I have a musculoskeletal condition which requires surgery as it now borders onto neurological problems.
I have had this condition since I was 6 months but everything was very much 'watch and wait' until the pain and everything became too much during puberty. I was growing but I couldn't grow so I was caving in on myself.
I was 16 when I urged my doctor to consider me for surgery because I was actively worsening over a short period of time and I still am. They tried but they saw a new complication to which they didn't plan for. I was then referred to another department which took time in itself but finally they were prepared to help with the surgery if necessary.
I am now 20. It's been been 2 full years since the first attempt. I chased and chased the secretary and even emailed the doctor directly to tell him how much it's affecting me. Only then was I given an appointment.
I saw the doctor but it was a very quick appointment. Told me I will have surgery and I should be prepped and go for pre-op to see if I am up to it.
In the time of me waiting and chasing for an appointment, I was referred to another doctor about my hips and feet. I could have surgery for this but they are waiting for the first doctor to operate on me and see if things correct themselves or if the hip and feet team need to operate themselves as well.
I was referred to pre-op but a pre-op called me and told me I need to see the anaesthetist so cancelled the appointment. I waited for an anaesthetist to see me. I still haven't and I doubt anyone has referred me.
Now I got an appointment to see first doctor about the main surgery but that was cancelled because he was going to be off during Oct half term. Why would you book an appointment when every year he is going to be off on the half term? So now my appointment has been cancelled and I have no idea whether I will see an anaesthetist or the doctor as soon as possible.
I am now in second year of university and I don't want to interrupt my course but it really is looking like I may have to. I always have to put myself on hold to see whether I will get an appointment. I applied for volunteer roles but I had to cancel and drop out of them due to having prep for surgery which was in their words 'very soon'.
I am wondering if I should just contact PALS or call the secretary or wait.