Frustration with 'The System.'

I have problems with my feet sometimes, they are very flat and nowadays it can get's quite painful when walking, despite special insoles.
Anyhow, I saw a consultant and he took x-rays of feet and ankles and said there was only slight arthritis and he sent me for more insoles. He doesn't want to see me now until next year!

However, when I was over the fields with my dogs last week, I got a bit anxious because my feet hurt so bad I was worried how I would get back to the car. I was all on my own, no phone with me, and I could have wept.
I did, slowly, get home, but that night me feet felt on fire and itched and tingled something rotten. I decided enough was enough, and they need to look again.

Next day I phoned the consultants secretary and asked for an earlier appointment and was told I should really see someone more specialised(?) and gave me the name.
I asked her if her boss would do the referral, and was told No, go back to my GP.
This seemed really stupid to me, but after trying for two days, I finally got an appt. back with my GP.
Guess what? He told me he couldn't refer me because I was still under the other bloke!!!

What a bloody shambles. I spend too much of my day chasing useless people who pass me round and round like a parcel at a kids party.
Now I've got to sort this one out - after I've searched for the disappearing gasman!

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

I feel your pain, just recently realised why I was waiting so long for my appointment with specialist instead of wanting to see me as he said he had signed me off his list. So I have to start again and apparently have all the previous tests repeated again too ! We shouldn't be left in pain like this mups others get seen and treated !

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Whilst you rail at the system, which I agree is imperfect at times, you may actually have to realise the fact that arthritic feet are virtually untreatable other than with orthotics (insoles) and pain relief, which is virtually all that the medics can offer. I personally have learnt to live with this over many years but he realisation that you can no longer walk for miles without a problem is just something else that we have to come to terms with in later years and adjust our lives accordingly....

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Mups I have heard of this happening so many times! I would call you consultants secretary again because, if he hasn't discharged you, I believe he is still responsible for your care.
When I found my tumour my GP referred me to a local hospital. When they realized it was something unusual, they referred me to a cancer specialist hospital. When I decided that I was not having the full course of Chemo, my cancer specialist referred me back to the surgeon at my local hospital, to have the remains of the tumour removed. During all these changes I never had to go back to my GP, because I was still under the care of my Cancer specialist.
If you consultant could offer no more help, I believe it is his responsibility to refer you to somebody who can help!

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

I don't think anyone is expecting a miracle Barry but when GP says there are things can help but you can't access them that is frustrating especially when you want to carry on working or have dogs to walk and other responsibilities.

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Is the pain mostly in the heel Mups? Could it be Plantar Fasciitis?

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Good post Barry, and very true, as we get older none of our joints work as well as they did at 20 and as much as it is annoying or frustrating there is nout we can do, other than keep trying to exercise them as much as possible. I try to follow my wifes advice , " If it hurts not to do anything and it also hurts to do something , then get on and Do"

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Hi

Name and address please.

Every red blooded male will be down at your house to massage your aching bits.

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

Yes its frustrating, its why i source as much as i can outside the NHS. When i bought the rollator it was from a private firm called Peacocks Medical care,including footcare services. Perhaps there is something similar in your area.

Re: Frustration with 'The System.'

You certainly lead a very eventful life Mups
Next time you have a foot problem far from home you should do this