Given date of operation of 8th May. Been told today that date is no longer available.

[howeller1952]

After suffering for two and half years in agony finally had an MRI January 15th, which showed I had Spinal Cord Compression. Saw neurosurgeon 24th Feb....received letter from him March 12th offering operation and asking me to let him know if I wanted to go ahead as I also have COPD. Emailed his secretary 13th March, she offered me date of 8th May for the op providing pre op and anaesthetic review was all ok. I accepted this, so secretary arranged pre op date which was last Wednesday also saw anaesthetist everything went well. I emailed this morning to confirm op date and ask would I get a letter saying when to go in etc. Received an email by reply within minutes saying that date no longer available!!!! Sent a reply asking how could that be and asking if they have cancellations come up and when do they have to do the op by as someone has said they have to do within 18 weeks. Is this 18 weeks from referral by the muskuloskelatal specialist or 18 weeks from date of MRI or 18 weeks from seeing neurologist or from seeing neurosurgeon? Had a second MRI on my back in February and was told by neurosurgeon I also need a similar op on that but my neck is more important.

[Bananas5]

Hello Howler

The 18 week waiting rules is the max time between referral from your GP, or another, and being seem by consultant. Seeing the consultant is deemed to be the start of your treatment.It has nothing to do with any surgery you may need.

Once you see him that waiting time ends.

I think it is important to find out why the date given for op was withdrawn.

Pat x