HRRH Surgery Dates
on 2/23/14 10:34 am
from what I see across the board, there is no logic to scheduling. I thought they were on a first come-first serve basis, at least that's what I was told, unless there are severe cases, that can't wait. That's not what I see. There are three months waits and there are 1-year waits for similar cir****tances. What does it depend on ? - Who knows. Mood of a front desk girl, scheduling it on a certain day ? Maybe.
I have to agree with what So_Jaded wrote. There really does not seem to any rhyme or reason to scheduling. I do see that it depends on how many tests you require, pre-surgery. However, in terms of the actual booking of a date for surgery after meeting the surgeon it really varies greatly. I think it could really be a matter of the mood of the people at the front, the luck of the draw, the squeaky wheel getting the grease (calling frequently) and many other factors that no one really seems to know or wants to disclose. Patience is a virtue to many contemplating this life altering procedure. My will have been 18 months from the time of referral to actual surgery. I do know that some of the wait time I have run into can be contributed to human error, in being referred to the wrong clinic for sleep study causing a 4 month wait when it should have been fairly quick. Also, in Kingston apparently there is only one doctor who performs endoscopy tests so this made for a very long wait and ultimately being referred to Ottawa for the test. Also, a three week wait for the results of the test. Personally I think there are some tactics in place to "slow" this down for some, as I am certain there is not enough OR time for everyone wishing to have this surgery. I am grateful for this opportunity and appreciative but I can't say that I haven't felt frustration at times.
on 2/23/14 11:00 am, edited 2/23/14 11:00 am
I am getting very frustrated. More so after the recent SW appointment. I thought they were supposed to check whether I am ready and compliant for the surgery. We said Hi, she shoved a list of prices for OPTI and post-op meds, asked if I could afford it. Asked me if I eat when I am bored and told me that if someone tells me that I can't have a burger, I would want it. So, I should work on myself to convince myself that I am not denied something, I just don't want it of my own free will. Then we were done. Really ? Or we would have a more productive session, if I broke down and cried and blamed my mother for my weight ? Sorry, for venting, I just left there absolutely speechless. If that's how those sessions go, I now understand why some people fall into old habits right after surgery. They weren't ready.
My surgery date for Dr. Hagen at HRRH is August 5, and I received that last Thursday. It's pretty much 5 months away. Either way the whole process from the time of referral to actual surgery is less than a year for me :)
-Michelle