I was ready, not only had I packed my mini suitcase with all the essentials and a few goodies to eat if I felt like it after my full hysterectomy.
Two weeks previous I had been diagnosed with stage 2 Endometrial cancer. I had been mentally and physically preparing myself. I also suffer from bipolar so the strain was difficult. I knew my mental health could take it. I have been on medication for ten years and am stable.
I had a bit of initial confusion when my boyfriend said he was working and didn't know if he could take me to hospital or not. So for all the other appointments, biopsy, scan consultations etc I found a local charity firm who supply a driver and you pay what you can afford. This was perfect until the driver started getting overly friendly and wanted to take me out. I told him in no uncertain terms that I was taken, and have been so for ten years. He phones me he texted me...he came up to the hospital ward looking for me! I don't know what to do about this now?
Yesterday my boyfriend took me at 7 am by 4pm my operation was cancelled. I had had my pre med and was on the operating table...I was told another operation had taken away the only two surgeons that were available. I was devastated and I'm in bits.
When I came out to be picked up by my boyfriend I had a phone call from the Link driver, saying he was at the hospital and could take me home if I wanted him too. Obviously I told him it wasn't his territory and to back off.
I have to go through all that preparation again and hold myself together for two weeks. The hospital will ring me today with a date.
Thank you for listening and sorry it's a long post.
Hello Shiqween
I am so sorry that this has all happened to you. I know on the day of my surgery (and indeed for all my other appointments) you build up to it and it must have been devastating for you.
Regarding the driver- that is really unacceptable to behave like that when dealing with people who are in a vulnerable situation. Is the hospital involved with the transport? If so I would advise contacting them today to explain exactly what has happened. You could also contact PALS. If the charity is separate from the hospital then I would advise contacting the charity and again explaining what has happened. I had drivers from the Red Cross and although they did text/call me to say they were waiting and to arrange where to collect/pick up from- this was done in a very professional and supportive way. On one occasion when I was running late he did come to the Cancer centre but waited quietly in the waiting room for me. I have had the drivers call me to say they were back at the hospital early if I was ready and wanted to go early- but it was always a professional conversation and I never felt uncomfortable.
How are you feeling this am? If you feel like talking things through then please give the Support Line a call- they really will understand.
I hope that the hospital call you as planned today and that you are given a date very soon.
Jane
hi Shiqween,
Even though you are a chatty and friendly person, he has still acted inappropriately. Whether or not he is offered further training or loses his job is not down to anything that you have done. He was in a position of trust and has not behaved as he should have. You have enough to focus on with your health without having to deal with it.
Have you contacted hospital transport. There is a link here where you can search for your hospital.
How to organise transport to and from hospital - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Fingers crossed you get that phone call- when you do perhaps ask if there is a cancellation list- just thinking with all the covid that is around at the moment- it may be that someone tests positive the their op is postponed. Maybe worth a try.
Jane
Hi Shiqween,
Why not give the Support Line a call a talk it through?
They would be able to advise you of what you can do. I know that they will be very sympathetic to your situation. You do not have to give your name but maybe chatting it through would help and then you can make the decision about what you want to do.
I do feel that this does need to be reported and it is very understandable that you are feeling shaken and upset.
You have done nothing wrong. He has behaved inappropriately.
I am sorry that you are having this worrying you, whilst also dealing with a cancer diagnosis and cancelled surgery.
Jane
Well done- I think you have done the right thing.
It sounds like the cancellation, although very difficult, was unavoidable and that the team are very apologetic. Thursday is not too long to wait. I hope that all goes well for you next week but in the meantime if there is anything that you need, then please do ask.
Jane
