I am a patient man – often too patient for my own good.
It is now more than a month since my second cystoscopy and biopsy at Southampton General Hospital. The biopsy was meant to reveal what had been left of the tumour first removed in June, after which I would know whether or not the planned BCG vaccination treatment would still be the best next procedure. I had been told that the analysis would be considered in two weeks.
Yesterday I telephoned the urology department to ask about the result. I was told by the man taking the calls on the number I had been given that I had not had the procedure on 21st, because I was “not on the system”. It was with growing irritation that I spent almost 15 minutes saying that I didn’t know about his system, but I did know I had had the procedure. Eventually I demanded to speak to a urologist. They were all in clinic, but he did agree to get one to call me. I am still waiting for that call. Yes, a classic case of “Computer says no.”
I then telephoned my GP surgery, leaving a message for my doctor there. As always he rang me within ten minutes. He had received the urology consultant’s report (I had not). This revealed that there was nothing left of the tumour. Although diminishing, I have been experiencing discomfort. A urine sample has shown that I do not have a UTI, but there is blood in the urine. He therefore sent me for an urgent blood test at Lymington Hospital, which was carried out this morning.
In the meantime I called the Southampton Urology department this morning. The given number rang for ages before a breathless woman answered. She was the very capable clinician who had removed my catheter in Lymington. There was no-one to manage the phone today so the others all had to leave what they were doing in turn.
Happily, we both remembered each other and Sharon found everything on the system and confirmed what my GP had said. I still need to speak to the surgeon who carried out the procedure, make my frustrations clear, and more importantly ask what I can expect from now on. Can I trust it?
I ask you.
This afternoon I read a lot more of Ted Walker’s ‘The High Path’.
We celebrated this evening with a meal at Rokali’s where food and service was as good as ever. My choice was lamb vindaloo; Jackie’s, sizzling chicken tikka; we shared mushroom rice and cauliflower bhaji; Jackie drank Diet Coke and I drank Kingfisher.
These kinds of service frustrations seem to be on the rise everywhere. I empathize personally and directly, Derrick. ~Ed.
Thanks very much, Ed
I am so sorry you’re having to go through this with the health care system.
Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Fresh Ink Anthology
Please delete. I thought I was typing in my search box. š¤¦āāļø
Every time I read one of your accounts of experiences with your medical system (or those of other Britishers, for that matter) I shake my head in disbelief. For example: having direct access to my charts online is something I take for granted. I don’t have much to deal with medically, but every time I have a test, the results are posted online as soon as they’re available. I receive an email alerting me to the fact, and the doctor posts any response or recommendation once he or she has read them. The actual values are there for me to explore if I wish, and even actual scans can be called up. There’s no need for phone calls, unless something unexpected or urgent pops up.
Anyway, you have my sympathies. I know a lot of people criticize our medical system, but I’ve found it affordable, efficient, and responsive. I’m grateful — and must say your level of patience is remarkable. Here’s hoping things sort themselves out in the future.
Iām British and using the nhs. I always get the results of simple tests online at the same time as my doctor. As can everyone here if they choose. Scans however need interpretation so are slower. Given that the many scans and tests I have had since 2020 would add up to a very large price- I am very pleased with my free medical care. Iām an impatient patient so chase up faster than our dear Derrick does.
Even here there can be variations in the level of service. I certainly realize that my view of your system has to be affected by the entirely human tendency to talk more about what goes wrong, rather than what goes right! Whatever the system, it’s always good when it serves the patient well.
As I have said, the medics are excellent – it is the systems and administration that falters
That can be an issue here, as well. Sometimes administrators and those responsible for the ‘systems’ forget that they’re involved in patient care, too.
Exactly
Thank you so much, both of you
Thank you very much, Linda. That is good to read about your system
Sound like a fairly normal telephone call to a hospital, although I must say I have always found the southampton urology dept to be exceptionally good.
Ooo Kingfisher beer, haven’t had one of those for a few years.
Thanks very much, Robert. I agree with you about the urologists themselves
I am so sorry that you had to deal with the run-around with the doctors, Derrick. The same nonsense happens here too, you are not alone in your frustration. You guys deserve the celebration at dinner for having to deal with nonsense! Be well, my friend. ššš»
Humm… so sorry Derrick you are were given the run around.. But very good news on the results..
I have a newphew who had a full body scan in February… He still cant get any kind of answers of the results.. Rang countless of times.. Being told there is a back log.. WHAT! since Feb… The NHS is really straining at the seams..
Enjoy your book and Jackie’s great cooking Derrick… xx Much love x
Thank you very much, Sue XX
You have certainly had a run around- itās not nice when that happens! Your hospital seems to be very shortstaffed. Iām sorry that it is affecting you.
Yes- be less patient next time! I find my GP surgery is very good at chasing hospitalsā¦
Good sense, Kim. Thank you very much
Hi, Derrick – I am relieved to hear about the good results but frustrated for you to have such run-around. The squeaky wheel does get the grease – sad but true!
Exactly what I was going to say!
Thank you both very much
Thank you very much, Donna. Very true
This sort of thing does nothing to aid the calm mental state that helps recovery. There is no obvious route to quick improvements so more patience may well be required.
Quite so, Tootlepedal. Thank you very much
Oh, gosh! I’m so sorry to hear about all of this! (sad face) That is quite the run-around and I understand your great frustration! I would feel the same way.
Yes, sometimes we learn we have to be a less patient patient, as people tend to ignore us. (sad face)
YAY! SO happy to hear your good news! š Now I pray you will find out what is going on with your most recent test…and soon this time.
I can’t wait to read your review of the book you are currently reading!
Hope you can relax and rest and get a good sleep tonight.
(((HUGS))) ā¤ļøā¤ļø
Thank you so much, Carolyn. I did get a good sleep XX
I hope that the news is truly as good as it sounds (not trying to jinx you at all). Bob and I had lunch at an Indian restaurant and I thought of you and Jackie. My chicken saffron was delicious as what the complimentary salad that accompanied it. Look forward to another book review as reading times permit.
Thanks very much, Pat. Yes, it is difficult to trust it yet. I should get one done today
MOW! What kind of system is that? Disgusting.
Thank you so much, Chrissy
It makes healing more arduous doesn’t it.
Thank you very much, Sylvie. I did get cross
How frustrating, Derrick! I’m so sorry. I’m glad though that your GP and clinician sound capable and were able to get results for you. I’m glad there’s nothing left of the tumor, and I hope your discomfort is easily relieved. xx
Thank you so much, Merril XX
I hesitate to hit like as it sounds so frustrating, and not completely conclusive, but I am happy to hear there is no more of the tumor. The bleeding is troubling.
I’ve not heard of Ted Walker. I’ll look him up.
Thank you very much, Rose. I am really enjoying the book which I should finish and review today
The āinfallible computers are only as good as the System that use themā ā¦ hopefully
, real humanoids will attend to your situation soon Derrick ā¦
Thank you very much, Ivor
Derrick, it’s very frustrating when the system breaks down. It’s good news that the tumor’s gone. My fingers are crossed for the blood test results. Take care <3
Thank you very much, Rosaliene XX
Iām sorry this has not been a straight road for you. Fingers crossed for the results
Thanks very much, Gary. As you well know, he roads are never straight
So very, very sorry! Waiting is the worse, and the system certainly wasn’t working. Glad to hear about the tumor. Keep us posted about the blood in your urine.
Thanks very much, Laurie. It feels like clots to me
Oh, my!
This must be so tough Derrick. They seem so short staffed, but itās good to know you have connected with people who care, despite the shortcomings. May all fall into place as you persevere. x
Thank you so much, Val XX
Although in variant geographies and cultures, we all have a hair-raising tale or two about the medical system. Add computers to that and we have a deadly cocktail. What is great in your case is the encouraging diagnosis. Please take care of yourself.
Thank you so much, Uma
“The Computer has told me you do not exist.” How far have we come from 1984?
Quite so, John. Thanks very much
When one’s health is concerned, we do get stressed by those follow-ups and results of our tests. Take care always Derrick.
Thanks very much, Arlene
My son in Glasgow is experiencing frustrations with the lack of follow-up with results of tests and scans. He has a good GP, who is equally frustrated at times. I realise afresh how spoiled we are with an excellent medical service. I wish you well.
Thank you so much, Anne. I wish the same for your son
Hope for the best.
Thank you very much, Rupali
Itās frustrating to wait so long for answers, only to face hospital system issues. Thankfully, your GP and Sharon clarified things, but itās understandable to still feel uneasy. Hopefully, speaking with the surgeon gives you more clarity. Glad you could enjoy a nice meal at Rokaliāsāsounds like a perfect way to unwind!
Thanks very much, Ilze
I am so sorry this is happening to you, Derrick! Similar things can and do happen over here, and seem to be increasing in frequency as doctors are pushed to handle more patients per unit time.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
How frustrating, Derrick!!! So easy to become just a number in the medical machine. Glad you finally found someone who remembered you as a person!!!!
Thanks very much Judy. I will have to persist with the consultant
That delicious sounding dinner well deserved after the run-around, Derrick. I can well imagine your frustrations.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
That sounds very frustrating.
Yes. Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
I can identify with your medical facility frustrations. I had an appointment that took months to wait for and they just cancelled it. I can see the nurse instead of the doctor. Not what I need. Meanwhile I can barely walk. The next appointment will not be until November.
You must be in such pain, Sherry. Dammit. Thanks very much
Aha! Good luck getting to speak to the surgeon who carried out the procedure! I sure hope s/he makes her/himself available!! Yes, you do need to make your frustrations perfectly clear, and don’t just ASK what you can expect from now on… but tell them what you NEED to have happen!! Can you trust them to listen to you? Let’s hope so! Can you trust them to act on your wishes? I don’t know… but be persistent!! And keep us posted!
Thank very much for these valuable comments. I will persist
How frustrating for you. Iām sorry the surgeon failed to send a copy of report to you. Itās unfair and very bad practice. I hope you hear very soon and someone will put your mind at rest.
In my experience getting hold of the surgeonās secretary is a good way of contacting the surgeon. The surgeons Iāve had seem to have an NHS secretary and a private one.
Thanks very much, Sue. I’m going to have to chase he up
Extremely frustrating, particularly when it’s something important. If it helps, I can report that after my last cystoscopy I experienced discomfort and bleeding for months. It’s unpleasant, and persistent, but it does eventually pass. It’s the old thing about not healing as fast at our age. I hope it is just a matter of time before you recover fully. I’ve been in five times now and each time the procedure seems to get shorter while the recovery gets longer.
I do hope you are right, Quercus. Thank you for the solidarity
It can be very dispiriting, but stick in there, we are all rooting for you. š
Derrick, I sent this link to Simon, too. Things could be worse, as they are in my general area now.
https://www.opb.org/article/2024/04/09/lane-county-oregon-health-care-medical-group-springfield-eugene-covallis-hospital-clinic/
Thank you so much, Lavinia. We haven’t got that bad yet
Too much technology and bureaucracy have overwhelmed our health care systems would be my bet. But I hope you continue to be assertive (calmly for your sake) to get the information and care you need and deserve.
Thank you so much, JoAnna
I cannot trust healthcare providers; they are usually quite busy and sometimes overlook things they should not. I hope everything is fine with your case. But making sure is always must; especially when you are in doubt about the result of treatment.
Thank you so much, Byung
I will never understand why the health “system” is as it is! If you can trust it? Not so sure…but then again, what you do? Unfortunately we need them sooner or later in life…
I have to persist, Riba. Thank you very much
I can very much relate to your frustrating experience, Derrick, especially since I am going through a similar rigmarole at this time. At least you are getting adequate medical care despite the inadequate communication, which is not the case here because of the overwhelming dictatorship of medical insurance companies.
Thank you very much, Dolly. I hope you get the answers you need soon
You’ve been on a rollercoaster, Derrick. I’m glad the pain is subsiding, but honestly, this has been an ordeal.
Thank you so much, Alys
A sad state of affairs which seem to be happening everywhere. But I am glad about the tumor.
Thank you so much, Lakshmi