"Referral for surgery"

In 1991 I had a serious motor neurone illness which left me paralysed for 2 years. This was followed by heart problems as well as femoral artery problems. Both legs have been weak and wasted since these problems. In 2008 I had an x-ray on my right knee as it was getting painful. There was arthritis in the knee cap. I was sent for Arthroscopy. This was a complete success.

This year I started getting a painful left knee which was also grinding. I rested it (owing to a femoral by-pass on right leg) for three months. As it was not getting any better, I went to my experienced Doctor who sent me for an x-ray. Again arthritis was detected in that knee cap. I was referred to get a Arthroscopy on that knee. However, 2 weeks later, I was informed that the referral has been declined owing to 'low clinical value' and they recommended physiotherapy.

Some time later I got a letter to confirm an appointment time and date for the physiotherapy. By this time it is now nearly impossible to walk without pain and grinding and I have to go to try and explain that physiotherapy will not help me (an opinion that even my doctor states). My doctor is also questioning why, when he has all my medical history to hand and refers me for surgery, that someone who I perceive has less medical knowledge than my GP and without the full facts overturns his opinion.

I will keep my physiotherapy appointment but will guarantee that they will not be able to help, I have made a complaint about mine and my doctors lack of involvement in this process and await the outcome.