Emotionally drained

[ruth_p]

I normally try to be a positive person, but I’m struggling at the moment.

In June last year I’d been in pain in my left hip and I kept getting stuck, unable to move until I forced my leg up resulting in a very loud crack. This apparently was my hip joint coming out slightly and snapping back into place, but I didn’t know this at the time. At the time I was having physio for my knee and I assumed this new pain was to do with that. An x-ray came back looking ok. After physio didn’t help I was referred for hydrotherapy in November. Both of these helped a bit and I was getting stuck less severely but it was more frequent. I was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon by my GP and In February I found out my hip replacement of 11 years needs to be revised. I decided I would have the surgery locally rather than going back to Oxford where I had it replaced the first time, my rheumatologist is also there. As I am a teacher I was very conscious of the time off I would need for recovery would affect my children and the school. It was agreed with the surgeon we would do the surgery at the end of July so I would have the six weeks summer holiday to recover and would be back at work after October half term. I was due to go in on 25th July, the Friday before I was called by the hospital to cancel my surgery due to my surgeon having to take emergency leave due to a family emergency. Fine I can accept that, everyone has family emergencies. I was rebooked for 8th August, it’s only two weeks later not too bad, it gave me time to go into school and tidy up a bit. The day before I was called to say it was cancelled again, this time it was due to no beds as another ward had needed to overspill into the elective surgery ward all surgeries were cancelled. This time I was understandably upset and angry. How can a hospital be unable to manage its beds in the middle of the summer! In the middle of winter I could understand it but in summer!! Someone would ring me to rebook on Wednesday, no one called. My surgeon’s admissions clerk rang on the Thursday, my surgeon is on annual leave for the rest of August and I am now booked for 5th September. The day after the new term starts. If this surgery does go ahead I won’t be back at work until the end of November with only two and a half weeks left of term. My husband has been very good and hasn’t said I told you so as he wanted me to have it done in Oxford.

All of this coupled with the sudden and shocking death of my beautiful furbaby bengal Benji at the end of May and my husband’s OCD and depression flaring and I feel really down and stressed. I’m worried they will cancel again and I know I shouldn’t worry, but I’m concerned for my supply teacher too.

Sorry for the long post but I needed to get it off my chest.

[Gnarli]

This is my third attempt to respond, Ruth. You are in a rotten position and I have nothing but a string of platitudes to offer. Not helpful. I can only offer my sincere sympathy for your predicament and hope that things get sorted out as soon as possible.

J

[ruth_p in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks x

[sjhewitt42]

Hi Ruth

I can understand how upset and frustrated you must feel. It’s almost like you’re being treated as a number on the NHS and your personal circumstances aren’t taken into account. It’s bloody frustrating.. I’ve felt the same many times. I guess something I’m learning to cope with as I like to do my job to the best of my ability, my health comes first so if your op is in term time then someone else will have to take the slack. The school and the kids will still be there when you get back. I totally understand though as you’re obviously conscientious about your role. xxSarah

[ruth_p in reply to sjhewitt42]

Thank you. I try not to worry about work but I can’t help it. I’m sure the supply teacher is going to do a good job. He’s very keen and enthusiastic, maybe a little too much maybe.

[Gigi71]

Hi Ruth. You really are having a hard time of it, as Sarah advises you really must put your health first. There's no guarantee with the NHS these days unfortunately, hopefully knowing you have been put off twice they will make every effort this time. I know when I worked, I was always conscious of letting them down and rushed back to soon after an op. I wonder nowadays why I worried. Fingers crossed for you all goes well and you get you life back on track. X

[nablur]

This is a tough situation and you have every right to feel down.

I believe that things happen for a reason and all these delays are a sign that it isn’t a good thing right now.

At least you’ll have your term.

What can you do right now to lift your spirits? Maybe another sweet pet needs your love today? I’ll keep you in my prayers Ruth. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

[stbernhard]

I can only echo the other posts. My heart aches to hear about your situation. I have no magic wand and wish you all the best. I have everything crossed for you.