As with you, after emergency admittance and 5 days in hospital I was told ( in writing) that I needed an op in 4 to 6 weeks, that was 13 weeks ago despite being called in for my pre op 3 weeks ago, I know there is NHS pressure but how I would really like to get on with my life instead of waiting for the bl**dy postman, as for "is it a record" no, Buddy Holly singing "Wait till the sun shines Nelly" is a record

At the end of February this year I was diagnosed with Oesophagal Cancer.I had to prove in the hospital gym that I was fit enough to have an operation.This I did and my opp was on 11th April.80% of my Oesophagas and half my stomach was removed plus the tumour. Part of my stomach was used to make a new Oesophagas.Unfortunately some cancer cells remain (but no tumour). My chemotherapy will start next Tuesday 10 th June. In my case although the out come is uncertain (stage 4 cancer) I feel that I got good service from Nottingham City Hospital. Aarron and Bryn I hope you get sorted out soon.

I, too, am on a long NHS waiting list - I'm on the Fast Track list for the first of two knee replacements, because I'm bone-on-bone on the inside of both knees. Fast Track in West Suffolk means 12 months minimum... Similarly to Mr Calder, I could have had it done more quickly if I'd been able (and prepared) to pay (£17,000 per knee), however I have a heart history and they wouldn't let me into a private hospital, insisting I have the op done in a hospital with an A&E (i.e. NHS only). I can't fault the NHS for all the operations and care I have had over many years, however there is a huge backlog of cases that could be solved fairly simply - so often the hold up is an available bed for the patient being operated on. We have a huge number of (mostly) elderly patients who can't leave hospital and return home because there isn't anyone to look after them, or, sometimes, transport to take them home. We need a really good system of residential post op care "preparing for discharge home" (there used to be one, at least here in Suffolk) that could free up beds for patients needing operations.

There is also a surprisingly high number of no-shows for their operations - why would you wait months and then not come to hospital on the day? It's not as if they don't remind you at least a hundred times (OK a slight exaggeration) of your upcoming appointment...

My rant over. Good luck with all your operations.

Simon

Hey Finwoody, all the best for your recovery, makes my whinge seem unimportant, don't forget to listen to "Buddy Holly" "Wait till the Sun shines Nelly"

Just had a listen.Excellent! Being of a certain age (80) I was and still am a fan.I did see The Crickets in the 1960's at the Regal in Ripley Derbyshire.They played their hearts out to a small midweek crowd - the gig was not well advertised.I can't remember who did the vocals but we thought it was the road manager? I do remember that they wore sports coats and smart trousers - unusual for the Regal.That gig got me into playing the drums which I did until quite recently.Memories!