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The original was posted on /r/newzealand by /u/Pepper-Tea on 2024-09-29 07:40:03+00:00.

For the last few months I’ve been struggling with incapacitating symptoms that come and go. Every time, my GP refers me for a consult with the appropriate specialist for diagnosis. I’ve been immediately refused each time, with a generic message stating no appointments will be available for the foreseeable future, and a stupid recommendation to try hormone therapy or something similar. Calling the area of the hospital leads to a message saying they are unable to take calls or new patients for the next year.

I’ve presented to emergency care 3 different times, in absolute agony, unable to walk. I’ve had bloodwork done each time, but there is no chance to get any radiology done, so I paid for a full scan privately. Surgery is needed but local hospital again refused a consultation, because I am still ambulatory.

All private specialists are full and I’ve gone on two of their waiting lists, only to be booted after they learn I don’t have private health insurance. Based on initial referral, both specialists agreed surgery is the appropriate treatment, but they warned me I’m looking at 70 to 90,000 dollars for the procedure.

I’m currently under the tele-healthcare of a specialist in my home country, saving up for flights over there. My mother is willing to help with the 10 grand the same procedure will cost there.

Is this my local health board only or is it the South Island… or are other parts of the country this screwed?