They Gave Away My Surgery Slot!!!!!

I posted about this on the main VSG board but I thought that I would restate it here because it relates to a UK hospital -- the staff at the bariatric surgery department of Charing Cross Hospital gave away my surgery slot!!!

Over the past 24 hours I have been through every emotion relating to this development, but now I am feeling quite beaten.  I can't believe they did this to me.

I had my pre-op screening on May 20 and was given the surgery date of July 21st.  I met with the nutritionist and the surgeon, signed all of the papers and was given a date.  I thought everything was sorted.  As I waited to see the anesthetist, I was told that it was too soon for the MRSA swab, and that I should go away and return on July 1st (yesterday).

I never received a letter confirming yesterday's follow-up, and I tried multiple times to reach the office at Charing Cross to confirm, but was never able to get through.  I did leave a voice mail and sent two e-mails, however.  Not receiving a call back, I decided to honour the appointment.

I arrived yesterday morning and got yelled at by the nurse.  She said that I had missed my pre-op screening and that "they are very busy" and "if I don't show up for my appointments I will lose my surgery."  WHAT?????

After much panic and confusion I learned that my telephone number had been mis-transcribed on their files (oh course, they never answered any of my e-mails either).   The person who told me to go home on May 20 was wrong and the office has been trying to reach me at the wrong number.  Now I have lost my surgery spot because some idiot can't type!

I am soooo upset.  I don't understand how this could happen.  Did the nurse physically open the surgeon's diary and strike through my name?  Was it an act of vengeance against patients who waste time?  I don't understand!!!

Anyway, I have a new surgery date: September 14th.  I suppose everything happens for a reason but right now I just want to crawl up into a ball and cry.

That sucks! That admin errors can screw things up like that is awful.

But on the bright side, it sounds like you are getting your surgery on the NHS - most of us have to pay! Or are you going as a private patient? If not, you are lucky, whatever the delay,  as we are paying for the NHS  through our taxes but have to pay for our own surgeries ourselves!

But still the pits to have the delay.

Kate

That does suck but yes at least you dont have to pay. I owe my bank for another 1 1/2 years for this. It will be worth it in the end xxx

SO sorry! I know what it is like pre-surgery and how much we must "psych" ourselves out! It takes lots of energy to get ready and focus on that day!!!

I am glad you DO still have a date-but my goodness. I would have felt shattered too!!

You know-I am getting very tired of all the poor behaviour of some "professionals"!!

Hugs and you hang in there. USE this time to your advantage.

T

 Thanks for the support everyone!  I have good news!!!!

I wrote a letter of complaint to the hospital and cc'd the chief bariatric surgeon.  Thankfully, the surgeon read his e-mail and responded straight away with an apology and a request that I start the pre-op diet.  He cannot guarantee that I will have my surgery this month, but he has asked me to come to his surgery on July 9th and says that he will do his very best to get me a surgery slot sometime between July 17th-21st.  Cross your fingers!!!

Fingers crossed!!  Good luck. Kate

Hurray!  That's just around the corner! 

We'll all be cheering for you to have an easy surgery and a quick recovery.  Keep us posted about all your upcoming Wow! moments, OK?

Lynn, your signature line is awe-inspiring! That bit about being too heavy for a scale! And now look at you!

Kate

Thanks!  I admit, when I look at the Before photo, I really hated to see myself in a mirror at that time.  No wonder I had to use the Handicapped transport to get around campus.

I stopped getting on a scale once I realized I'd gone past where one could weigh me.  That really scared me, but didn't stop me.  Only the RNY surgery was able to save my life.