wishing to sound defensive, I don't know anything about you specifically and there are some cases where this isn't the best course of action. There you go, disclaimer over.....

As to a personal fitting, I'm not sure SWMBO would believe me - 'I'm just off to Wraysbury for a truss (sorry!) fitting dear!'. I'm sure it would have been a more pleasant experience than the vast majority of my 'professional' fittings involving skanky old man-pants

[Sixsquid]

Originally Posted by edward

Hello. Yes, normally you would push the hernia in and the truss (sorry!) holds it in. This is true in most cases, but you should really check - without wishing to sound defensive, I don't know anything about you specifically and there are some cases where this isn't the best course of action. There you go, disclaimer over.....

Understood Being as the GP pushed it and was pleased it was moving I think I'm probably ok. I was gentle and I'd rather it was in that out (when I think about what it really is it make me feel quite yuk)

As to a personal fitting, I'm not sure SWMBO would believe me - 'I'm just off to Wraysbury for a truss (sorry!) fitting dear!'. I'm sure it would have been a more pleasant experience than the vast majority of my 'professional' fittings involving skanky old man-pants

Thank you

While I'm posting on this thread again I would like to add that I was, initially, a bit embarrassed about this but, after posting this thread for info and receiving helpful posts, I received some kind and reassuring PMs. These PMs and the posts helped enormously and allowed me to ‘come out’, so to speak, and learn it is neither uncommon (although a bit for females), an old persons thing or anything to feel embarrassed about

Thanks all

[Prometheus]

So not only do you need help with your dry glove seals , your going to be faffing around with a truss.