Hi HC
I guess if you're seeing the Consultant soon, you'll get what you want regarding the low dose Cialis. I'm in the same boat, The GP refused it even though, like you, I cited the Consultant instruction to take it.
I think part of the problem may be that the manufacturer/patent holder of Cialis has not made an application for it to be used in this manner, so it's quite easy for the NHS/NICE /All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) etc to be rather dismissive of attempts to allow prescribing via GPs. Yet some do. Why is this?
When I see my Consultant on 11 April, I expect that since he advised me to take it, he will prescribe 5mg Cialis. I will then ask about why he thinks it beneficial, and if there is research to support this. Some might think that I should just take the Cialis and run- there seems to be such variable practice wrt GP prescribing Cialis. If you're in the dark , you stay in the dark..
I think the future should be that everyone on here who has been prescribed it by their consultant should ask if there is supporting evidence. Having got it, if they shared this info' on this forum, it might enable a push for the wider prescribing of Cialis ( if it works).
In Wales, they seem to allow NICE to take the lead on prescribing guidelines. Cardiff has only recently had a da Vinci suite. I don't think there's one elsewhere in Wales. A lot of prostate cancer patients have to cross into England.So, although there may be a urologist on the AWMSG, it is entirely possible that their understanding of Nerve Sparing and Cialis is little better than mine. They make the policy.
I found out about private prescriptions and asked my GP for 5mg Cialis 28 days to tide me over until I see the Consultant. The GP does not charge for this- you have to buy the pills though from the pharmacist. There is an online regulatory system for UK based online pharmacies which suggests you get what you pay for. Be aware though that the prices online vary massively. In the end, I had Cialis posted to me from 'Dr Fox' ( Glasgow) for £55. I reasoned it was less stressful to pay up than chunter about the perceived injustice until my follow up appointment.