I recieved a phone call today from my surgeons secretary. I am due to go in for my right hip to be replaced on Monday 14th ( Next week ). Looks like again I am going to be let down and will be cancled. They won't be doing me now till the first full week in January after the christmas break.
So it looks like I am in for another miserable christmass full of pain.
Having spoken to my partner and being constantly let down we have decided to sue my local health board. I hate to do this because I know the NHS is strapped for cash. But I just feel they can't keep treating me like this.
I know just how you feel about sueing the NHS - I feel the same way, but I will be doing the same after they messed up my operation as I am being made to suffer at least an additional 10 weeks of recovery, and I am likely to be financially hit as I won't be getting full sick pay.
I really do feel for you, at least I am not in pain from the joint now, I am just not able to run around, put up Christmas decorations, pick up the cat's feeding tray, e.t.c.
They have let you down badly - you are entitled to get some recompense for your continued suffering.
I think if they cancel you twice then you should be able to go,private on nhs, i am so sorry to hear your bad news, it's devastating look into it to see if this applies to you, ask your surgeon still two weeks till in Christmas fingers crossed. Sue
So sorry to hear that you have been at the receiving of this NHS messing around. All down to cutback and stff shortages.
How many times has this happened to you, and which county are you in? I have just been referred for THR, and do not want to be subjectrd to all this if possible.
I think you are quite right to kick up a fuss, it really is not fair, as it leaves you in a constant state of anxiety, and not knowing whether the next scheduled op will take place or not.
I do hope something will come through for you. Have you asked to be put on the cancelllation list? People do get sick at this time of year, and a lot of patients seem to opt out at the last minute due to last minute nerves, so it's worth putting your name forward, I think.
Hailea - I think in your case seeing your hip is soooo bad, would make a good newspaper story, do you have a local rag or TV station. You have a great story about cancelations without the rest of the story about how long you have been waiting with a effectively broken hip, disgusting. How freindly is your GP towards the media, I would check with him too make sure if your story blows up into a real story he is also on side, I would think he would be if they keep his name private. I know very intrusive into your privacy, but it may get something done, or shame them into doing something. I have seen the media get people into hospital more than once, but you have to have a good story, and you do.
Yes I remember your post and what you are going through. I do not blaim you either for taking a stand. Something has to be done when things go wrong.I am glad you are at least not suffering pain from what was done to you. I am glad you are making a point. I still feel bad about having to go down this road. But I have had loads of operations in the last few years and had no issues like this at all in other sections of the same hospital. I have also now been told that I will have to wait 14 months before I get my first consultation to do with my cataracts. This is ridiculous
Already been down that path and no. Because I have already had my pre op. I have to wait. If I am not done by the time my pre op run out ( 12 weeks ) I can try then,.
I wernt through this while waiting for my firts hip to be done. That was a 4 year wait. If they had done me sooner I wouldn't be in the state I am in now. I was c ancled 4 times with the first op. I have so far been cancled twice with this op and I could even have to wait till after the winter rush and get it done in April again which means I will have been suffering for a year if that is to happen. The latest is that they are hoping to get me in again in January the first full week back after the christmas break.I have asked to be put forward for cancleation and was told no one ever cancles because like me they have been waiting far too long.
I was informed by my solicitor not to go to the press because if the hospital get wind of me suing them that would not help my case. I may go to the papers after the legal side is sorted out.I have a good friend that works for the press so I will wait for now and see what happenes first.
I guess what makes things worse is that I havn't been out of the house for months except to go for my pre op 2 weeks ago. I think I have cabin feaver. Looks a little better with all the christmas decks up but it isn't the same as talking to people.
I have nothing new to say, just that this is terrible - It sounded all so positive and a "no matter what happens, you will get your surgery" ring to it ...
Dont sue. I give that advice as one who has been in a similar situation and got really mad with the hospital.
I have been a house elf for 2 years and at only 53 now am fed up. Your solicitor is not your friend in this situation.
Elective surgery can be cancelled by the NHS especially in hospitals which have high winter admissions.
So i wrote to consultant threatening to complain but asking him to take one last step to help
me. He bit my arm off.
I am now referred to John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford and got an out patients appointment in early new year and wailting lists seem sensible. Support staff there are brilliant so i am willing to have the distancd to travel as the only hassle and can have follow up physio locally.
Initially i wanted revenge for money and life years
lost but actually realised on reflection that i needed the best possible recovery at a hospital i trusted. You could die before the legal case was decided and even then you may lose. Given how often this happens you can expect a robust defence otherwise the flood gates will be open. Knowing others who have tried to fight - including my mum
who had a lige changing stroke in reaction to losing a legitimate claim - literally as she read the letter of rejection - you can waste a lot of life fighting over what has happened.
Focus on the future and getting better. I had a too big hip put in almost 2 years ago, been in constant pain unable to drive far or work ever since. My focus is on getting better. Theres a limitation on how long you can leave it before suing but you do have time to come back to that. Ince you are better. Getting better must be a priority.
I know someone who had been cancelled again who wanted to stay at the same hospital - she went into the CEO office and refused to leave til action was taken.
A good surgeon with a theatre slot for you is your priority. Talking to solicitors wont get you better any more quickly and is likely to add to your stress.
I know this is different from what others have said and I am
months down the line from feeling as you do at the moment. But do please think about your priorities and be driven by your health needs and what will get you better fastest
That's an interesting take on the subject - I'll have to think about that one today before I see my surgeon this afternoon to discuss about correcting his mistake. Perhaps i should press him to get me referred to the National Orthopaedic centre.