Anyone Refused Surgery?
Discussion
Has anyone ever refused to have surgery? I fractured my ring finger on my dominant hand s few weeks back, was in a arm cast for s week then in a splint. Finger feels now a bit bent and can’t bend it too much bit in no pain.
They then called after a hand therapy session saying we’ve booked you in for hand surgery and pinning tomorrow morning.
I basically said that isn’t happening when they told me it was 1 to 2 weeks in a full cast then a large padded rigid splint for up to 8 weeks, then months of therapy.
I run my own business where I do all the actual work and fully booked up for the next two months I need to be able to use my hand (which i am able to at the moment with a buddy strap) there is literally no way I can be out of action for that time, ill take the slight wonky finger ta!
They were actually really taken aback and a bit shirty to be honest.
Got an appointment this week with the hand therapist I think hell also be a bit shirty!
They then called after a hand therapy session saying we’ve booked you in for hand surgery and pinning tomorrow morning.
I basically said that isn’t happening when they told me it was 1 to 2 weeks in a full cast then a large padded rigid splint for up to 8 weeks, then months of therapy.
I run my own business where I do all the actual work and fully booked up for the next two months I need to be able to use my hand (which i am able to at the moment with a buddy strap) there is literally no way I can be out of action for that time, ill take the slight wonky finger ta!
They were actually really taken aback and a bit shirty to be honest.
Got an appointment this week with the hand therapist I think hell also be a bit shirty!
gr86_driver said:
A bit wonky but pain free and able to work seems like something the NHS would say was fine!
I think you're well within your rights to say thanks, but no thanks. Wonder why there's such an urgency to do it though...
I think with finger fractures there's a time issue as it will be healing so need to do it before that process has gone too far down the line.I think you're well within your rights to say thanks, but no thanks. Wonder why there's such an urgency to do it though...
I don't think Ill get full range of motion back in it, but I just can't see any other option for me at this point in time, if Id have done it over say the Christmas period I could probably get away with a few weeks off work, but right now Ive just got no chance.
They did say I could get arthritis in the joint further down the line, my wife who is a medical professional said - I'm sorry but you'll get that after a fracture whatever you have done :-)
They can't pounce on you and knock you out so you're well within your rights to refuse it.
Might be worthwhile investigating the longterm outcome of not having it. A wonky finger may only get worse. I've had a finger broken and was glad it was sorted out. It was annoying for quite a few weeks although I didn't need surgery - strapped and then had regular physio. It is 95% perfect now.
It may also get caught on stuff because it doesn't behave in a way you're used to, which at best can be annoying and at worst result in another break or if you're using heavy machinery, who knows!
Might be worthwhile investigating the longterm outcome of not having it. A wonky finger may only get worse. I've had a finger broken and was glad it was sorted out. It was annoying for quite a few weeks although I didn't need surgery - strapped and then had regular physio. It is 95% perfect now.
It may also get caught on stuff because it doesn't behave in a way you're used to, which at best can be annoying and at worst result in another break or if you're using heavy machinery, who knows!
Mate did something similar, but never sought any medical attention at the time and just put up with it (he's also self employed). He also ended up with a wonky finger, but 3 years later it's causing him issues and the treatment now is significantly more invasive than if he'd just got it sorted in the first place. Perhaps ask the Dr what the long term impact may be of not getting it pinned.
JQ said:
Mate did something similar, but never sought any medical attention at the time and just put up with it (he's also self employed). He also ended up with a wonky finger, but 3 years later it's causing him issues and the treatment now is significantly more invasive than if he'd just got it sorted in the first place. Perhaps ask the Dr what the long term impact may be of not getting it pinned.
They have said won't regain full range of motion, Im going to ask more questions when I go to my appointment this week, I did ask for the Surgeon to call but just got his secretary who was just trying to book me in for the surgery.I'm fully aware the most sensible option is to get it done, but I simply can't see how I can take that amount of time off work without it jeopardising my business and earnings
borcy said:
Yes you can refuse it. Patients have the right not to consent to treatment (barring emergencies, lack of capacity etc).
Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
I know I can refuse it not sure how they'd physically make me have it :-) , I was just wondering if anyone had done the same, I got the feeling no one had ever said this to them, they simply were not listening to my explanation, not knocking the NHS to be fair they've been really good so far.Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
chrispmartha said:
borcy said:
Yes you can refuse it. Patients have the right not to consent to treatment (barring emergencies, lack of capacity etc).
Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
I know I can refuse it not sure how they'd physically make me have it :-) , I was just wondering if anyone had done the same, I got the feeling no one had ever said this to them, they simply were not listening to my explanation, not knocking the NHS to be fair they've been really good so far.Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
borcy said:
chrispmartha said:
borcy said:
Yes you can refuse it. Patients have the right not to consent to treatment (barring emergencies, lack of capacity etc).
Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
I know I can refuse it not sure how they'd physically make me have it :-) , I was just wondering if anyone had done the same, I got the feeling no one had ever said this to them, they simply were not listening to my explanation, not knocking the NHS to be fair they've been really good so far.Just tell them it's not what you want right now.
Of course you can refuse surgery - its your finger.
As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the “do nothing” option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the “do nothing” option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
sawman said:
Of course you can refuse surgery - its your finger.
As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I think part of what threw me was the call that basically said youre booked in tomorrow, id not had any consultation as to what was the issue or seen the latest XRays.As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I’m sure the surgery is totally the sensible thing to do but I just can’t see how I can have it with the recovery time.
A few years ago I had a MRI scan & it threw up collapsing discs in two places in my spine. Was referred to the spinal unit where surgery was offered.
My MRI was for another problem so I refused spinal surgery with the attitude don't fix something that isn't broken.
Eight years later my back is still working fine. I remember the look of horror on the consultants face when I refused the op.
My MRI was for another problem so I refused spinal surgery with the attitude don't fix something that isn't broken.
Eight years later my back is still working fine. I remember the look of horror on the consultants face when I refused the op.
chrispmartha said:
sawman said:
Of course you can refuse surgery - its your finger.
As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I think part of what threw me was the call that basically said youre booked in tomorrow, id not had any consultation as to what was the issue or seen the latest XRays.As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I m sure the surgery is totally the sensible thing to do but I just can t see how I can have it with the recovery time.
I had hand surgery because it was closing like a claw, there is a name for it that escapes me.
Put me in plaster , booked physio etc, I went to work the next day, broke the plaster working on a car, binned it, covered the wound and stitches.
Saw the consultant who did the op before physio a week later,
Surprised to see no plaster, I explained why, he looked at it, pulled it about, asked if I had any pain at all, I hadn't.
He said cancel the physio on my way out, get stitches removed the following week and come back in 6 months.
I couldn't praise the process enough tbh, he got me in on a cancellation, I only ever saw the consultant doing the op after referral, he did a fantastic job.
Recovery time quoted was equally as stupid as yours.
Doesitdrive said:
chrispmartha said:
sawman said:
Of course you can refuse surgery - its your finger.
As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I think part of what threw me was the call that basically said youre booked in tomorrow, id not had any consultation as to what was the issue or seen the latest XRays.As part of the surgical consent process you should be advised of the risks and benefits of the procedure, you should be offered the do nothing option and be advised of the likely outcome if you choose to do nothing now eg will you get a worse problem later, which may require more difficult or risky surgery.
I m sure the surgery is totally the sensible thing to do but I just can t see how I can have it with the recovery time.
I had hand surgery because it was closing like a claw, there is a name for it that escapes me.
Put me in plaster , booked physio etc, I went to work the next day, broke the plaster working on a car, binned it, covered the wound and stitches.
Saw the consultant who did the op before physio a week later,
Surprised to see no plaster, I explained why, he looked at it, pulled it about, asked if I had any pain at all, I hadn't.
He said cancel the physio on my way out, get stitches removed the following week and come back in 6 months.
I couldn't praise the process enough tbh, he got me in on a cancellation, I only ever saw the consultant doing the op after referral, he did a fantastic job.
Recovery time quoted was equally as stupid as yours.
Anyway, I’ve actually decided to go ahead with it, had a meeting on Friday and went through the XRays and it didn’t look great so Surgery tomorrow, well, the surgeon did say they will put it back in place before deciding if it needs the pins, im not so neevous about the procedure as ive been told I won’t feel anything under LA just the recovery which is a right royal pain in the arse.
I had a procedure in Hospital that after a few days they said was not completed correctly and they needed to do it again.
The surgeon who was going to re do it was pretty negative about the original surgeon and generally acted a bit pissed off.
I declined the procedure and explained I had now no confidence in their ability.
I got no argument or push back and I appear to be still alive .
The surgeon who was going to re do it was pretty negative about the original surgeon and generally acted a bit pissed off.
I declined the procedure and explained I had now no confidence in their ability.
I got no argument or push back and I appear to be still alive .
I had broken a toe years before and ot realised. It was causing lots of pain so was offered gluing the joint to prevent later pain. They set the glue with a pin that sat down the length of my foot (you can see the end here stickingnout of the toe).
I had 6 weeks with that sticking out and it was annoying. After it set I went to hospital for the pin to be pulled out, with pliers, without pain relief- seems its normal. During the tugging they re-broke the toe resulting in some gas and air and queasy looks.
They said they would have to try surgery again....I refused and they amputated. It was far easier all around and didn't result in 3 months off work.
Youve nade the right choice; get it sorted now or suffer in later life
I had 6 weeks with that sticking out and it was annoying. After it set I went to hospital for the pin to be pulled out, with pliers, without pain relief- seems its normal. During the tugging they re-broke the toe resulting in some gas and air and queasy looks.
They said they would have to try surgery again....I refused and they amputated. It was far easier all around and didn't result in 3 months off work.
Youve nade the right choice; get it sorted now or suffer in later life
I severed an extensor tendon on a knuckle (washing a cup up of all things). Inch long Cut was stitched but drooping finger wasnt noticed by A and E staff.
Visited my GP who referred me to the plastics/hand clinic at the local hospital.
A month had now elapsed. Saw the consultant who referred me for an ultrasound - found a gap of 6mm between the cut tendon ends.
The after surgery results would have been pretty much the same as the OP and there was always a risk that the repaired tendon would pull apart under strain so opted out of surgery but had a few sessions of scar management and physio exercises.
Ive been left with a slight droop to the damaged finger but thats about all.
Visited my GP who referred me to the plastics/hand clinic at the local hospital.
A month had now elapsed. Saw the consultant who referred me for an ultrasound - found a gap of 6mm between the cut tendon ends.
The after surgery results would have been pretty much the same as the OP and there was always a risk that the repaired tendon would pull apart under strain so opted out of surgery but had a few sessions of scar management and physio exercises.
Ive been left with a slight droop to the damaged finger but thats about all.
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