some wonderful advantages associated with being British and one of the these is free health care.. And health care for all diseases and illnesses. Certainly, there are huge criticisms of the Health service - overstretched, underfunded and resourced - too many managers - the criticisms are manifold but until today I was a huge advocate of it, of the public service...and today...today it went wrong.
I went into my plastic surgeon today hoping, as you know, for an end to the uncertainty, with an ability to plan and scheme out the future but it wasn't to be. My oncology surgeon on Thursday told me that as this plastic surgeon worked so closely with the oncology team, there would be no problem in him doing the operation but my plastic surgeon refuses point blank - he said, and I quote, 'I don't do lumpectomies, I do mastectomies'.
I feel, to be honest, like a parcel being sent from one person to another, dispatched with no regard for feelings or worries. I vacillate between huge anger and great weariness of spirit and am so very disheartened... I mean, it is almost a joke, isn't it? How many surgeons does one need to see before having surgery??!!
The PS said that he would sort it out and I would have a call by the end of the week but that is still another week of uncertainty, another week of calls by my daughters wondering if they are going to see me over Easter, another week of limbo...
What a shambles....
Minerva
16 comments:
On the whole yes, our health service is a blessing. But it's at times like this when it falls down and the red tape all gets in the way. I hope it gets sorted pronto, and more than anything I hope for Easter to be spent with your daughters xx
I don't think it's better anywhere else. Even if you pay private, docs and hospitals always get their wires crossed.
Urgh. It is a horrible situation and one would have thought that medical staff should be hot on public relations especially at such stressful and worrying times. It is the sort of detail the cancer orgnisations should be told so that they can note it and then refer to such incidents in helping cancer staff to improve their services. You still may not get the answers but at least you wont be treated like a cut of meat.
Hugs!
Mix ups do happen - but it least you found out in advance and not on the operating table. I'd go back to the first surgeon and let him do the op - sounds like only a cancer specialist will know what to remove whereas the/a cosmetic surgeon would take everything. Good luck.
Nicks
Min...
I'd go with the huge righteous anger myself. Perhaps that's just me - and you've heard my feelings about the 'customer care' skills of the NHS before, from personal experience. I also have a number of medics in my family.
We venerate them becuse they are 'doctors' and we are in awe of their qualifications and their abilities. And the good ones deserve immense respect. But in truth they are just like you and me and they are doing a job. A kind of important job, with pretty high stakes, but a job nonetheless. Central to this job is the management of the patient -delivering what they say they will, when they will and understanding that you are not a set of notes but a person, with a life to get on with and that this all matters very very much to you.
Many senior doctors, consultants et al don't have a clue about this. (There is nothing in the Western world more pompous and self important than a pompous Consultant.) The 'system' is a mess, (when wasn't it?) - but that doesn't relieve them of the responsibility to consider your feelings and to try and make it as good as it can be.
It's part of their job. It's what they are supposed to do. If I failed to deliver on such a critical part of my job, my clients would all fire me.
Hon - I mean this - wait till the end of the week to see if they solve this. But if they don't, or if they screw up again - shout. Loud and long. Be difficult, if necessary. Complain - find out who to complain to. You will get better care if you do. I know - you're worn out, it's the last thing you want to do right now - but do elevate things if you must.
Have you got someone who can go with you, or speak for you on the phone etc, be your voice and your advocate (your brother??)
Thank you all for your comments...
I have called the PALS service today - the service that controls the complaints procedure for the NHS... And we shall wait and see..- sadly, nothing else to do for the moment..
damn, that all sucks...i hope things get sorted for the better and with speed.
take care...
I guess that the kids are never far rfrom the parents. You've just described our health care system here in Canada perfectly. I guess all those years of being our own country haven't led us that far apart after all! Frustrating yes, but at least you aren't paying for all the consultation fees. Imagine all this uncretainty as well as thousands of dollars in medical bills as well!!
Aw. Sorry honey. That would be irritating except it's your life and sanity they're messing with. So what's a word twenty places above irritating? My fingers are folded wishing it all sorted soon!
Minerva ~~ Another delay, just what you don't need at this time.
I have heard a saying that "God doesn't give us more than we can bear"
But it sure gets close at times.
Luckily, you are a strong lady and WILL get through this. Just have faith and patience and courage.
Another sayong "Lord give me Patience
and I need it Now." Loving thoughts,Merle.
mj
ok, ready to go live on the site and it is up and running.
Please do your darndest to beg borrow and steal sponsors!!
all love
C
Proving Healthcare is messed up everywhere.
I hope this all gets straightened out for you soon Minerva!
wishing you resolution - since you cant escape your country/ medicine system. I go woth NO health coverage, even the germs think I am weird and stay away. Bless you my dear!
i'm sorry minerva...waiting must be so incredibly frustrating. much love and strength.
All these delays must be so frustrating for you. I can well understand that you don't like being passed around.
I had NO idea a plastic surgeon could even be involved (Until recontruction, of course.) Maybe I am just not educated about this, but that sounds all wrong to me!
I would certainly have the cancer specialist do the original surgery.
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