I hope that you are all having a good day today. Just wanted to say hello and wish I had something to update you with my surgery but according to the hospital I am on the “urgent priority” list and have been since December but they have no idea when I might expect it. To say it is frustrating is an understatement, having had a rupture previously I am trying to stay positive but not sure I am doing a good job of that.
Trying to keep busy with walking my dog and stuff but finding it hard to just keep going today.
That sucks! In reality I could probably come up with better words but that’s what came first and is stuck, so there you have it. We all have off days, it makes us human. You need to hear that’s okay I imagine. One does wonder having been put on an urgent priority list, what that means exactly. Makes me wonder how many other folks are having to get brain surgery or maybe spinal surgery, perhaps the hospital is short on operating theaters, or maybe surgeons themselves.
Since I’m so ignorant on UK healthcare, I tried looking it up and came across this Guide to NHS waiting times in England - NHS . I recall you and @DickD had a conversation and you had already called back a few months ago. But as I read this it appears as if you may be able to switch hospitals or make a complaint. Honestly, I don’t know what would be in your best interest. AI told me that when one is put on an urgent priority list they are supposed to be followed. Is your surgeon following you with regular appointments?
I do hope someone from the UK can offer you some viable work arounds to get the answers you deserve. I always recommend a hot cup of tea over coffee because Lipton hot tea soothes my soul. It’s a childhood thing with Grandma who always gave me the second cup off her bag of Lipton tea. She baked as well, quite famous for her pies in the mountains where she worked and lived. I haven’t mastered pie crust, yet. Maybe you’ve got some childhood memories with someone you loved that can soothe the angst you’re going through right now.
Hydration is good, walking the dog is good, don’t forget the relaxation/mindfulness breathing. Breathing deep and slow will help you relax as it slows the heart rate and lowers the BP.
Hang in there and feel the hug I’m sending . Hugs increase endorphins, you might get a good hug from your husband, or your pup. We have one who actually gives great hugs.
I’m so sorry you’re having to wait this long, Sue. Are you still dealing with lots of headaches? You’re strong to remain positive and active during such a trial, and to reach out when you’re feeling a bit low. I’ll be hoping that you get news of an open spot in the schedule very soon, and that your successful surgery helps you find confidence and comfort in your health and abilities moving forward. Sending hugs.
Thank you for your reply. Apparently there is a general lack of qualified neurosurgeons in the UK and I have not seen my consultant since he told me I needed surgery in January. I did a bit of digging and there is on average a 35 week wait in the UK for brain aneurysm surgery…good job it is not urgent stuff eh!!!..
My son finishes his Masters at Uni in a few weeks, so I have not pushed the hospital as he needs to focus on that. If it had come up during this time I would have gone for it regardless but I will start complaining alot once he is done.
Whenever I ring the hospital they tell me I should feel reassured that I am on the urgent priority list but after waiting this long it is not reassuring at all. Anyway, rant over. Sitting with a cup of tea and my dog trying to relax. Xxx
How wonderful your son is about ready to get his Master’s, good for him! Sounds as if you’ve got a great plan of attack once he’s finished.
35 weeks?!!! My goodness. I just read an article that there’s not many positions available for the number of Neurosurgeons who have passed their courses so they either have to relocate to another country or take a lesser job and another saying it takes years to get to theirs level of a consultant, lack of funding for the NHS and a lack of basic medical supplies creating a bottleneck. Which led me to wonder if I could find some information about other countries. I recall a member from Africa who had to travel an insane amount to get to theirs, cannot recall the specific country. But I did find this for anyone interested https://www.globalanesthesiamaps.com/wfns I get why Japan has so many, years ago I read several articles that they lead the world in aneurysms per capita.
I hope the UK can get it figured out. Fingers crossed that your date is set right after your son graduates
. Hugs increase endorphins, you might get a good hug from your husband, or your pup. We have one who actually gives great hugs.