I can’t even believe how unhappy and sad I am – I’m sitting at work and all I want to do is cry.  Since my file went down to Hamilton the first half of March, and since I still hadn’t heard anything, I figured I would bite the bothering bullet and call the assessment centre to see what’s up with this long wait (was told I would probably hear something by the end of March).  Was told that, yes, the file was down there, but that the doctors were off for 3 weeks now (whatever that means).  So that means another 3 weeks on top of the 6 already, plus a wait for the backlog from that 3 weeks off.  So now I don’t expect to hear anything before the end of May.  All I want is my teleconference with the doctor and a surgery date before mid-July.  That’s all I’m asking for!!  Those of you with easier access to the facilities in Southern Ontario are so lucky.  This is a depressing situation, and I’m miserable about it right now.  But I’ll get over it – it’s out of my control – so I have no choice.  Just needed to vent ( and cry a little).

Megan,

Just wondering where you are in the process?  Unfortunately the waiting game, as frustrating as it is, is frustrating for all of us.  Living closer to a clinic didn't speed up the process any for anyone that I know that went through it.

Try to be patient, at least things are moving along...slowly but surely your time will come.

I can understand the waiting and the hoping and the fear of possibly being denied.
 Try and keep things in perspective. You sent your file in March..it's April of the same year. That is not a long wait. You will also have some tests to go through before surgery also.

 hey girl..not sure if you remember my one post about calling and asking Anna or Ron anything..If they say your chart is in hamilton call there and ask..if hamilton says your chart isnt there call back to Thunder Bay and tell them to get on it..thats what happened to me they told me that they were sending my stuff the beginning of January and I called Hamilton and they said that they didnt have it and I talked to Ron and he thought my referal was sent to them in october when it was actually sent in July so he looked into and emailed me back that I was right and that they were going to get right on sending my chart out..alot of the time Anna is only saying things to make you feel at ease but actually its bs..so please call and ask Krista 1-905-522-1155 ext # 33240...Good luck :)

Tammy

Thanks, Tammy, I think I'll make that call.  I'm usually a very forward person, but I'm so afraid to bother these people - don't want anyone getting mad at me for being a nuisance.  I'll just have to take my own advice and everyone else's and advocate for myself.  Will make a call right after work (hopefully they'll still be there).  Will let you know what happens.

Ok, I did it - I phoned.  Had to leave a message, but I did it. Hopefully I'll get a call-back tomorrow. 

We all feel your pain.  The waiting is the hardest part of this process.  My referral was sent to St. Joe's and I waited 5 months before they figured out it was lost.  This is a long process, you'll be waiting for about a year on average, so a few weeks here and there is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.  Don't let it get to you, trust me I know how consuming the sadness gets...been there :)  When I met the surgeon on March 17th they told me I'd have a surgery date within a "few days".  I waited for more than 4 weeks to get that call....pure torture.  Just know that you will get there and try not to make yourself crazy in the process...it's an art!  :)

I'm in Southern Ontario and waited 18 months. Some Northern people have been thru is just a few months.

Fussing and getting depressed about something you have no control over is waste of mental energy. You aren't the only one who is depressed and anxious. In your place, I decided I could be miserable or I could get on with life. I chose the latter, it's far more fun and the time flies faster.

What you can do is start eating more mindfully, if you haven't already. Or start taking short walks. Start a hobby.

It's a long process but in the meantime what are you doing to change your lifestyle? Concentrate on the things you can change ie managing your food portions, food journalling, drinking more water, exercising and hopefully the depression you are feeling over the elements that you can't change will not be as great.

Just to clarify, I've been through all the testing.  The only thing left is to meet the surgeon via teleconference at Thunder Bay assessment centre.  I've been through all the testing - there's nothing left to do but meet surgeon and get a date - so I'm two steps from the end of the process.  I probably sound like a big baby, but I feel like one right now.  We all wait so desperately, but this last hurdle is a doozie!!