14. Hiatus

After having my ankle replaced in 2004 until 2015 little happened, as far as my joints were concerned, apart from x-rays to make sure my prosthetics were still ok.

Wait & Wait & Wait

Your GP tells you she can’t help

So, you must go and see

An orthopaedic specialist

About some surgery.

This is where it all begins

This really seals your fate.

From now on all you will do

Is wait & wait & wait.

The consultant may order tests

Like scans, samples, x-rays.

I don’t mind when they hurt a bit

But they just make more delays.

Each test needs its own appointment

In the post they’ll send the date.

So, when you’re at home you sit down

And wait & wait & wait.

Results go back to the head doc

For him to sort them out

If he can’t see why you’re in pain

Your treatment is in doubt.

Once they decide your problem’s cause

They’ll need to operate.

Again, the date will arrive by post

So, you wait & wait & wait.

Investigations are complete

The tests have all been done

Operations have been performed

Post op care has begun.

Have these procedures been a success?

Are you pain free and standing straight?

There’s only one way to find this out

& that’s to wait & wait & wait.

What happens if nothing has worked

You’re still crooked and in pain

It’s like playing snakes and ladders

Down a snake to square one again.

It’s back to the consultant

You need a new appointment date.

So back at home yet again

You wait & wait & wait & wait …