Atos

peapoddy

Dunroamin wrote: »

The guidelines you're given when you have a hysterectomy err on the side of caution and can actually make you feel more of an invalid than you actually are. Apart from the fatigue, you may well be back to normal after about 6 weeks.

You may be right, but because of unforseen complications it turned into a bigger op than anyone expected so I think I'll be cautious for the time being.

peapoddy

Ellejmorgan

All surgeries are different two people can have the same surgeries and they can have totally different recovery rates..

I had my baby by section in December, a section is an equivelent surgery to what the op has had..
Although being told I couldn't do much for 6 weeks I couldn't walk for 8 or do anything due to infection..
The girl in the bed next to me was up and about the next day..

I'm also thinking about the mental implications of a hysterectomy, it's hard for a woman to go through that..

Atos can arrange for you to have a home visit, you need to ask your gp to fax a letter to them..Ask gp to write in detail that you've had a hysterectomy and are still in recovery..if not in detail they won't do it..Then ring ATOS and ask for the fax number to send this and the phone number to call them to check it's received..
This has to be done a week before the appointment..
If you are in the London area I have these details..

A hysterectomy is major abdominal surgery and recovery shouldn't be rushed or taken lightly..

peapoddy

Ellejmorgan wrote: »

All surgeries are different two people can have the same surgeries and they can have totally different recovery rates..

I had my baby by section in December, a section is an equivelent surgery to what the op has had..
Although being told I couldn't do much for 6 weeks I couldn't walk for 8 or do anything due to infection..
The girl in the bed next to me was up and about the next day..

I'm also thinking about the mental implications of a hysterectomy, it's hard for a woman to go through that..

Atos can arrange for you to have a home visit, you need to ask your gp to fax a letter to them..Ask gp to write in detail that you've had a hysterectomy and are still in recovery..if not in detail they won't do it..Then ring ATOS and ask for the fax number to send this and the phone number to call them to check it's received..
This has to be done a week before the appointment..
If you are in the London area I have these details..

A hysterectomy is major abdominal surgery and recovery shouldn't be rushed or taken lightly..

Thanks for the offer of help but sadly I'm in the North East.

I knew this wasn't going to be an easy op and I'm not a whimp by any means but this has totally floored me to be honest, since getting it done I've not had one full nights sleep, to say I'm shattered is an understatment. Every time I so much as cough or sneeze its like being stabbed in the stomach

peapoddy

eskimo26

peapoddy wrote: »

Hi and thanks for all the replies.

I've been given a date to attend the atos place. I said over the phone that I couldn't manage 2 buses but getting there is my problem it seems. The woman on the phone said I'd have to sort it out with the dwp because they only make the bookings. It'll be over £10 there and then the same back in a taxi, just seems somewhat unfair.
peapoddy

Has this changed recently? I put on my form i will need a taxi or home visit, i followed it up with a GP letter stating why it was needed and i faxed it to ATOS.

They sent the taxi and paid for it both ways! Atos NOT the dwp.

I wouldn't listen to an Atos telephonist, they are like the most feral kind of salesman but with the sole purpose of getting you to attend with as little hassle for them as possible.

Also create a paper trail and/or record all conversations for the sake of your sanity because when they turn around and say 'we never said that' your going to think your going loopy. (They do that a lot).

P.S. I believe their was a rule when i was last assessed where they are obligated to give you a home visit if the medical centre they ask you to attend is more then 1.45?2 hrs? away from you. Can't remember which i was 5 mins. out of luck on my journey time.

Sarah69

I cannot travel by public transport and Atos provided a taxi for my medical which was at the begining of March this year.

A friend of mine had a hysterectomy and it was months before she was able to do much for herself. Hope you get better soon.

Dunroamin

peapoddy wrote: »

You may be right, but because of unforseen complications it turned into a bigger op than anyone expected so I think I'll be cautious for the time being.

peapoddy

Only advising from personal experience; I was supposed to have keyhole surgery but they had to change plans in the middle of the op because of complications.

spottybutterfly

I just wanted to sort of put your mind at ease. When I was at the Atos centre in Newcastle (Regent Centre) last month the travel form definitely had a section for if you needed to claim back Taxi expenses. I think you still have to get permission off them but its definitely available.

Also just a little tip make sure they know it is a struggle for you to get from the distance of the waiting room to the rooms, possibly stating you need to stop etc (providing your not lying obviously). Also don't hold the door open. Basically don't do things you know will cause you pain because if you do do them they will assume you can do them all the time.

Also I wouldn't recommend an appointment later then 3pm because the day I was there they were running so late that people with appointments after 3 were being sent home and asked to come back a different day.