"knee replacement appointment"

I received an appointment with the Consultant for review of my knee and it was concluded that I needed a knee replacement.

Initially, I had to wait for my appointment because my file was mistakenly put on the rejected pile.

this was sorted out promptly and I had an appointment with the surgeon on 20 November.

I attended this and I must say that everyone was really helpful and attentive.

After this I then waited for a date for my surgery and had to ring as I had heard nothing.

The very helpful booking clerk informed me that they could not give me a date until they had received funding from Northampton Health Service as I was referred by them.

This was sorted a couple of days later that funding was in place and a date was given for 31 January.

I attended the pre-op clinic on 11 January and saw the nurse.

Was then informed that I could NOT have the surgery because Oxford have very strict guidelines on BMI and I would not be able to have the surgery until I had lost weight.

I asked why they were telling me now and not when I had the appointment with the consultant - I could have lost some weight or be on my way.

The nurse checked and said that funding would not be given from Oxford even though funding had already been given by Northampton and was in place.

I came away feeling very humiliated and dejected.

I am in a great deal of pain but really not listened to.

Even though everyone was really nice and attentive I would strongly recommend that you have a nurse present to deal with the weight and height requirements at the consultant's appointment and these are taken before seeing the Consultant and there needs to be greater communication between the clinics.

This would alleviate all these miscomprehensions and anticipation that something at last is going to be done when 2 months later it is all taken away.

I also had a long drive down from Northampton for a 5 minute wasted journey.

I now have to lose weight and contact the nursing staff when I have lost the weight.