"Trying to get treatment for my knee"

I have a long term knee problem (arthritis), I need a knee replacement, but have been told I am too young (53). Unless I get to the point where I am barely able to walk then they will consider.

At work 4 weeks ago my knee felt like something snapped whilst just walking down a corridor. The pain was excruciating, I could barely put my foot down. I do use a stick and I managed to get home. I hoped by the following day and a nights sleep it would improve, but unfortunately I was no better the following morning so I went to see my GP - I was having to use 2 sticks to get around as I was still barley able to put foot down without getting a snapping sensation in knee. I was told I had probably pulled something - not much they could do, take it easy rest it a bit but not completely as this would make knee stiff.

Three days later knee was worse, I went back to my GP saw a different doctor, who said I should be resting it completely and would take 7-10 days to get better. After another 4 days of following this new advice and no improvement my husband frog marched me up to my local hospital A&E dept. Waited 3 hours to be told I should really see my consultant and get an MRI scan. However they were unable to refer me as my GP had to do this.

I returned to my GP to following day to request this, which they agreed to do. It is now 2 weeks down the line and although my knee has improved slightly it still "snaps" at the slightest wrong move causing great pain. I am no nearer to hearing from my consultant. I do not understand why the hospital could not have sent me for MRI scan and why it is such a slow process to see a consultant when you are in pain and nearly immobile?