I've been on here many times for advice, and greatly appreciate everyone's insights. My 92 year old mother, who chooses to live in her apartment, expects me to be at her beck and call. I keep firm boundaries of taking her out twice a week and to doctor appointments, but she comes up with medical issues where she wants to see a doctor the very week I tell her that I have something important going on or when we have company. I am at my wits end, just having been there this morning to take her food shopping, and now called back to take her to the doctor for an "emergency" appointment SHE made for another issue. I have asked her repeatedly to call me first, then I will make the appointment. I am taking her, but afterwards telling her that unless she call me first, I will not be taking her to the doctor or other appointments. So many times these are nothing other than her wanting sympathy and attention. I waiver between worrying it actually being something and saying enough is enough. Any suggestions?
In any case: next time you think the NHS is rubbish, or for anyone thinking that surgeons are full of it and need taking down a peg or two, it's worth a watch. Warning - contains graphic images of surgery!
You should certainly have a peep at the scoliosis one. You'd get a really good idea of what they were poking around at when they did your back.
As you know my own wife is a nurse in the NHS. The staff suffer more than the patients at the complete incompetence that is displayed by admin staff within the NHS. I could tell you some stories....
The medical staff within the NHS are mostly excellent. I would argue it still can't cope though.