I need an operation to fix a condition I have called pectus excavatum but the NHS won't do it (I have tried for over 17 years). I can't take it anymore though so am forced to go private which is likely to cost me between £20-30k based on estimates. I am on a low income due to ASD restricting my ability to work and had been unemployed for a long time until three years ago. I reckon I will have saved about £10k by the time it comes to paying for the operation and am expecting the consultation to be in October. My dad says he will help with some of the costs which I am grateful for but still find it unnacceptable as the NHS should be funding it, not people like us who are already struggling to get by as it is.

The only charity dedicated to the condition told me they can't provide financial assistance. Taking out private health insurance is pointless because it is a pre-existing condition. My employer will only provide counselling. Making a "GoFundMe" will just be another drop in the bucket of people going unnoticed. I've used a "grants and benefits search tool" which resulted in me finding a public fund that may be able to help with obtaining equipment to help during the recovery period.

Otherwise, the only thing I can think of is PIP since having ASD might make me eligible but am very reluctant to, I guess due to the stigma of being a "scrounger."

I would be grateful if someone could point me somewhere or offer up some more advice as I am feeling desperate.


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