The Cheek Of The "Consultant"

denpen
denpen Member Posts: 389
edited 9. Jun 2009, 17:18 in Living with Arthritis archive
HI
I went to the doctors today (another locum) and while there he looked at the letter that the consultant had written when I saw him about my hip. He wrote that "I had insisted" on having the operation to replace my hip. the doctor asked me about my insisting on the operation I told him that I had not "INSISTED" but that I want quality of life because I have just turned 54 and I want to be able to do the things that other people my age can do, I want to be able to get on the floor and play with my 2 little grandbabies. I cant even walk down the street or up some steps without a much older person walking past me and faster than me. If the truth be known when I did see the consultant I barely said a word to him I am so afraid of the operation, all that I did say when he asked me was that the Steroid injection hadnt worked for me. He then knew that the only other option is a operation. I am not beoing funny but why shouldnt I have quality of life at my age, I must admit that my doctor did agree on that score. Oooh I am sooo angry.
Denise.
p.s I AM HAVING THE OPERATION I HAVE MY PRE-OP IN JULY

Comments

  • caravancollie
    caravancollie Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi denise,
    Some doctors need to improve their bedside manner and communication skills. I'm 56 and 6 weeks post op for THR and fully agree we have a right to the same quality of life as any other person of a similar age especially when surgery is available and hip replacement is amongst the top most successful surgery there is. I have to say my experience was diffferent- the surgeon just said you need a new hip, we will put in a ceramic uncemented so it will last longer, sooner it's done sooner you can have your life back. Already life is better as it's pain free and I'm looking forward to losing one of the crutches next week.

    I was anxious in the weeks before surgery but honestly wished I hadn't wasted so much time and energy as it has been nowhere near as bad as I thought.
    As a nurse I have seen hip ops done in the past and didn't want any more detail. I would also advise steering clear of you tube and other video of the op.
    Good luck
    Elaine
  • joanlawson
    joanlawson Member Posts: 8,681
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Denise

    It was a strange word to use,wasn't it ? It implies that you were being very assertive,which you obviously weren't. You were simply asking for help to improve your mobility and quality of life. That's what consultants are there for, but sometimes they seem to forget it. I wasted a long time seeing a consultant who didn't seem to want to help me. I asked for a second opinion, and I couldn't believe the difference. He took one look at my knee, X-rays etc. and said immediately that he would recommend surgery.

    I can understand your fear of surgery. I think most people feel the same, but you have to balance it up with the possibility of being pain-free, and with greater mobility.

    Joan
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  • penfactor
    penfactor Member Posts: 366
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Denise
    Denise, I totally agree with how how you feel about your hopes for a new hip - I am on the waiting list now, am 50 & 2 locums said I was too young. I feel so lucky I eventually got to see the chief consultant who showed me on the computer how much my hip deteriorated over the last year, understood how that had dramatically ruined my capability & was optimistic & positive about helping.
    Forget the nasty words your consultant used - look forward positively now to this op & your future (it's hard, I know)
    Hope to keep in touch with your updates
    love Pen
  • penfactor
    penfactor Member Posts: 366
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elaine
    Just to let you know how much help your post has been to me too. I posted earlier about being scared of all the details & you have made me feel so much better. (YouTube is banned!)
    love Pen
  • eckstardeluxe
    eckstardeluxe Member Posts: 1,192
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Some medical professionals think they are Gods.

    I posted here about my experience with a Consultant before. He said my body was short and dwarvish like a "circus freak" in front of two students. I didn't say anything as was so eager to find out what was wrong.

    At my diagnosis in January, same Dr had referred me higher. I was very tearful on getting the news, reached into my bag for a hankie and saw his letter on the desk, I read it. It said "I would be grateful if you would see this short, fat person for me" :x

    I was absolutely raging. I went straight to the Complaints Team. My letter did include an apology but not a personal one and cared more about denying I had MRSA than my actual complaint. (Subsequently on accessing my notes, I found I did indeed have MRSA) I went to the Ombudsman and my complaint was upheld.

    These people should be held accountable for their actions. These stories make me so angry that they think they can treat people this way.
  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You say that you, 'want quality of life because I have just turned 54 and I want to be able to do the things that other people my age can do'. I would suggest that whether you insisted or not is irrelevant, take the operation and get your quality of life back. It's just words after all, but if it gets you your hip replacement sooner, surely that is the important thing.

    Joseph 8)
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  • masaka
    masaka Member Posts: 47
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    You have to ignore some of these people. 20 years ago at 26 I saw the Senior registrar, and had a flaming row with him as he wouldn't do my hip. He assured me the consultant would say exactly the same, I instisted on seeing the consultant who examined me 3 weeks later, took one look at me and offered me a new hip.

    These people forget we know our own bodies. You have to persevere. I have just had that hip revised, It gave me almost 20 years of good mobility.
    Stick to your guns.

    Thanks,

    Teresa
  • ikesother
    ikesother Member Posts: 171
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, just want to say "you tell 'em girl!" Im 42, and patiently waiting for my THR date,last two dates cancelled grrr, but if you need the op go for it. Had no probs with my consultant, its the op itself that keeps getting delayed. Im in a big hurry to get it over and done with and enjoy the summer (if we get one!) and get on with life! :wink: jk
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, You'r the same age as I am so perhaps the consultant thought you were too YOUNG to have a new hip!! :)

    Seriously, you'r right, by using the word 'insist' the consultant has made the notes read as if you were pushing him for something. The word doesn't need to be their and is only his opinion, its not a medical fact or a true representaion of your feelings and actions. I hope you told your GP that. :shock: :)

    Hope you do get a new hip and have a better quality of life. :D

    Love Sue