Hospital appointment - laugh or cry!?

bailey27

Hi

I had pre admission appointment today for my knee arthroscopy.

Well, what a palaver (excuse bad spelling)!

When I finally got to see the Dr (whch ended up being one of his Jnrs) the first question was "What knee is this for? We have lost your original forms so need to do them again." He could have opened my hospital file that was in front of him t save himself the embarassment!

Anyway, he got me to sign the consent form for the op and then said to me "ok see you soon" and gestured for me to leave.

I stopped him and explained that I had a few questions that I wanted answering before I had it as I didnt have a chance at my last appointment. He said to go ahead and I explained that since my original knee problem started I have since had MRI on back and hips and have been told I have arthritis and I asked if there were signs of arthritis in my knee.

Well, his face lit up. He said "well I think you you should on another 3 months and come back and see me once you have had rheumatology appointment and if you still have a problem we can put you back on the waiting list" At this point I didnt know what to think and couldnt really think straight. I realised then that he was trying to pass me off to another department at a different hospital more so for his own hospital targets rather than for me as a patient.

I questioned why I should wait nad that if the MRI showed I needed surgery then why should I wait another 3 months at least. He started to become quite insistant that I should wait and not have the op and to see if my knee could be sorted out with medication alone. I questioned why he would send me for surgery if it could be fixed with medication as that was what they were originally going to do before I questioned the arthritis. All he could do was back track and he began to dig himself deeper and deeper into a hole. I told him that I would like to go on the list for the operation as I felt I had waited long enough for it and that if the Rheumatologist tells me in a fortnights time that I dont need surgery I would phone his department and cancel the op.

He then picked up his folder showed me to the door and said "Well dont be phoning us the day of your surgery as we have a lot of patients that will need the appointment!" - As if I would anyway.

My god he was so rude.

So, basically I am now waiting for the actual operation which I have been told can be anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks.
(I also question why you have a pre admission appointment this far in front of an operation).

Just wanted a rant and to see if anyone had had similar experiences.

I look back and giggle to myself but quite hoenstly am quite annoyed to say the least.

nearlybionic

Hi
Sorry you have had a bad time at your appointment. But good for you for standing your ground.
Re pre op assessments, when I had mine before my THR I was told the assessment lasts for 12 weeks and I had to hope I got a date within that time or it would need repeating! Luckily I got my date after a month.
NB

ninakang

You go Bailey! Stand your ground and don't take their sh1t! I'm quite indignant on your behalf sitting here!

Nx

lindalegs

I haven't had any ops recently but when I had my knees replaced nine years ago the pre-op assessment was only the week before - I, too, can't understand why it's done so far in advance.

I'm really glad you stood your ground with your surgeon - that takes guts and some of people have to make the point for other folk who are too timid to do it themselves.

Well done Bailey.

Luv Legs

eckstardeluxe

Get stuck into them, don't take no for an answer. You are right to query this, they seem more concerned with their stats these days than the health of their patients. I fought my corner and won, that was with the Hospital but it had a knock on effect with my GP too. They were always good but since the Complaints were made they really go beyond the call of duty. Some of my friends were saying if I complained it might make things worse, I'm glad I did as it was exactly the opposite. Let us know how you get on and know we are all rooting for you! x

penfactor

It can be so scary being treated so badly when you have so much hope for help can't it. I really do sympathise with you - I have been given a different opinion three or four times by juniors, chief consultants - you don't know who to trust do you. I'm very low & vulnerable because of my fears at the moment so that makes it even harder to be strong and assertive. Well done for refusing to leave until you got an answer.
I also feel nervous, like the previous poster, that if you are a nuisance to them they will be even less helpful. Our life is in their hands isn't it?
X

bailey27

Yes it can be quite daunting as up until now there was no way I could imagine myself doing that. I am glad I did especially looking back and realising that he could have easily persuaded me to put it off another 3 months. It makes me angry that should a more vulnerable person be in the same position then they would treat them he same.
I sat next to an elderly gentleman who was also going the rigmarole when I arrived and got chatting to him. He explained that they had told him to wait in the waiting room until thye needed him next. He had been sat there for 3 hours before I told him to go remind them he was still waiting. they had obviously forgotton all about him but he was too polite and quiet not to bring it their attention. They showed him into a room where they must have continued what they should have been doing. HE had been sat waiting for 3 hours without any food or drink, he must have been wiped out. I am so angry with them.
It is worrying to think these people have your life in their hands!

frogmorton

Gosh Bailey
I cannot beleive that!!!
How awful for you, but I do think you did well to stand your ground
Good job you were there to rescue that poor man too :shock:
Honestly...
Anyway that was a step in the right direction.
Let us know the next part of the saga when it happens won't you?
Toni x

ikesother

Hi there, you have my sympathy. Im due for a THR. I was supposed to go in hospital tomorrow, when i got a call to say it had been cancelled and I dont yet know another date. My pre op was done on 2 Jan! Others on this forum have had their ops and here am i still waiting I console myself with the thoughts of others who've had their ops and are now pain free and mobile, and think "that'll be me soon" jk

vonski

Hi Bailey

Glad you stood your ground, though it shouldn't have happened. Hope it all works out well. Did you get your Drs. appointment :?:

Love
Vonski x

woodbon

Hi,
Not the sort of experience to fill you with confidence!!! I think that I would explode and say lots of things I shouldn't, burst into tears and walk our. :shock: I've had a few ops in my time, but not for arthritis, and I've always had pre op checks the day before surgery. Mind you, that was a few years ago. :oops: Hope things get a lot better for you and you've had the worst experience! Love Sue

joanlawson

Hi Bailey

What an awful mix-up at your appointment. For a start, it was an admission of inefficiency that they had lost your original notes, but then the doctor added insult to injury. I know that some doctors don't think arthroscopies are worth doing. My GP told me that opinion on the value of the operation varies widely from one doctor to another. I wonder if the doctor you saw is anti- arthroscopy anyway.

I had the operation last Dec. The first consultant I saw wasn't keen to do anything except give me anti-inflammatory drugs. I asked for a second opinion, and the second one didn't hesitate to recommend arthroscopy. The op showed that the OA in my knee was much worse than they thought, and they said I will need a knee replacement. However, since then I've had physio and acupuncture. Now my knee is far better than before the op, and although a bit stiff, is nowhere near as painful,so I think it was worth having.

Good for you for questioning the doctor and sticking up for yourself. I think my pre-op assessment was about two weeks before the op.

The poor chap sitting for 3 hours in the waiting room! Have you seen my post on the chat- line, "Lack of respect"? Your story is another example of this.

Joan

bailey27

vonski wrote:

Hi Bailey

Glad you stood your ground, though it shouldn't have happened. Hope it all works out well. Did you get your Drs. appointment :?:

Love
Vonski x

Hi
no i havet got my appointment yet. When i phoned I couldnt get one until next thrusday afternoon!
They suggest I call as an emergency in the mornings and get an emergency appointment, but my experience of this has been they always go and to try again the next day.
I havet had the sharp pain since only a aching type feeling over my chest and in my back so I might wait until I need to go again and just mention it while in there.