St Thomas' changed to Kings

[TempleBelle]

Has anyone else been transferred over from St Thomas' to Kings for WLS? I am so down today as went for what I thought would be my last appointment and to be given a date, now to be told on yet another waiting list and it will be 6 months ! I was told it would be 6 months at one of my many appointments at St Thomas' last June ! ! ! Gone on to have appointment after appointment and also group meetings. Last group meeting with dietitian a few months back I was told I was now on the list and as from that day it would be 18 weeks ! Been one thing after another after. Was accepted for a sleeve, spoke to Matthew at St Thomas' to be told went to panel and now a band. Broken hearted ( as had my long hair all cut off ready for hair loss and so on, and mentally ready for it ) went to my GP who got on phone , gave them what for , went back to panel and then told sleeve back on. I was at Kings yesterday meeting with Mr Patel, I think his name was, who now wants me to have a liver scan and an endoscopy ! Reason for this, they thought I had Crohns , but now that is being questioned, BUT, if any trace then whole thing could be off ! If this is the case, why not do this right at the beginning rather than going through nearly 2 years of an emotional roller coaster! Also, my notes had been lost along the way, and should have been seen by Kings months ago, and other numerous, minor c**k ups ! I spoke to a lady coming home who I had seen at Kings , and she too has been told 6 months, when expecting to get her date, just wondered if anyone else out there had anything to add ?

Really wondering now if I should have bothered, or, if I change to another hospital would I have to go through this all over again :help2::sign0163::sigh2:

Sharon

x x x

 

[Lilacglittergirl]

Ameet Patel? He did my friend's bypass at Kings about 8 years ago. He was waiting best part of 5 years! 32stone with several resulting health condition, on referral. Basically, the system struggles to cope.

Try and bear with the frustration - and don't reply only on info from your specialist team. My advice would be to do loads of research yourself before, during and after. No matter how brilliant your provider's team is, nothing will match what you do for yourself so you are as ahead as you can be. Keep strong. You need this and don't let the system take it away from you. We have been fighting our weight for years (in my case since I was a toddler - am now 50), no this is just another challenge we must get behind us. You look after yourself. We are here to listen and support you xx

 

[Yvessa]

First of all, get in touch with PALS at your new hospital and ask if they can speak to the team on your behalf and find out why you're being messed around.

 

[TempleBelle]

Thank you ladies.

Not heard of PALS before, is that exactly what I ask for ?

At the point of giving up, only so many ups and downs you can take. x x

 

[Jaywill]

So sorry you have been through so much disappointment.... Yes PALS would be the right set of people to speak to... They will fight your case for you... problems you face with the system, they will advise and help you ( literally speak on your behalf)... All the best...

Oh and i forgot to mention i had my first op at Kings.... I got a call one day to attend an appointment and was told on that very day that i have surgery the day after... shocked i was!!! so fingers crossed it wont take as long as 6 months....x

 

[rudders]

My friends husband is under G&stT too and had his op at kings (in their private Guthrie wing) by Ameet Patel last Sunday.
Out of the blue he got a date within a week of the phone call. Mr Patel doesn't require the liver diet so you can be called at any time.
He was seen by Patel in march and had op a week ago. Now his aftercare is back with G&stT's.
hope this helps
Good luck x
PALS is the liaison team at every hospital that handles patient complaints.

 

[TempleBelle]

I have looked up PALS, so now have a number. Need to phone St Thomas' Monday and find out if I am still classed as under their care to know if to ring PALS there, or at Kings.

I will say , Mr Patel came across as a very nice man, someone you feel you could put yourself in their hands, in a purely surgical way of course !

Monday my phone voice will be at its best !

Thank you for all the advice, it is all appreciated x

 

[WitchInWorthing]

good for you for sticking to your guns - it does sound like you have been messed around. I know it sucks, but until you have an actual date for surgery then I think you have to just assume you are on the list and keep in a holding pattern. I've been told all sorts of dates and timelines so far and have now decided that it will happen when it happens and every day I am alive is a good thing! best of luck speaking to PALS - hopefully they will sort it all out for you xxx

 

[Lilacglittergirl]

Yep, everything happens for a reason x

 

[tracyt84]

Mr Patel did my band at kings last year,he's brilliant and has a superb team behind him,you're in very safe hands xxx

 

[TempleBelle]

Tracy, you have lost a brilliant amount for a band! You look fab.

I will fight my corner, ring PALS on Monday along with my GP.

Just have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again ! Not sure how many more times I can though x x x

 

[clair1]

kings

i am under Ameet Patel at kings they have been great, i have had to wait for ages as i have other health conditions but i have my date at last, the 28th september so fingers crossed

 

[TempleBelle]

I am pleased for you Clair.

Just curious, how long has your journey taken then, say from notification of funding being agreed ?

Sharon x x

 

[Rupert]

I have been waiting just over a year for my upcoming sleeve with Mr Patel I have a couple of other medical conditions. I had my pre op assessment 2 weeks ago and was told that I was near the top of the list. I have agreed to have my operation off site at a private hospital that he works from, However the subject of funding has not been mentioned, I think with my co morbiditys they presumably have agreed the funds (I Hope) I dont want the rug pulled out this late in the journey

 

[TempleBelle]

I would think, if you have had your pre op assesment, everything is in the bag, well sleeve in your case

Keep me informed as to how your getting on Rupert, hope you do not have to wait too long x