There appears to be a complete break down in the medical system

Pamela, Vancouver, BC

60 years of age, self employed, and experiencing significant pain in my right knee. After seeing several doctors, it was determined that I required a knee replacement.

It took me almost a full year to obtain a surgery date, and then I received one only as a result of a cancellation. In the absence of that cancellation it did not appear that my surgery would have been conducted until some two years later.

From my experience, there appears to be a complete break down in the medical system in British Columbia. My surgery was not deemed of sufficient importance to allow me to obtain a regularly scheduled surgery date prior to one year from the surgery being recommended.

In summary, the following are some of what I experienced during my wait for surgery:

• I gained 50 lbs
• My sleep patterns were disrupted as the pain prohibited me from sleeping through the night
• I was forced to start using a cane to walk
• My job performance suffered

I would say that there was not an aspect of my life that was not affected by my medical condition and inability to obtain proper medical care. Within two weeks of my surgery I was feeling substantially better that I did during the entire previous calendar year.

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