h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Aaaarrgggh!

Sorry,MMF.I thought you'd have some help from your visit.

Don't they have the previous doctor's notes?

most doctors don't ask you for your opinion on the treatment they suggest.They usually say "this is what you need.Are you willing to try it?"

What's wrong with "talking to yourself",anyway.At least it'd be an intelligent conversation!And you might resolve some things.(not least "having to face the Spanish Inquisition" issue).

*shakes her head at the impotence of some ,in the medical profession*

Well! Good news! I am now a little lighter, but also a little more sore!

I finally had the snip! Or should I say slice. The muscle biopsy was today!

Up at 06:30, to be out by 07:00, as I had to register at the for 08:00 as, allegedly, operations could not be allocated until everyone turned up. Moved to a waiting room, then asked to gown up.

You know the ones!

http://www.wendychao.com/progress/icu.jpg

Then it was time to wait until called. Then we were told they couldn't find the Surgeon!

Eventually, at 11:00, a Registrar Locum was found, so surgery could commence.

There were two women and a man for Tunnel Carpal Syndrom treatment, at around an hour per op, and myself and another lady for muscle biopsy.

The TCS's were seen and treated independently, which took us up to 14:00, then there was a brief pause before the lady for the muscle biopsy was called. By this time I was rather light-headed, having not eaten since 15:00 yesterday, then I was called by a replacement surgeon at 14:40, and was released at 16:00, with a big 2" sutured wound (I think, as I haven't seen it) and a large white plaster over the top, and a throbbing feeling. I've been given Co-codamol and Diclofenac to be be taken over the next five days or so, and then have the stitches out in 10 days... except my doesn't offer that service, so could be interesting. On top of that, I've a sore throat, so may have a colkd coming! Never rains but it pours...

However I know some people are going through a regular monsoon at present, so I have to put it into perspective!

One good thing about it was, as last time, the bunch I sat with were a good laugh, and I still have a smile on my face!

Thanks folks, and I'm thinking of you lot too, especially those facing the monsoon.

Storms don't last forever, and it feels good when the comes out!



MMF

Hi, MMF,

Glad the company made the waiting easier. When do you get the results of the biopsy?

<<<>> I am glad you rephrased that

Take care, keep in touch,

Websailor

I just have to laugh...

My original follow-up appointment to see my specialist was booked for Tuesday the 28th of August, so that a diagnosis could be made within a year of my initial consultation.

My first appointment with him had been cancelled by the but the letter they wrote to my said I had cancelled it, and had to rebook.

So imagine my delight when, after arranging with a work colleague to swap her day off, they cancelled the 28th August appointment for one on Tuesday the 30th of October.

So again I swap a day off with a work colleague for that date. Now all is right with the .

A surgeon takes a chunk of prime english meat out of my leg for the biopsy, so that I will get some sort of result in October, as well as seeing the next Monday, to check that everything is under the hood!

Today I received a letter... Yes. My specialist, or at least his office, have rebooked the appointment for Tuesday the 27th of November!!!

I am a patient type of guy but, really, this is getting beyond a What is a chap to do???

Suggestions on a postcard!!!

Doesn't need to be a very big postcard!!!



MMF

Hi MMF, ok, been there, had this scenario. First off, it's not your specialist or his office that have rebooked things, its the new patient booking service that 95% hospitals now operate.
Do what I did, ring your specialists personal.direct secretary, explain the situation and I'll guarenttee one of the earlier appts will suddenly become available again.

I had to do this to see a cardiologist after the second stent was done and had gone wrong. Lets face it, I was only in danger of having a heart attack so no urgency then?

This new booking system allows admin to make figures on seeing specialists look good even if they aren't, its a shambles basically though in fairness things have improved dramatically in the Birmingham area.

Just don't take no for an answer.