To be scared of how poor healthcare is now

[Rinoachicken]

So I dislocated my kneecap on Sunday. I’ve done it many times, - I have an mis-formed kneecap and will need a new knee in the future.

I don’t always need medical attention, depends how bad it is, but this time was a bad one.

Called 111 and went off to the walk in centre. They said that I really needed a knee brace but unfortunately they’d ‘run out’?!

So now I am left with a wobbly unsupported knee while I wait for my appointment at the knee clinic - a wait I know will be long.

I can’t just buy a cheap knee support off Amazon as my knee structure is not ‘standard’ so they would do more damage - I need a hinged open front brace. Which are about £100.

Ive tried calling the knee clinic at the hospital, to see if I can get the brace for while I’m waiting, also tried the physio department. No one answers the phone. No email address. No voicemail. No way to contact them at all.

I am worried about doing further damage to my knee while it is unsupported, but cannot access the equipment I need.

Ive been told I will get a new knee eventually, but won’t be eligible until I’ve lost my mobility or am past 65.

Now, I am currently 40, despite arthritis in that knee I’m reasonably fit, not overweight. If I had a new knee now, the prognosis for full recovery would be good. I would be able to run around with my kids again and drive without pain.

But instead they will wait until I’m old and in a wheelchair, so less mobile, my muscle tone will be worse and prognosis for recovery will be poorer. But hey it’s cheaper - since the knee will likely outlast me. 🧐

How did we get here? Where you can access even basic healthcare and where it’s fire-fighting rather than future-proofing quality of life.

If I could get health cover I would. My knee and related issues is excluded. The damage from the multiple dislocations has torn a ligament and that’s also excluded. A surgical repair was investigated but the consultant decided the benefits didn’t outweigh the risks. NHS knee replacement eventually but not for another 20 years (I’m 45) as they don’t last.

If I could avoid the NHS I would!

Go back to GP and ask for urgent referral.

@AlltheFs exact same situation I’m in!

We had a friend in similar situation. Note use of "had." Poor chap died at home alone ten weeks after being put on the urgent list. His wife found him when she got back from work. He'd been fine when she left in the morning.

I hope they are quick for your df.

Part of my job is certification, and this isn't the case at all.
There's been a large overlap period, and any CE marked products don't need to instantly be binned - handover between the two has been largely seamless.

All I can say, OP, is that my experience of the NHS has been the opposite.

Diagnosed with BC in Sept 21, I was seen within 2 days, op in early October, chemo started in December, radiotherapy in March 22. Covid wasn't allowed to get in the way of the schedule. The NHS has been brilliant throughout.

I've had all the regular treatments plus a CT scan and an MRI. My GP actually called me to check I was coping. I've been provided with a free 'moving forward' course, ongoing infusions and mammograms to a pre-booked schedule. The only delay has been the appt that was booked for the day of the Queen's funeral.

I have private healthcare but haven't used it because the treatment would not have been so good.

So please don't lose faith in the NHS. Parts of it are still brilliant and I'm sure it will come back into its own, with support/pressure from patients.