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Playing The Waiting Game

Posted , 6 users are following.

CelsB
CelsB

So, I've completed the Oxford Hip Score which was high, had an examination by the 'super-physio', had yet another x-ray on right hip and 2 months later, after 2 phone calls and a visit to the hospital to find out what was going on I've just had a phone call to say that that are still awaiting *reports* and will arrange an appointment when these come through.  What reports?  Sometimes I feel like I'm going round in circles and not getting anywhere, meanwhile the pain is just getting worse.  I am limping so badly that I have pain in my right calf and the ball of my left foot is aching and swollen.  I still have not seen a consultant.  I feel so dejected.  Please someone tell me there is light at the end of the tunnel.

I just really needed to rant somewhere where people will understand.  I kmow it all takes time sad

2 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

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  • linda71867
    linda71867 CelsB

    Posted

    Hi

    Have you considred the Ramsay Horton Nhs Teatment centre banbury. Had my left hip done last year and just had my right done. From GP referral to operation it was approx 2months.

    • CelsB
      CelsB linda71867

      Posted

      No, I've not heard of it before.  I will be going back to my GP in a couple of weeks  if I've not heard anything by then and just ask for a referral and I'll ask about Ramsay Horton.  I live in Northamptonshire so it's not a million miles away.  I just felt I was getting close 2 months ago when he spoke of 'whipping it out and putting a new one in and since then - nothing.  It's disheartening. 
  • Guest
    Guest CelsB

    Posted

    Have you thought of writing to PALS? the complaints department at the hospital. Explain your case and see if they can help xx

     

    • CelsB
      CelsB Guest

      Posted

      Hi gillcat, I'm not a natural complainer but I'm getting close because I feel desperate.  Sometimes I don't think the powers-that-be realise how depressing constant pain is.  I'll give it a couple of weeks - surely the *reports* will be back by then.  I mean, how long does it take for x-ray results to come through?  Surelu 3 weeks at the most.  Meanwhile, I'll look up PALS and see what the complaints prodecure is.  
    • Guest
      Guest CelsB

      Posted

      The x-rays are on line now in most hospitals, and can be picked up within minutes. Not sure what the "reports" are they are waitingv for. Why be in pain another few weeks if it can be solved now? I'm not usually a complainer either but sometimes there is no other way. xx
    • Guest
      Guest

      Posted

      PALS is the Patient Liason and Advice  Service for the NHS and is available in all hospital areas. xx
  • sassybees
    sassybees CelsB

    Posted

    I know your frustration. Im Australia. I was on the public waiting list with a public hospital for a year to see the specialist. I hadn't heard anything so i called to find they had changed the system and i had to see a physio first! !!!. I was furious. If i wanted to see the surgeon id have to get a new referal and start over. My doc went ballistic at them. I was in agony. I ended up going to see a specialist privately and went on her publ7c waiting list as i dont have health cover. From seeing her until the op was 5 months. I dont know your system but get support from yor doc...maybe he can make sone calls. Good luck
  • linda71867
    linda71867 CelsB

    Posted

    Hi

    Once GP sent letter approx 2-3 weeks wait for app with surgeon. At that appointment he sends you across corridor for x-ray wait half hour approx probably more like 15 mins . Go back into see surgeon if he agrees you need operation you book it on your way out average waiting time 6 weeks. Its a lovely hospital private the nhs uses it

    I've had 2 hip replacements my dad knee replacement my son knee cartlidge repair Hockey injury and couple of friends had hips replacements.

    Just in case you wondering I don't have shares in it , or maybe I should !!! Haha

    Hope this helps . Its an awful pain

    Linda

  • linda71867
    linda71867 CelsB

    Posted

    Not sure I made it clear but I meant after x-ray you then go back to see surgeon that same day
    • CelsB
      CelsB linda71867

      Posted

      Thanks.  I look forward to that moment.  Ramsay Horton looks fabulous.  I've just been reading about it x

       

    • CelsB
      CelsB Jodi-France

      Posted

      Yes, indeed it is.  I think I would have torn all of my hair out without this place.  I have really been helped and uplifted by the comments and I hope to be able to post soon that I have a date for my THR *fingers crossed, touching wood etc*

      biggrin

  • renee01952
    renee01952 CelsB

    Posted

    Dear Cels, 

    Good to see you back , but I am so sorry to hear that not much has changed regarding your surgery and that you are in so much more pain.

    It is absolutely insane ... sounds like you are given the run around - Gill is right, xrays are send by email (mostly) and on one, but even if not, it shouldn't take that much time - What are they waiting for ?

    Is there anybody who can help you ? I have the feeling that you are too nice - don't want to rock the boat too much and hate confrontations - I am the same way (I have been told) - you know, making excuses for them, be so understanding and allow them to treat me this way - and I am sure it is not personally ...

    but darling, it is time to speak up - I know the pain is getting worse, but you really don;t want to complain about it too much ... you have to now ... 

    It takes courage and i know you have it ...

    wishing you strength and sending you love

    warm big hug

    renee

    P.S. I also could be totally wrong ... redface

    • CelsB
      CelsB renee01952

      Posted

      Hi Renee

      Thank you for your lovely reply.

      No, you're totally right - I do hate confrontation and I have this (probably stupid) idea that complaining will turn them against me and make me wait even longer but I am putting that out of my head.  I will give them two more weeks, until the end of October to get back to me with an appointment and after that I am going back to my GP and telling her exactly what is happening and ask her to refer me directly to the consultant.  She said, way back in May, that the NHS operates on a 'tick list' and that I would have to go through physio first and I have done that.  I have done everything that has been asked of me - attended hip class, seen two physios, and waited patiently for results, reports whatever, but now I am getting angry and feeling messed about.  Then if that fails I will complain through PALS.  I just want my life to get back to something resembling normal.  I live alone so perhaps feel I don't jave anyone to fight my corner with me but enough is enough.  

      Watch this space twisted

      Cels xx

       

    • shirley17649
      shirley17649 CelsB

      Posted

      Hi Cels B,

      I know exactly where you are coming from and feel your pain.

      I was so sick of being fobbed off by the NHS that I used my savings to get THR done privately in the end.

      Best thing I could have done.

      If you are feeling guilty about going private just tell yourself you are freeing up an NHS bed for someone else.

    • CelsB
      CelsB shirley17649

      Posted

      If I had the money I'd go private tomorrow Shirley, but I haven't.   I could just about afford the new hip but I'd have to put it in myself wink

      I will get there in the end.  I know when they look at this last xray they will see how bad it is.  I can feel the bones grating together.

      xxx

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