I'm going for a consultation in London with Dr Guichet in January and I wanted most if not all the pre-op test's Unicorn888 mentioned in her diary so I can bring them along to the consultation which are as follows (stolen from Unicorn's diary):
- Blood tests serology, coagulation, blood group, blood count, ESR, CRP, liver tests, CTX, Alc Phosphatases £180/NHS)
N.B: The only 2 NHS doesn't do is the Alc. Phosphates+Bone Isoenzyme and blood grouping. I went to HCA Labs at 111 Harley St since same group as Princess Grace, so Doc G receives results automatically. Cost £180 for both.
- Pre-op cardiological ECG report (NHS)
- Pre-op dental report (£60)
- Bone densitometry (full body, hip and spine) £450
- EOS 3D Body xray (anterior-posterior, lower limbs) £330
I have just been to my GP and he said the NHS will not provide me with any of the above because it is private surgery?!
What's the deal with that, is there any fellow Englishmen that have managed to get any of these test's from the NHS and how?
I don't mean to sound bitter but I want a return on the ten's of thousands of pounds I've paid in taxes for "free" healthcare.
Quote from: AnotherLevel on November 08, 2016, 01:19:36 AMCan't help regarding getting the tests on the NHS but have you booked a consultation yet?
I'm sure Unicorn will be along at some point with the information you need.
Good luck, please keep a diary.
I've requested a January consultation but not confirmed by Dr. Guichet's team as of yet; will probably ring Monday just to confirm availability.
I'll probably write up a brief diary I was always awful at English though so it won't be anywhere as interesting and amusing as Unicorn's but I'll try my best! 
Quote from: AnotherLevel on January 08, 2017, 03:55:07 PMHow did you get on with the tests? I'm hoping to get a consultation ASAP and push this forward. Still no email from Guichet though.
Was the consultation positive?
I'll write something a bit more in depth when I have the paperwork infront of me but yes the consultation was very positive thank you.
We discussed my aspirations and Guichet seemed to think it feasible with extensive stretching as I have tight muscles (unable to put the palms of my hands flat on the floor whilst bending forward's with my legs straight) so the balls in my court per say.
No tests conducted as of yet still working my way through the droves of questions he requires answering but I did find a cybex facility that charges £50 instead of the £150 unicorn was charged in London so I'll be doing that soon as a baseline then start hitting the gym to gain the required muscle mass and then a subsequent retest to see if I've gained enough muscle.
Don't laugh but I've also taken up yoga haha. My first class is on Wednesday; no idea what to expect 
Pretty sure he has a PA now who should answer you as soon as possible. Took 1-2 weeks for a response for me when he didn't have a PA I think..hang in there 
No worries 
were all in the same boat here least we can do is help one another.
Yes I met him in London.
There are people far more qualified on the forum than me to answer this but defiantly months, I believe Guichet offers a pre op training package that lasts 2-3 months if I remember correctly so that should give an indication of preparation times.
6-8 months of self administered stretching exercises should be sufficient for someone with tight muscles; I've talked to physiotherapists and chiropractors who both say yoga would be hugely beneficial in addition to stretches targeting hip flexors, quadriceps and glutes so that may be a good idea..you never know you might even enjoy it
In order to meet Guichet for a consultation you are required to fill out a large pdf and return it to him which is a series of medical and personal questions about your reasoning behind the surgery; when he responds to your email he will most likely attach the form.
Yea I seem to remember the 3,000GBP figure too; possibly cheaper in Milano I didn't enquire.
Have either of you enquired about pricing in Milano? If its cheaper than London (52,000GBP) by 5,000GBP or so I'd be inclined to go there instead.
Funding is a major hurdle for me and at 25 I'm at the optimal age imo so I do not want to delay further than necessary having to build up additional capital for something I can do myself; I mean three grand for some training? really?
I'm not a pro athlete by any stretch of the imagination but I was at amateur MMA competition level and I believe if you want something bad enough you'll do anything to achieve it; it's all in the mind.
When Guichet was commenting on my stiffness he said I could do 4-5cm at a push in my current state but if I became for flexible 8cm is achievable so you'll have to ask yourself if you'll be happy with 5cm knowing that if you trained/waited a little harder/longer you could have achieved more?
Quote from: Annalisa on January 11, 2017, 08:41:51 PMI'm always happy to find new Guichet patients stories. Do you think, other than yoga (which I don't think I can do now), cycling is a good way to improve your flexibility? I plan to do 3 months of training preparation with Guichet trainers in Milan. I think training with professionals will help me to stay disciplined; plus, my progresses will be regularly controlled, so that I can undergo the operation as soon as I reach Guichet requirements. But there is no a specific package. The pre-op training costs 5 thousand at month, as far as I know. Or have the prices changed since the last time I chatted with Guichet?
'Stretching after a ride is beneficial because cycling shortens your muscles. Think about it: you are pedalling constantly, with no range in that movement. The position of the rest of your body may change, but your legs are rotating in a very limited manner. This means that those muscles are incredibly strong, but also short and tight.'
Took this little snippet from the internet; could be nonsense but logically it makes sense so maybe you'll actually be doing more harm than good?
The physio and chrio didn't suggest any sport except yoga for stretching (other than stretching ofc).
I'm under the impression gymnastics would surely be beneficial too?
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