Sorry - lengthy post

[Curlygirl54]

I won't detail my history here as it is very lengthy - see profile. I have had multiple spinal surgeries and pain management procedures and a Thoroscapular Fusion.

I had a Private Pain Management Consultation on 29th August ( to allow more time with doc and reduce pressure on NHS when I can get Simply Health cover for my outpatient consultation. The treatment was due at an independent hospital commissioning to the NHS.

My GP sent a referral on 8/9/14 detailing the 2 procedures the PM doc recommended: Right side SI joint RF Denervation and a 'Racz' catheter Targetted adhesiolysis and epidural injection.

Referral got lost at hospital for 2 weeks

When found, appointment was sent out for an outpatient consultation not the procedures detailed in the clinic letter, which I sent copy of to PM secretary to be absolutely certain of accuracy.

This was finally corrected and an appointment made for the procedures on 26th Nov -.the soonest available date, despite being referred on 8th Sept.

Pre op arranged early to allow possibility of taking a cancellation due to delay AND the very high levels of pain.

At pre op I highlighted the consent form had only the SI joint RF Denervation in it and nurse wrote other procedure on a post it note for amendment.

Arrangements made for lengthy recovery as Doc had advised this was last attempts before referral on for a set of spinal cord stimulators - which I really don't want.

I planned Significant time off from self employed work as a counsellor and some quite vulnerable clients prepared for my time off. Also, payment made for a break on south coast mid Dec to aid recovery. So great investment in time and money ( which I don't have

[Bananas5]

Thank you for sharing. I

s it cos paying got things moving? Is that what you are saying?

Pat x

[Curlygirl54]

Thanks for replying Pat, no the consultation part is not the problem - the problem is that because the hospital messed up the admin so badly I have to have 2 admissions instead of 1 and the time I should be recovering and benefitting from the break we planned I'll be having the other part of the treatment.

Shirley

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[Bananas5 in reply to Curlygirl54]

Got it.

So have you lost all your R&R?

Obviously the hospital can't help?

Insurance cover?

Clutches at straws here.

An expensive life experience I gyess.

Pat x

[Heorte]

Surely as private company they are bound legally to make corrections to their contracted services and if not, then financial amendment?

[Curlygirl54]

Thanks Pat and Heorte, as they are commissioning to the NHS I'm not sure how I stand as far as rights are concerned. I wasn't able to insure the break we planned for R&R as I was on a waiting list but thought that planning it for 3 weeks later would be ok. The worst bit is having to have 2 lots of face down procedure instead of 1 because of the effects of that on my neck and shoulder.

We are just so powerless as chronic pain patients it seems to me.

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