"Left unable to walk"

I have had ongoing problems with my knees for years. I was referred to a consultant who has since operated on my knee twice: the first operation did not work. They said they did not think that enough had been taken away from behind my kneecap. The second operation was the same procedure, and has left me in agony. I cannot walk without the use of crutches, I have fallen several times and I have been signed off my work since October.

I went back to my GP to ask if I could be referred back to the consultant. When I went to see them, they were extremely rude to me and dismissive. They did not even look at me when I entered the room, they carried on looking at their computer screen. They made it so obvious that they felt I was wasting their time, and they had washed their hands of me. I asked about a knee replacement. They bluntly said it would not work, but refused to elaborate on why it wouldn't work. I asked what the next step was, as I can't be left like this. Their answer was to refer me to physiotherapy and the pain team (I have, to date, never heard from either of these.) I asked if I could have a second opinion - they said they would arrange this, but i've yet to receive an appointment for this either.

I contacted the Patient Advice Service through Citizen's Advice. They advised me that the second opinion should have been organised within the week. They could not believe that i'm still waiting on it 8 weeks later.

I have since been back at my GP twice. My mental health has been badly affected, I don't know what on earth i'm supposed to do next. I'm fearing for my job, as I keep having to be signed off. I can't believe i'm supposed to just live like this - should I be trying to get registered as disabled? Should I take out a huge loan I can't afford in order to go private?

My boss has been very sympathetic, but I know there's only so long I can be signed off work. They have told me they would like it, in writing, from the consultant that they thinks it's appropriate to leave a healthy young woman unable to work or live a normal life.