Knocking knees - 5 month wait!
I got my appointment to see a specialist for my knees …… the appointment is for the end of September.
The name and address on the envelope were correct but the letter was addressed to somebody else.
Rang up to query it …. no surprise expressed. Yes it was for me.
No they couldn’t give me a time in July or August when I’m off!
What a load of crock our Health System is.
I’m paying for it …. there’s a wait …. they can’t even get my name right …. and they wait until I’m back at school to ’slot’ me in!
Thanks a bunch!
My knees will probably be well fucked by then.
I guess I just keep strapping them up!
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One for Steph’s Disaster Award! The letter and not your knees
You ain’t seen nothing yet, Paddy!
There are major cutbacks planned by the HSE which will cause chaos throughout the health service and may well have a knock-on effect on your appointment.
Even if your appointment goes ahead, it’s quite likely you won’t see the specialist/surgeon you’ve been referred to - very often a registrar will do a clinic while the boss is busy elsewhere. There’s no harm in that but just so you’re forewarned.
If surgery/treatment is recommended, then you can expect to join another long queue
And with the cutbacks … need I say more!
My advice in the interim, would be to phone a private physiotherapist practice (physio costs €50 approx per visit) in your area, run your knee problem past them and enquire if they could treat you with a referral from your GP. They may request you get x-rays done first and your GP can organise that and a letter of referral without any need to see him again. Physiotherapists (generally) know far more than any surgeon about how joints work. Believe me, I’ve had several knee ops and I rely on physios to keep me right. I also trained as a physio once upon a time so I know what I’m talking about. A simple exercise programme may be enough to prevent further wear and tear on your knee joints, and also to avoid surgery. If nothing else, it’ll get you through the summer while you await the specialist appointment. Good luck!
Paddy
I notice that Steph never offered wo massage you poor sore knees
Some friend she is 
Thanks Steph ….
I’m getting used to the crick cracking now!
Thanks Grannymar …. for the offer!
My knees are looking forward to a little pampering!
Poor Paddy . . I have creaky knees myself but thankfully private health insurance. Keeps me poor but when I finally get to doing something about it, I’m covered. Knee replacements run in the family. *sob* I suspect it would be the same here on the public health system . . .waiting is endemic!
Knee replacements are thanks to the IRA.
Years of Knee-capping in Norn Iron gave the Surgeons a reason to develop plastic knees with plenty of daily subjects to trial them. The exercises after the operation are crutial, even if painful, to a full recovery.
I have a friend (she carried a fair bit of weight) who had her knee replaced a few years ago. She did the exercises religiously every day and 2 months later I called and found her up on a flat roof painting merrily! She had climbed out the window