Anxious and confused
Posted , 8 users are following.
I have already posted that my GP is referring me of THR following a telephone consultation. My understanding is that the GP is going to dictate a letter referring me on. I have no idea where the letter goes. GP has advised that there will be paperwork for me to fill in, and I will be sent a list of hospitals form which I can choose. GP says that I shall have to have an ECG but I have no idea who to contact, or whether they will contact me. GP has also stated that I should have a blood test, but did not say where I was to go. I am assuming I should contact the practice? Right now, I am feeling very anxious and in limbo as I don't have the full picture, and I have heard and read some rather alarming stories about UK hospitals.
I have had little experience of UK hospitals, other than when my Mother was taken in at age 98 after flu became pneumonia, both of which she survived, and was given a dose of what I believe was diamorphine, that put her into a coma, resulting in her death.
Perhaps the Forum could fill me in on what to expect from this point on, please?
2 likes, 24 replies
christine2107 susie74530
Posted
The trick with the NHS is to keep tabs on what is supposed to happen and nudge it awake if it needs it. Best thing to do is to go and see your GP - or call the receptionist who will know exactly what the process is for your local service. Every GP practice operates a bit differently so its better for you to ask the receptionist about your practice as you are likely to get 57 different answers here - reflecting the variations between practices.
The NHS is generally staffed by people who are very caring and want to do a good job so dont be afraid of it. Do keep asking us lots of questions to get the reassurance you need
take care
Chris
susie74530 christine2107
Posted
No face to face with the GP. Had a phone call from them last night, and they stated that the referral would be made. Asked if I would do a blood test "at my leisure" and an ECG. Said a letter would be generated referring me, and a questionnaire would be forthcoming along with a list of hospitals, and that everything was straightforward.
What the GP has suggested I do, is out of sync with what I understand to be normal procedure, and at my last consultation face to face regarding possible THR, she advised that I was "healthy," so no reason for wanting me to undertake these two procedures ahead of time. She gave no advice on whom to contact for the blood test or the ECG!
susie74530 christine2107
Posted
Many thanks for your response. I did call the practice, and had the ecg and the blood tests done at the surgery, yesterday.
Now I have to await the results of the two tests and then the referral, etc. I am nervous about the various posting I have read on the site that state that although the NHS is supposed to operate within 18 weeks of referral, which is long enough,and they are not adhering to it, and some people have been on a waiting list for as long as four years, by which time, they are either bed ridden or dependent on a wheel chair. This is ludicrous, cruel and inhumane. I do not understand how this can be in this day age, even though the NHS is totally under funded thanks to the ridiculous cutbacks and lack of staff. Recruiting doctors and staff from the EU without checking their credentials is a worry, and presumably this is happening because they can pay them much smaller salaries. What happens to the patient is a secondary consideration, it would appear, as cost cutting is the name of the game!
I will keep an eye on what ishappening in my situation, and very obviously check the surgeons record and credentials. I have already had to have revisionary surgery done on my dominant hand because the surgeon was a foot surgeon, not a hand surgeon! And, that was in San Francisco, before I returned to the UK and its system!
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
The referral letter goes to a central location who then send you the Choose and book paperwork. If the list you are sent covers the hospital that you want to use you will be fine, otherwise you will need to request specifically.
When you get the paperwork read carefully and follow instructions, when I phoned they were very very helpful. This will result in an out patient appointment at the hospital with one of the consultant surgeons team
Most of the tests you need will be part of or as a result of your outpatient consultation. It is best to prepare and print out a medical history and a list of any current medications, this makes the appointment smoother because you will have ready answers to many of the questions that they need to ask
ECG is part of preop tests, so are the routine, blood group, Hb, and electrolytes. Other blood tests may be indicated because of any past medical history, these may be what the GP meant and it may be worth checking with the practice The idea is to check your general fitness for the surgery and to solve any problems in advance.
i found the nurses at the outpatient appointment very knowledgable and able to answer questions
susie74530 maggie93798
Posted
When I consulted with the GP a coule of months ago regarding potention THR, she stated that I was "healthy" so I cannot quite understand why she would want an early blood test, that being the case!
Will take your advice and type out a medical history, which is very little, and I do have my medical file fro the hand surgery for arthritis in San Francisco, so I can take that with me.
It does rather look as procedures vary somewhat from one county to the next, hence my confusion, as afriend of mine in Oxford stated that his GP wrote directly to a consultant, bypassing a central hub.
Very reassuring, and I will try to relax a little and go with the flow on this.
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
susie74530 maggie93798
Posted
Will do.
I have the impression that what the GP has requested of me is unusual and for no reason, as she states that I am "healthy" - two months ago.
Are you going to the Music Centre in B on A? Do enjoy.
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
No path lab will do a blood test without a request form, so therefore if you are to have a blood test there should be a form or a note to make out a form in your GP notes.
susie74530 maggie93798
Posted
My ecg and blood tests were taken yesterday. I have posted on the site today about waiting lists for surgery. I am concerned as there are posting on here about patients being kept waiting for four years whcih is outrageous. I know my GP has dictated the referral letter, and at some point, paperwork etc., will be sent out to me, and the process will start. I know about the 18 week rule, to which the NHS are not adhering,but I am wondering if you have any further knowledge of what the ait is likely to be?
I have had to wrtie to my management company, again regarding the manner in which my flat door and our communal front door slam shut forceable behid me. This morning, I went outside to my pailbox, fortu nately carrying my stick, and still was nearly knocked over, by the force of the door slamming behind me too quickly. I have raised this with them before, and no action whatsoever. I do not know what else I can do. Similarly, I wrote to them today about the "pipping" sounds that the fire alarm is making directly outside me bedroom door, which is worrying. No response! All emails, if course.
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
it is possible to look up your surgeon on line to get stats for number of ops, revisions etc
the 4 years. The 18 week count does not start till after acceptance for op, most people who have the 4 years wait have had a long journey from to get to that point.
susie74530 maggie93798
Posted
My referral letter, accompanied by a couple of forms arrived this moring. I have to call a central umber in Devizes, No such thing as choose and book option. I find this worrying as it could indicate an already overloaded system, which in turn, means a longer wait for the surgery. If it runs much over the stiputlated 18 weeks, I shall be rattling some cages, as I cannot go much onger without surgery.
I do not have a support system in the UK that is going to be of any help, should I need it. Daughter in Bath who does not drive, and a friend in Oxford, who is a stroke victim. He drives - fast - but in terms of any practical help, it would be out of the question. Can't expect my friends in San Francisco to fly over here, either.
I am increasing pain, and will have to rely upon having most of my groceries delivered - at a cost. I can make it aroud a supermarket with a trolley, but it is slow and painful, and for the most part, I have to leave without my full shop, due to the pain.
I have been give the name of a surgeonn, who operates both privately and NHS, so I may try to get a appointment with him, at this clinic, for which I shall have to pay, but it is worth a shot, as he may be able to put me on his list for NHS. No harm in trying!
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
susie74530 maggie93798
Posted
I haven't been able to speak to Devizes yet, as the letter arrived this morning. But, I will try to get hold of them at 8:30 a.m., on Monday. I have been given the name of a surgeon who operates privately and also at RUH, Bath. I ran into a couple this morning who recommended him,, but I was in Tesco, and we were all struggling with crutches and walking sticks, ad generally getting in everyone's way. So, I was unable to get their name. I think he would know who they are, though. They have made a suggestion that I may follow.
I can send you a private email through the site with a little more detail.
All the best,
Susie
maggie93798 susie74530
Posted
SJCabes susie74530
Posted
I had an NHS thr in Surrey. The consultant sent my GP a letter and a copy to me. Then I received a phone call for the option of several dates. Once I'd chosen my date, I then received a pre op appointment from the hospital for blood test, ecg etc.
Whilst I was in hospital I had a severe reaction to one of the anti sickness drugs which was really scary, but the team who came to help were amazing and managed to sort me out pretty quickly.
My experience was very positive and I couldn't fault the hospital or the care I received.
Maybe you could call your Consultant/GP Secretary to get a bit more guidance on the procedure and what you need to do next.
All the very best.
susie74530 SJCabes
Posted
Many thanks for your advice. I am forming the impression, that in Wiltshire, the proocess is different to what you have experiened, but very siilar to what a friend of mine in Oxford, has described as being the usual procedure. The impression I had from my doctor was that I needed to arrange my own blood tst and ECG! Have no idea where the letter of referral was to go, either!