CANCELLED OPERATION

[Larneybuds]

Not knowing where to start really, but as I said I would update you lovely people and everyone who sent me such supportive replies regarding my valve replacement op yesterday.....It didn't happen....cancelled again!! 6 of us turned up to be admitted into the cardio thoracic unit, which surprised me considering the main reason for cancellations has been due to lack of ICU beds and it was apparent after chatting that most of us would need one. After various tests... bloods etc I was finally put onto a pre op ward to await op next day. Jokey chats with the surgeon and anaesthetist who told me the lady opposite me was first in theatre and I would be following hopefully between 12 and 1. After talking to the lady in the opposite bed, we were having the same op so when I watched her go through the processes yesterday morning and waved goodbye to her being wheeled off to theatre, my last words to her were 'good luck and see you in ICU...she went off chuckling and I was left to clock watch until it was my turn , confident now that there were no staff shortages because it would be the same operating team, so my op would go ahead. It was then my turn to be showered, gowned and stockinged. Apprehensive but just wanting it all done with I waited for my pre med calming tablet..... it didn't arrive but a nurse did to tell me my op was cancelled....late notification of ICU bed not now available!!!. I am sure I don't need to explain the disbelief and overwhelming gut wrenching and tears but that was it.....operation day happened but the op didn't .

I refused to be discharged until I spoke to relevant people so after a very strained and upsetting few hours I got to speak with with the surgeon and a practitioner manager. My first question was how was the lady he operated on first. He told me that after a wait after the op, she was now resting in ICU so I was pleased her ordeal was over. I won't go into the long conversation that took place but I got home knowing only that I will be contacted as soon as us possible to give me another date. They are very cagey about what they tell you and I did explain that my upset was not directed at them it was directed at a system that at this time seems extremely inefficient . I will be trying to contact various people today to voice my deep concerns but am also going to try to spend the day also trying to make sense if things and calming myself down after what was an extremely upsetting and emotional day. It's back to the wait again for me but I want to thank you all again for the support, encouragement and kindness shown by so many and for the personal messages I received last week wishing me luck for my op. Unfortunately , no update from ICU this week!! Take care everyone and enjoy the cooler weather

[Ghost-233]

Hi Larneybuds I am so sorry that you had to go through this. This has happened to me although the op was not for a heart related condition, my op was a simple orthopaedic procedure. That was bad enough so I can only imagine how you felt when it was such an important operation and on a vital part of your body. You must have been devastated.

Perhaps someone was admitted with a life threatening condition and that’s why your bed was given to them? I think the worst thing is when you are not given a real reason for cancellation, we are all adults and can accept real reasons but not the usual platitudes that you are given.

Whatever the cause I am quite sure that they will have you in as soon as possible for your op I hope you get that call in the next few weeks.

Please keep us informed.

Sending you a virtual hug.

[Andywags in reply to Ghost-233]

Really sorry to hear that, getting that close and being sent home must be incredibly disappointing. Hope you get another date very soon.