Surgery Cancellations

[Tangoandmax]

This feels like a stupid question but I’m going to ask it anyway 😂

My MDT review is now complete, I’ve been added to their urgent surgery wait list but was advised to accept a cancellation given the state I’m in. The consultant said I’d need four weeks recovery, but I’m wary of telling work I’ve said I’ll accept a cancellation not knowing how much notice they’ll give me.

Has anyone had their lap by taking a cancellation and if so, what sort of time frame were you told before the surgery date?

I feel like it’s sometimes better to just have it done this way bit like ripping a plaster off (leaving me less time to stress) but now I’m terrified it’ll be day before. The consultant couldn’t say (which is understandable) but just wondering if anyone has gone through the same.

Thanks!

[Chartolfrey]

Hi i was added to the list last january for lap surgery being told probably a year.In january i got a call on the friday and had my lap surgery that following tuesday, i only had a 2 week recovery as when they looked inside it was so bad.

Ive now had mri, mdt and on the waiting list in may for full hysterectomy due to endo, ado, fibroids, endemetriomas and kissing ovaries stuck to the bowel. Ive been told 12-18 months but sometimes cancellations happen.

I would advise to take a cancellation if given the chance

[Tangoandmax in reply to Chartolfrey]

Thank you for sharing. The waiting times are so outrageous given the lengthy diagnosis times. It’s all just awful.

My consultant just said don’t make plans. I’ve said I’ll accept the cancellation as im in an absolute state. Multiple organs tethered together, impacted ligaments, potential obliteration of POD with bowel involvement. Just wary about how work will take the potential short notice - suppose it’ll prove if they are actually supportive or not!

[Chartolfrey in reply to Tangoandmax]

I lost my job when i had my lap surgery in jan. She said id ve unreliable staff due to2 weeks recovery.Effected mental health and the pains and bladder symptoms ive been signed of for work for 12 months they hope i will have it by then but could be upto 18 months.

I hope u have a supportive job as this isnt us women fault its a disease we get, im the same will take a cancellation.

We are in the portamouth area

[Tangoandmax in reply to Chartolfrey]

I’m so sorry to hear that, that’s awful! Fingers crossed a cancellation comes up for you quickly. I’m in the Manchester area.

My company have been really supportive so far but I’ve managed to not let it impact my work so far. (Mostly by working from home) we’ll see how it goes!

[Doughnut_eater]

I got 2 weeks notice. Depending on your job you might not need as much time off as that. I was feeling OK a week after my lap and could return to my desk job - I just slept more (think pjs by 6!lol) but I think a physical job maybe not.

[Tangoandmax in reply to Doughnut_eater]

Thanks for sharing! I’m in office and can work from home. So was planning to do two weeks rest and then work from home after that if needed. Fingers crossed that’ll be ok for work!

[Cailleach]

You know your employer best of course, but as a former manager myself I’d rather have had a heads up that this could happen at short notice. After all you have been told that you urgently need this surgery and that they will fit you in asap. This happens with lots of medical conditions. It gives your employer a chance to start planning how they will cover your absence.

Given what you are saying about the severity of your endo you might be being optimistic about working from home after two weeks. Hope everything goes well for you, take as much time as you need xx

[Tangoandmax in reply to Cailleach]

Thanks for your advice.

They are aware it’s coming. I’ve been on the edge of paying myself, so they knew sooner rather than later was a possibility. I’ve decided not to proceed with private given the tone of the consultant re. Urgency/how frequent her cancellations can be, especially as it would be significant debt for me.

I think you’re right about the recovery time too. Im hopeful but probably best to be honest with work so that they can plan accordingly.

The whole thing is so stressful. I’ve needed this for so long, now I can actually see a light at the end of the tunnel I’m absolutely terrified. 🙈