Keeping Going

elainebadknee

Hi All

I have not been around on here for a while. I wont go too much into why but anyone who knows me knows the story so far but I will say briefly. Since my teens have suffered from ostechondritis dissecans and had many surgeries to remove loose bodies nad have debridement ops over time. Was also told by age of 40 would need new knee, thought was doing well till a year and half when ironically on a health kick ie out walking, dieting and it got bad never got better. Had an arthoscopy last march and then offered kneecap removal which couldnt find out too much so decided against that op. Went for 2nd opinion which seemed to go well, half knee was spoken about but notes needed from my old consultant. Last time I had seen a consultant for a second opinion on my left knee he had basically talked about my weight and my age (im 42 and yes I do carry weight, have done all my life). To cout things short he wasnt the same guy i saw in first consultation and i was dismissed no furhter attention...This was 2 weeks before christmas and I felt very deflated to say the least - was told by gp that i would eventually get tkr but in old age (65, and thats her words not mine btw).....That feels a lifetime away and I just cannot accept that things are meant to be like that. Off my own back i made app with dietician and have upped exercise evern though my knee burns like hell, and am on calorie controlled diet too...Oh and when last saw gp she said I was being negative and blaming surgeons for my condition cos i didnt get what i want....I dont want a tkr, but i think i do need one...I also saw my dad have complications with tkr surgery and it scared the hell out of me so I can verify 110% it is not something I would look forward to but need....
Im blabbing but I have decided to complain about first consultant who wouldnt answer my questions about kneecap removal his whole demanour was negaitve and i had a witness in consultation with me....So my letter is in process as we speak....I also sent emails to second opinion saying I hadnt been given any advice...(when he asked me about weight loss he just aksed my height and tapped into his i-phone what it should be)...No discussion was made and it was clear that my wieght and hieght was the two reasons for refusal...No suggestions that if i lost say 2-3 stone a consideration could be made......It was a completely different tale from 1st visit to this man where weight was described as "slightly overweight" and he gave myself and my dad a little tinkle of light........
I have had e-mail from 2nd opinion saying that he will see me again to discuss my concerns cos at the time i couldnt speak, i was so shocked by the change in demeanour........I know he wont have changed his mind but im going to go to at least see what he says......
Ive waffled on a lot and if youve lost interest by now then i guess what im trying to say is "i wont just accept this is how i should be treated"...I know my weight loss is a huge issue but i simply cannot do as much as the average person due to pain and lack of mobility but im trying my hardest.....I need to follow this through as much as I can to get advice and answers that really everyone who viisits a surgeon/consultant deserves.

Elainex

caterina57

Good for you Elaine, Regardless of your weight you should have the right to a fair consultation with appropriate advice being given. Yes we all know what we should do to improve our conditions or prevent further deterioration but, we are human and if mobility is a problem then it is difficult to excercise. I think that you are right to complain, go girl!
Cath

speedalong

Good luck, Elaine.

Speedy

spacey

I wish you luck too - everyone deserves a fair hearing and to feel comfortable with their plan of care. I think its the very least we should expect x

tkachev

It is really lovely to read your update. I think you were shocked and choked up after hearing so many negative comments from the consultant. It is understandable that you felt so lost and defeated. But now you have had time to weigh up their comments and have decided to challenge their negativity. Good for you Elaine. I wish you well.

Let us know how you get on.

Elizabeth

elainebadknee

Hi Cath

Well yes I do feel that way and all my llife I have worked. When i first got diagnosed i was told not to work in retial and not be on my feet all day but i didnt have that luxury as didnt do any other work at the time.....My weight will always be an issue (according to BMI scale my ideal weight is 8.5 - 9.5 stone and ive never weighed that ever) but age is something none of us can change.....We all deserve good advice and care no matter what...

Elainex

elainebadknee

Thanks Speedy....Elainex

speedalong wrote:

Good luck, Elaine.

Speedy

elainebadknee

It is Spacey and you know sometimes these guys act like "tin gods" so if they dont act appropriately they should be reprimanded or it brought at least to their attention....Elainex

spacey wrote:

I wish you luck too - everyone deserves a fair hearing and to feel comfortable with their plan of care. I think its the very least we should expect x

elainebadknee

Hi Elizabeth

Well you know it wrecked my christmas and for many weeks after as everyone asked me how id got on at my 2nd opinion and i told them i was discharged no further advice or treatment....They understood the weight issue as lots of people struggle with that themselves but age they couldnt comprehend....I have had comments such as from surgeons like "we wish you to be a normal active person of your age" and "you have lifestyle options" which is polite for saying "youre too fat and get off yer bum and exercise"...All very well if youre fit and have no health issues but me i can only walk very short distances and swim....
I did feel defeated but im determined to complain as even my dad said irst bloke's attitude was awful - he kept refusing to answer any question i put to him re kneecap removal yet when i declined the op he criticised me for finding this website to get "negative comments" but i only found one person who'd had it done, and claimed to have come to an impasse with me.......
I was just a patient wanting answers about a big decision in my life - not an abnormal thing to ask....Im keeping trying and will update ....

Elainex

barbara12

Hi Elaine
Its so good to have you back, I knew there was no way they would beat you down.
I am at the very same hospital on Tuesday having injections in my hip and a camera.....I am still not sure what the camera is for,
I really do wish you well with this.
Let us know how you get on.
Love
Barbara x.

elainebadknee

Hi Barbara

Well can I just say i hope your injections and camera procedures go well.
I must say it took me a long time to get my head up and I still am very wary of seeing this man again as have exerpienced the good and not so nice side to him...I just pray it is a date that I can take someone with me......I think it was my GP that spurred me on, calling me negative when I was being pro-active and just fighting for what any patient deserves to know and the way they should be treated.
Its nice to hear from you again, i havent forgotten your support previously....

Elainex

Ps...Me and Sol will keep all limbs crossed for you on Tues..xx

barbara12 wrote:

Hi Elaine
Its so good to have you back, I knew there was no way they would beat you down.
I am at the very same hospital on Tuesday having injections in my hip and a camera.....I am still not sure what the camera is for,
I really do wish you well with this.
Let us know how you get on.
Love
Barbara x.

barbara12

Hi Elaine
Thanks for your support, like you I have had trouble with my consultant, my first one was lovely, but because I didnt go back for 18 months, I had to see another one.
He is not easy to get on with, and yes my weight was mentioned, but it is a good hospital, I have friends thats work there., so I get lots of info.
You let us know when you get your appointment.
Love
Barbara x

psyart

Hi Elaine ~ well done you for fighting for your rights as a person :!: I wish you all the luck and keep us posted on what happens. Hope it all works out for you.

Louise xx

tonesp

I am sure the buggers just use weight as an excuse to save money Youare overweight so no treatment.Here in Spain my weight was never mentioned I need a new hip I got one Best of luck Elaine

lindalegs

Hi Elaine,

I'm so pleased to see you back , I was wondering how you were and was thinking we wouldn't see you again. :shock:

You do seem to have turned a corner with taking this into your own hands and doing something about it - it's good to take control of our own lives.

Good luck with the diet and exercise I know you'll do it as you're a very determined person.

Stick around and let us know what happens.

julie47

Hi elaine
nice to see you posting again. I have often wondered how you were doing.
Just wishing you luck with the weight loss. you will get there.
Take care ,
Juliepf x

elainebadknee

Hi Barbara

Well I supose tricky consultants are quite normal now but ive had two in the space of a year and one was okay before first one sent notes....
I try my hardest, but do get knocked down....

Elainex

elainebadknee

Hi Louise

Will keep you all posted and knowing me it will be a saga but at least im trying and thats better than not...

elainex

elainebadknee

Hi Tones

Well yes im always going to be overweight all my life...But some consultants mention it others dont, i mean ive seen plenty who have had joint replacement done......

elainex

elainebadknee

Hi LInda

Well for now ive found some spirit to keep fighting i dont know how long it will last for......The diet and exercise will be a big battle for me to but if i show im trying....?

Updates will follow....

elainex

elainebadknee

Thanks Julie

I am trying for now and thats all i can do.....

Elainex

ironic

Hello Elaine,
So nice to see you back. I also hope that you will be able to take someone with you as I know on top of everything else it is a fair old drive for you.
Fingers crossed for you.
Lv, Ix

elainebadknee

Hi I

Well i dont mind the drive, its an hour and is very simple but i feel like I would like someone with me as if the consultation goes a bit awry then they can help me a bit and challenge the conultant on my behalf while I get my voice back......
Its going to be interesting anyhow....
Thanks for replying.........

Elainex