"Very long process with orthopaedic choice system at Southern Health"

Referred to orthopaedic choice via GP for severe knee pain, inflammation and swelling - Xray showed maltracking patella, and I started physio. MRI showed nothing so then was referred to surgeon (at this point I asked if I could go on a waiting list for an arthroscopy as I knew the list may be quite long and I was told I could be fast tracked later) and appointment wasn't available for several months, which was then cancelled...then I appeared to be lost off the system, didn't get the appointment until another two months after!

Told it was bursitis, (I thought not, but I am only the patient) and was sent for an ultra sound which was negative for bursitis and told to start physio again, but waiting lists were long so was recommended a private one. Diligantly went to physio, diagnosed with impinged fat pad caused by maltracking patella, told that previous physio was wrong type as included knee bending which could worsen the problem.

Did 5 sessions of private physio while waiting for next surgeons appointment, but physiotherapist stopped treatment as knee was too inflamed and referred me back to surgeon saying that I urgently needed surgery as there was something really wrong with my knee..tried to get appointment moved forward, but no good, waited 3 months for appointment.

Complained to NHS trust rep who said there would be an investigation into all the above and written report in 25 working days, it is now well over that time and no response. I have rung the trust rep in question and they have gone on their holidays...I am at a loss...I have my appointment with the surgeon next week, I will once again feel belittled by them. I just want an arthroscopy to see what is going on in my knee, some days I can hardly walk, it goes from hot to cold, always swollen, sometimes even going black and blue for no reason.

This has been going on for over a year and I can't stand it any longer and I feel like the complaints system is a joke!