Really peeved

luckybug
luckybug Member Posts: 205
edited 11. Nov 2009, 17:30 in Living with Arthritis archive
Went for my long awaited knee appointment as I have had real problem straightening and bending my right knee for last few years.
Anyway was told I needed knee replacement but disagreed and asked for second opinion, so a few years ago I had an arthroscopy which did give me more movement bending, but still not straightening as much as I would like.
Anyhow my knee specialist agreed with me, he said I did not need a new knee yet, as with being a juvenile chronic arthritic my bones are like sponge and a new knee could cause me more problems than i need. So he agreed to give me another arthroscopy, xmas last year.
I was supposed to have an epidural after waiting in a closet all day in what they called a day patients room, with loads of young men with football injuries, and no one coming to see me to discuss my neck problems, even though I asked for the anaethatist to see me before theatre, and no one showed..... but the anaethatist decided she could put me to sleep with tubes down my throat, even though I told her I always have problems, I woke as the procedure began....so never got the surgery. Anyway went back today for check up and I was told unless I have a knee replacement I should no longer visit the clinic and was dismissed....I'm blazing, so because the anaethatist did not do what I was told would be done, I lost out on the surgery, and I will not have a knee replacement. I am going to see my rheumatologist in January and will ask him to send me to see another knee specialist, because I am not happy with Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Comments

  • c4thyg
    c4thyg Member Posts: 542
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's appalling! It wasn't even anything to do with the surgery. The anaesthetist should be ashamed after making you go through that. I would certainly encourage you to fight that. See what your Rheumy suggests. Are there any other hospitals in your area where you could go?
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    No wonder you are peeved. I hope your rhemy refers you to someone who is better organised and knows what they're doing. What a fiasco! I've been told I need both knees replaced - I was able to see my x-rays and I'm confident that nothing else can be done. Like you I haven't been able to bend knees for years - straightening the worse one is impossible. Initially I saw the registrar who then called the specialist in to see me.

    Good luck and I hope you have things sorted soon.

    Sharmaine
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Gosh, what a story! Its no wonder your in a state. What on earth is going on with these people. Sounds as if you would have cause for complaint, although I suppose its more trouble than its worth, but so many people seem to have problems with their hospitals and GPs. I hope you can sort it out, can you talk to your GP? It might help if he could contact them for you. Love Sue
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's absoloutely dreadful. I'd speak to your GP and ask him to ring the hospital and speak to them about it.
    Do hope you get sorted soon.
    good luck rita
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think it's disgusting, the way you have been treated! whatever happened to putting the patient's needs first? How dare they take you off the list! makes my blood boil. Must be some way you can challenge this and maybe the best way is through your rheumy...especially if he/she referred you for a surgical opinion in the first place.
    Good luck and hope you are not suffering too much with your knees. Dorcas x