Here we are, well into June and I am still not back on the hills1. At least some fairly lightweight walking is now possible, I've even had the odd canter for a few hundred metres on straightforward paths. As my GP wasn't going to refer me further (and my attempts to change practice have been fruitless so far*), I decided on finding another physiotherapist. The aim here was to find a physio' that could refer me on if necessary. This has meant making a commitment to pursuing general private health care on a 'pay as you go basis', not a decision I was too sure about.
The Nuffield physiotherapist questioned me thoroughly then did a thing called "an examination", GPs might consider adopting this practise. She told me that physiotherapy was not going to help me and referred me to a consultant. Her diagnosis was that the problem was a 'healed' cartilage injury, probably the one I sustained about eighteen months ago, and other injuries due to compensation. It was for this kind of candid appraisal that I chose an integrated health service. Call me cynical, but I believe it less likely that a 'stand alone' physio' would admit that they couldn't help (and I have the bills to substantiate this belief). She thought it likely that surgery could help.
My appointment with the consultant was on the 24th. He examined me, concurred with the physio's diagnosis then sent me for an MRI that afternoon to confirm that surgery is warranted. At the end of the MRI scan I was given a disc to take back to the consultant.
At all times, my experience has been of a punctual, competent, efficient, polite and generally well run service. This impressed me, what impressed me more was that resources were sufficient for the job, but no money had been wasted on that which would be superfluous. The last point was particularly important to one who was spending more money in a day than at any other time in his life, except when a car had needed replacing.
My next appointment with the consultant is on the first of July. There are only two possible outcomes from this meeting, I learn that surgery is not going to be beneficial or that surgery might be beneficial. If surgery will help, I will have to decide whether I am prepared to spend the major portion of my life savings to be able to run again. For once I am pretty sure about something - wouldn't you be?
1 For first time readers - Pain in my left knee is preventing me from running, my GP has told me that my varicose veins are the culprit.
*It may be possible for me to change from the worst surgery in the area to the second worst. Moving house to get into the catchment area of one of the better surgeries would be much more expensive than paying for my own op' (though would have benefits in the long run).
