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Consultant Referral - "Iffy....?"

Posted , 15 users are following.

susie74530
susie74530

I have just received my confirmation letter for my consultation with the surgeon.

It states that the specialist will; a) ask about my symptoms, b) may examine me; c) may request some investigations; d) will be done at the hospital/clinic, or be given a further appointment!

Is this the usual procedure?  It seems very "iffy" and surely, the xray would show how far the arthritis has progressed, and what the symptoms are likely to be!

The appointment is described as being that of a "clinic" and upon checking, I find that this is a block of time rserved for these types of consultations and essentially, several patients with my type of disease are seen within the allocated block of time.

I have had to wait two years, after being referred to a physio, who saw me, gave m a set of exercises, and that that was that.  Two years later, this year 2015, I had a further set of exrays that showed that the diseas, needless to say had progressed and was now shoing that I have arthritis - mild - in the other hip and the knee.  

Is it possible, that the specialist will reject me for surgery and expect me to go through yet another two years of pain and discomfort, or make a decision for other types of treatment, and in that case what would that be?

I find the entire scenario very unsettling and disturbing.  What is the experience of other members of the Forum in these types of consultations?  Do we have to be in a wheelchair and housebound before surgery, or what?

 

2 likes, 37 replies

37 Replies

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  • sarah1996
    sarah1996 susie74530

    Posted

    My scenario was diffeent because i spoke to my surgeon at a training day for trainee doctors where they exaimed my condition to learn. I told him i fed fed up and needed my op. He said right fine ill get you booked in for a consultation. Went for my consultationa nd although my surgeon was off i spoke to another doctor who just answered a few off my mams questions, told me i had to leave my job and said righr ill put you on the waiting list now. Sat in hospital for 2 and a half hours and was in with the doctor for 5 minutes. I didnt have an examinations or anything
  • sharon09171
    sharon09171 susie74530

    Posted

    That sounds awful. I imagine it must depend on where you live in the country and how proactive your surgery is. I didn't have your experience and hope your delays get resolved very quickly. From making the appointment to see the first consultant I was put on an 18 week waiting period for the operation. I think I had it after 19 weeks which I thought was miraculously quick. I'd anticipated a couple of years as you have had. I think that the delay is supposed to be 18 weeks countrywide so maybe you need to be a bit aggressive and demand some early action. You certainly should not expect to be hobbling around any longer. You've served your time and more! Good luck with getting what you obviously need. 
  • vanessa88276
    vanessa88276 susie74530

    Posted

    I have only just had a thr after years of painkillers and physio x my xray this time showed bone on bone severe arthritis so consultant totally agreed that I needed it x Its a big op and my consultant said they would only do it if it was the very last option x hope this helps you have to tell them if you are in severe pain and if it is restricting your quality of life x hope all goes well :-) xx
  • CelsB
    CelsB susie74530

    Posted

    I think that's pretty standard stuff Susie.  My letter said more or less the same I think, and when I saw him he said, "I understand you're having some problems with your hip?"  I started to launch into the monologue which had been running through my head half the night but then he said "I've looked at your Xrays and I can see exactly what the problem is".  Then her told me it wasn't a life-threatening condition and warned me of the dangers of surgery.  He said he had to tell me all that but then he slid the consent form across the desk and I signed it.  I had expected to have to argue my case but he'd already pretty much decided and had the consent form complete and waiting for my signature.  I'm just waiting for the pre-op assessment now when all the tests will be carried out.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the wording of the letter.  

    Good luck xxx

    • susie74530
      susie74530 CelsB

      Posted

      Yes, I think these are all ill worded, ill thought out caveats, so that the NHS can slide out from under if necessary,

      Suggesting that I may need an MRI is ludicrous as it looks at ligaments, blood vessels, and other more sinisiter issues within the body!

      They just do not think!

    • CelsB
      CelsB susie74530

      Posted

      Well, I reckon I was in and out in 15 minutes.  He pulled my leg around a bit and I said "OUCH!" in all the right places, then after I signed the consent form he said see you in the new year.  Oh, and the nurse gave me a booklet about hip replacement surgery which answered all the questions I forgot to ask smile
    • susie74530
      susie74530 CelsB

      Posted

      That sounds about right  From what I have gathered, it is a bit of a "conveyor belt" system, and "herding" together of patients.  I feel rather like a herded animal - just a number in the system, and no identity!  

      We shall see which bells in my leg the surgeon manages to jangle, with the appropriate peals of pain from me!

      The booklet may be handy.

      I have already watched a video of the surgery, so am left in little doubt of what is going to be done to the various bits, when I am out cold, and unable to squawk in protest!

       

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK susie74530

    Posted

    My experience was entirely different.

    Saw my doctor back in early 2014, and referred to hospital for Xrays.

    Xray diagnosis was OA in left hip, other hip ok.

    told him I was on a weight reduction programme, with his nurse.  

    Continued to lose weight for 10 months.

    Went back to him earlier this year - I noticed it had deteriorated. He gave me Oxford Hip test,and decided immediately that I could be referred to a surgeon at local NHS hospital, or private hospital (but on NHS).

    I declined both on the grounds we had celebrations booked for our 40th wedding anniversary, but suggested I would be ready after holidays.

    Got back from holidays, and next day there was a letter with anappointment to see the surgeon.

    From there on, it was plain sailing ..... until he messed up inserting my ceramic liner.

    Graham 🚀🚀🚀💃

    • susie74530
      susie74530 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Hi Graham:

      I suspect that what I am being advised are all "caveats!"  They even suggested that I may need an MRI scan!  These scans are to do with with torn ligaments, blood vessels and other, more sinister disorders!  Even the appointment itself, s subject to change.  They have advised that there is limited parking at Bath Clinic and suggested that I used public transport.  How they expect me to get my car to Trowbridge station, climb up and down a flight of stairs to the other platform, get on and off a train, and then find a bus to take me to Clinic, if there is one, is ridiculous.   The reason we need surgery, is because we cannot do the aobve, amongst other things!  

      What an ill thought out and absurd situation!

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK susie74530

      Posted

      I know how you feel Susie, the typical 'standard letter' that really does not take any account of your situation.     Ludicrous.

      It doesn't sound very encouraging, does it - at least with mine it was quick, so fast it was almost like pulling the rug out from under my feet !

      Likewise for the repair to my original surgery.

      I have seen adverts in my surgery for patient transport for those unable to get in by themselves (and I am sure you would qualify), is there anything like that in your area?

      Graham 🚀🚀🚀💃

    • susie74530
      susie74530 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Hi Graham:

      I think it is possible that the letters are designed to discourage patients from following up with badly needed surgery.

      I have no problem driving, used to cover over 800 miles in one day in San Francisco.  The problem is that they state that the Clinic has limited parking.  They are supposed to be getting back to me with the true situation as the surgeon's secretary is not located at Bath Clinic, and does not know.  

      I prefer to remain as independent as possible.  Other than the hip, I am good physical shape, but exercise is restricted, and no cardio vascular work can be done, as I cannot run, now.

       

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 susie74530

    Posted

    Yes it does sound a bit iffy, but think about it a bit.

    the surgeon has never seen you before, he needs to know as much about you as possible. No matter how much he studies your notes and XRay the live person is slightly different.. The letter is generic and has to cover those people who have multiple conditions, he will obviously ask about your history, and is better to have it written down, no matter how little. In my case the XRay was sufficient and it took 5 mins to sort out the need for surgery, you will probably be the same

    another factor is that the clinics do not always have the facilities to deal with any serious complications and would the have to transfer the patient to the nearby general hospital. The consultant will want to exclude those at risk of such an event, again from what you have said probably does not apply to you.

     

    • susie74530
      susie74530 maggie93798

      Posted

      HI Maggie:

      Yes, I came to the conclusion that the leters are generic. Problem is that they cause consternation and confusion, particularly when they state that the consultaion may be cancelled, anyway.  Same thing with scheduled surgery.  So the patient is in a constant state of limbo.

      I have already compiled a medical history, although I would think that my history from the UK would in my notes anyway,  However, the USA history would not.  Does not amount to very much anyway!    

      I take your point about the "live" person, as I am atypical of my age group.  Although, having said that, the emotional wear and tear regarding how the NHS operates, is really beginning to have negative impact.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 maggie93798

      Posted

      I agree Maggie

      It is a generic letter, stating what you might expect from your first appointment -

      Most people wonder about that and want to be prepared. In my opinion this is not negative or trying to discourage or confuse us.

      ( I received a letter from hospital for xray appointment that :if pregnant I should tell the receptionist"     was 65 at that time)- 

       

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