"I have little quality of life"

I have been on the waiting list for a knee replacement since  December.

Despit the fact that I have suffered from chronic pain and joint deterioration for the last few years I have tried to remain patient with the Forth and Valley Royal hospital as I realise that staff are very much under pressure, over burdoned and under resourced.

However,

the letter I was issued in December guaranteed treatment within the 12 weeks set out by the Scottish Government, it is now the 16th week and I was told yesterday that the operation would be posptponed yet again until May which would bring me up to week 21.

I sold my house and allowed an early entry date on the proviso that this operation would take place in March. It is now April and I have been told that May 5th might be available but there is no guarantee.

I am still working as a Learning Support teacher until I get early-retirement in August-although again this is still not guaranteed.

I feel that I am letting the children in my care and school down. The school are desperate to have some sort of date for my procedure for supply reasons especially with the recuperation period I have ahead of me.

I have tried not to take too much time off work but have had to taken quite a lot of time off work because of my deteriorating condition and I am struggling to cope with the demands of a school day.

I understand the need for prioritising within the health service, but In my view, fear that this board are manipulating the Scottish Governments targets at the expense of patient welfare and those who depend on the well-being of that patient.

I know each situation is relative to that patient but I really feel that at this moment I have little quality of life.

Regards