Update from my hospital

I understood the green zone was for everyone who was hanging around in the queue for an op or procedure outside the Covid area.

You're correct ! I meant green list which apparently means fit for surgery.

I hope you get something soon. The surgeon has written to my GP saying I am on the list. That could be years ahead!!

I have the option of private treatment at the end of August. Obviously I'd rather not pay. The surgeons all work for the NHS anyway.

Have you had your pre-op yet ?

No nothing, just a confirmation that I am on the list. Where are you having yours done privately?

Spire Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

I wonder if NHS Scotland have different rules to NHS England. I was looking at the Spire in England, but was told they are not open for private people at the moment.

ooh that sounds very positive.

They might not be taking on new patients ?. I had my consultation on March 18

Surgeries are cut back quite dramatically, my surgeon has only 4 days a month operating time.

I have "bone on bone" and have had since last year so am considered urgent.

I have bone on bone too. I had my consultation in March too, then everything stopped. I think I must be wearing the bone itself down now, it is so painful. I must admit I thought they would not operate until one was bone on bone.

I don't really know, but I think in the good old days they would operate before it got that bad if the patient wanted ? My hip is clicking and grinding now, it's horrible.

My first consultation with the NHS surgeon was early December, it should have been July if my GP had been on the ball. I got so fed up with the delays due to blood tests going missing etc that I signed up with Spire in March, just before everything shut down.

My surgeon was saying that I could have a hip which was disintegrating!

Sounds awful. Just as well we can't see what's happening to us.

The longer you have to wait, the more complicated the surgery will be, I'd imagine.

I think that is true. You can get cysts and things too.

I have osteophytes (bone spurs) and cysts I think.

I just had my updated NHS pre op done over the phone! The nurse said my op will be done soon. I'll have to self isolate for 2 weeks before and after.

How do they do a pre op over the phone? what about blood test, MRSA check, Covid check, ECG, urine test, xray? I had all those at my pre op.

I had all those too, at the end of January !

He just asked a load of questions about my health since the last assessment. He had all my records from my GP. Seems if you haven't had any health issues you're assumed to be fit. I haven't put on weight so that was good too.

I'll have a Covid test 72 hours before surgery, I believe.

Also, the hospital is about 50 miles from here. I thought they might send me to my practice nurse at my GP surgery but.....

How weird, when pre op assessments only last 12 weeks. Lucky you are moving along though. The covid test isn't pleasant, and being told you cannot go out for two weeks post and pre op is a bind. Good luck with it, hope you get a date soon

Helen

They indicated 6 months was the cut off for assessment. !!!I thought it was 6 weeks.

Where did you go for the Covid test ?

(I think the Scottish NHS is trying to get the waiting lists right down, there's an election next year after all )

That explains it. I wonder if they are taking all people who have already had a pre-op first.

I had my covid at the local Derby Royal, 5 minute drive from my house. It was very coordinated, drive up, stay in car, remember to knock it out of gear and put the handbrake on!! Was back home within 15 minutes. Had to travel to Chesterfield for my op but no hardship as no visitors allowed, his lordship dropped me off and picked me up 24 hours later. Much to his chagrin, I think he was looking forward to a few nights of p and q, a chippy tea and a few pints!!

I only know one other person. He had his pre op on 3 January. He had one date cancelled because of illness and one after the lockdown. He had his knee op yesterday and I don't think he had another face to face assessment.

Thanks, I hope I get out after 24 hours. I think my husband is looking forward to some "me time" too. (He deserves it after putting up with me for the last 6 plus months but he'll just have to wait)

best not let on then that the real fun starts when you come home 🤐 I was in for 3 nights with my other hip because of low blood pressure and dodgy meds. This one, so far, so good, seems to have been much easier.