Hip Surgery in May

[SooBee]

If it weren't so annoying I'd be laughing!

I went in for my pre-operative assessment on the 28th and was told my date was definately 13th May. A super lady from Occupational Therapy rang last Thursday and said she'd only just been told I was going in for a THR on 13th, and had to rush in case she needed to order anything by way of equipment.

Just rang the Ortho Practicioner Dept to enquire when/if I should stop taking the Azathioprine. I asked at the pre-op assessment and was told they'd ask the consultant and let me know. I wasn't too worried because when I was going in this time last year for a re-section for a stricture of Crohn's last year, the only person I could speak to was the surgeon's secretary, and she told me to stop it the day before the op.

The Ortho-practitioner I just spoke to said I needed to stop the Azathioprine a fortnight before surgery! What's more, she could find no reference to me being admitted on the 13th anywhere! I am so nervous that these people are going to be looking after me!

 

[Jaycey]

Right - so time to get firm with these people. You should be on a list and there is no excuse for that person involving you in whatever chaotic system they have in the area. I would call and ask to speak to a manager. If you can't reach a manager, get the number for the Patient Liaison (PALS) in the hospital and call them. PALs are your advocate if you are having this type of problem. Often they can just make a phone call and get things sorted. Their number will be on the hospital's website or just call the switch board and ask to get transferred.

 

[SooBee]

Thank you @Jaycey. I've really been handling this until now but feel so down. In any case, even if there has been some mix-up I still will have this Azathioprine problem. It's so annoying: my gastroenterologist did MRI scan and colonoscopy last September and said I had Crohn's ulcers already developing on the site where they joined my small intestine this time, and that I needed to get onto Humira Infusions ASAP, but at the other hospital where I'm going for the hip surgery the surgeon said he couldn't operate on my hips when I was on Humira. Gastroenterologist at local hospital wrote to ortho-surgeon and said we'd wait until hips were done to start Humira. This was last SEPTEMBER! Beginning to worry now about another obstruction with the Crohn's.

I don't want to question this. I have experience on this front. It will just be made harder for me if I involve anyone else. I know I should have emailed the Consultants secretary weeks ago, as I'm sure he wanted to get my ops done pronto because of all my other problems.

 

[Miss Muffet]

@SooBee - really sorry to hear this. I agree with Jaycey, it's time to stamp your foot and get some answers. Best wishes

 

[SooBee]

@Miss Muffet, I am absolutely useless at stamping my foot. The hospital just called back and said they've got me in for the 3rd June. I phoned the Occupational Therapist who looked at their letter to her and she said it definitely says the 13th May!

I'm now asking myself, do I want these people looking after me? (They do have a poor reputation with the CQC).

 

[Miss Muffet]

@SooBee

speak to a manager. If you can't reach a manager, get the number for the Patient Liaison (PALS) in the hospital and call them. PALs are your advocate if you are having this type of problem. Often they can just make a phone call and get things sorted. Their number will be on the hospital's website or just call the switch board and ask to get transferred.

Of course you should be concerned. Maybe you should follow Jaycey's suggestion if you feel uncomfortable? You do need to be firm, remember it's YOUR body and (I've said this before) you are the customer. There really shouldn't be any mixed messages coming your way to confuse you when you are waiting for such important surgery. Keep us posted

 

[SooBee]

The boy's right! Funny how many of us either assumed the back was the problem, or were mistakenly sent up the wrong route. When you reach the Palma stage (my Palma moment was in Marbella) you have arrived at that defining moment when enough is enough. Only this morning we've been looking back at times when I was "normal" - when I could walk and do what I wanted - and compared just how quickly this OA got a grip and stole my life. The glory of the chance to seize this opportunity for life changing surgery is wonderful. We don't HAVE to poke up with what's been dealt to us by pure misfortune. Good luck today @PS46 - feedback on progress and take a pic of your up to date X-rays - love to see them!

@Miss Muffet, just reading through your post-op 'diary'. Really making me laugh! My Palma/Marbella moment was in Rome! Apparently foreign travel is absolutely terrible for your health.

I've now had all day to absorb this news, so feeling better. My husband phoned the consultants secretary to rage at her, but she too was off sick. The person he spoke to had no suggestions!

I shall now wait with bated breath to see what excuse they come up with when they've messed up the new appointment for the 3rd June!

Thanks for the support.

 

[Miss Muffet]

Didn't you receive a letter confirming your Op date? It will have a reference on it which should point to your surgery date. Can your husband transfer his rage now to PALS? Don't give up - promise!

 

[Mscant]

@SooBee, well that really throws a cog into the machinery. I really hope you do contact PALS. They are there to help you. I had to use them once when I rang for a nurse while in the hospital and they didn't come for 40 minutes. I was a fall risk so they didn't want me to get out of bed without assistance. I had to pee when I called them and nearly didn't make it to the toilets! I called PALS the next morning and the nurses were on the spot after that. Good luck, and let us know.

 

[Cynthia777]

@SooBee
Praying you've straightened out the mess you've been encountering! Are you still a go for tomorrow's surgery? If so, sending you well wishes and prayers for your big day!

 

[Jillie422]

I'm now asking myself, do I want these people looking after me? (They do have a poor reputation with the CQC).

Wondering how this day went for you @SooBee and if you're recovering or at home still waiting.... Continued Praying for Your Good Results....

 

[mipatch]

Definitely get it worked out - you shouldn't be left thinking like this at this point. My surgery pre planning was flawless and it helped the surgery be successful and get me home same night


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[Cynthia777]

Praying all is going well for you @SooBee!