Self advocacy - my "why"

i think youre taking things too personally, as that comment was not addressed at you.. it was a general statement. as i stated i DID CALL and was NOT successful. its unfortunate, and i dont know what was said to you or directed at you, so i cant say, but i understand both sides. this isnt meant to start an argument, but you should also look at things from the other persons perspective, in my opinion because it isnt fair at the end of the day. PERIOD. again, not starting an argument, and not interested in the rebuttal, just want you to think about if from the other side too

Oh I didn't mean you're being a martyr. My apologies. I can see how it seemed that way.

I do see both sides. Where I was saying it's martydom is the inability to see it from both sides... which was meant to reinforce your point, not meant to go against you. Sorry for the confusion!! (Things do get lost too easily online.)

I believe we all knew when we got into this process that it could be 6-12 month process it's explained at orientation. Guelph are hoping to reduce times for many to 4 months. It really can't get much shorter and allow people the time needed to make the necessary changes required before they are ready for surgery. I went to orientation in 2013 and changed my mind regarding surgery, however when I made final decision and booked for orientation in December I drove through a snowstorm to get to orientation and when I drove home I was driving on closed roads to get home. I knew if I missed it would delay things a month. I got first appointments in Feb. but was told check in periodically for cancellations which I got in January. My surgery date is June 13 so 6 months isn't too bad. But....I followed all rules regarding lifestyle changes food tracking and lost weight. Many don't follow the dietician instruction and they lose time. Others need Social help. Personal problems outside program lead to cancellations most Centre's want to backfill if they can. So there is opportunity to move ahead if you are ambitious.

concerning our health system I think it's greatest in Canada and world. Most provinces don't cover these procedures i.e. Alberta people are going to Mexico or US and paying big bucks to obtain.

Summary- it's a process that takes commitment, that will reap rewards if you follow the system

Don't fret what others have to say. Not all centres are the same and not all of us have the same opportunity to take cancellations should they arise. Many centres don't even have a cancellation list so if you are part of that one, guess what, you can call all you want but they don't have it and then others at other centres can be put on a cancellation list and can get through the system quickly. It isn't the same all over and people need to remember that when others post about getting appointments, they need to just be happy for others instead of being bitter about it. People close to their centres often get pushed through quicker as they can take last minute appointments whereas the person travelling hours can't take it even if they wanted to as they couldn't arrive in time. Everyone gets to surgery eventually and some take longer than others but we all get there. Many have called to try and get on the list but who knows how many others did the same before them so if the people before them get the call first so be it.

YES you are a generous soul!!!!!!!!!! I totally agree on why you told people to call, and that in itself was unselfish.

• I think...or at least I feel the reason for this forum is a method of support, a place where we can share in our experiences and learn from each other. I know this process can be frustrating, but lets try not to take it out on each other. I want to help in building everyone up not tearing people down...(sorry too many sayings lol) But in all seriousness, you're entitled to your feelings but if you dont like the way a post is coming off just skip over it no need bring negative comments into it. I read onestatime's post and she was not bragging. She was excited and because this has been such a supportive group wanted to share the good news. I also want to bring up the point, if you call and get a cancellation appointment that does not necessarily speed things up. It depends on your health any additional testing required and how you do in your other appointments. This is a difficult journey and big decision to make, lets show our support and keep the negativety at bay. Wishing you all success in your journeys *hugs*

I am not sure why all the examples of medical self advocacy are necessary. No one would dispute that. The only point needing discussing here is trying to bump up appointments to make it through faster, so let's stick to that.

You are claiming that these cancelled appointments would be left vacant without your phone calls and emails? You think when the receptionist is booking the initial 3 appointments, he would skip past all of these open times to the main next full days opening? You don't think on a system that they openly acknowledge is heavily weighed down and behind that part of his job description is not to fill each and every one of those spots? Let me assure you, that is apart of his job and you are not helping fill any voids here.

I have shared how it makes me feel and I appreciate others who have stood up and said they feel similar. You clearly are surprised that people feel this way at all. Now that you know, you can choose to do what you want with this information.

I have acknowledged this is a frustrating process. I get that.

My examples of medical self advocacy are extremely relevant. THIS is a medical procedure. I am not doing it for vanity. I am doing it 100% for my health, and that's the ONLY reason OHIP is paying for it.

I assure you in my experience the slots would have remained open. My orientation was a few days after I called, and when I went for my nurse appointment, I asked about cancellations and was given one the following morning at 8:30 am for the social worker. It ABSOLUTELY would have been vacant.

And no, TWH does not slot people into those vacant appointments. I talked to 7 people at my orientation... SEVEN!!!! And we all had appointments in September.

So you can be mad at me all you want. I'd recommend taking a good hard look at all the areas of your life you're mad at. This actually has nothing to do with me. It really is misguided anger.