Cancelled Tkr surgery for second time

MartinD

Initially my date in October was cancelled and I was given a new date on 28/12/22.

Throughout this time,I remained working,some days in office and some at home.I finished up work on the 22 nd.On the 23 Rd my consultant called me to cancel this ,stating that they didn't have adequate resources and gave Mr a new approximate time of March,but specified no date.

This March 2023, i will have been waiting 3 years for surgery.I can't drive any distance now and I'm so disabled.Ive had no option but to return to work. I m an NHS employee,and as a consequence of sciatic pain last year relating to my altered gait,I had 7 weeks off work.Last week I had one week off.Despite my significant pain,I've had to return. I've already used up 2 months sick leave, and if I remained off until March,then I would have used up 4 months om my allocated 6 months full sick pay.Assuming my surgery is early March,that would only leave me 8 weeks before I would drop to half pay.I just can't afford to do that.Ive lied to my employer that I'm OK to work,because I have no choice.I have no annual leave left,since I used it up getting through until my cancelled date in December .That safety net fir really bad days has gone .I'm on max options and inflammatory meds,but they aren't very effective now I can't go up to morphine meds and need to function.

I'm so overwhelmed now,with nowhere to turn.Ive written to my MP,but I fear this will make no change.This is a living hell

Ellen

Morning @MartinD

I have just read your post and really feel for you. You are in such a difficult position I can feel the desperation in the tone of your message. I wish I had a solution to really help you, but very much hope hearing the support of the members here will at least make you feel cared about and heard by people who really understand.

Well done writing to your MP it may make little impact, but is definitely something MPs need to hear.

I am going to attach a link to ways to manage your pain at home (or work) I am sure it's not enough, but hope there is something in there that you haven't already tried:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/april/ways-to-manage-your-pain-while-waiting-for-surgery/

My very best wishes

Ellen.

frogmorton

Oh no! That's awful @MartinD

You must feel absolutely rubbish. Just shows how much our NHS is struggling to do this to you. I do not know at all what to suggest I presume you will just be there working and nearly killing yourself doing it knowing you need your sick leave for post your operation 😕

Pathetic suggestions here apologies in advance: have you tried a tens machine and have you tried heat? Those heat patches you can wear just a thought.

I hope you'll keep posting and let us know how you get on.

Toni