Tough decision

[JanB]

I've had a letter from the health service to say that I will probably have to wait another six months before I get my op, down in Portimao Hospital.

However, if I want to have it done earlier, I have choice of three other hospitals.

One is in Braga, the other Porto and I couldn't even find the other one

I have a few weeks to make my decision and I'm not sure what I should do.

I really would like to have it done sooner, but the thought of that travel and with the north having surges of the disease, I'm sitting on the fence at the moment.

[saundra]

Tough decisions Jan
Would you be in long?
Or do you feel it's to long to wait
Xx

[cruiser2]

You would be better lying on the operating table than sitting on the fence.

How long will you be in afterthe operation.
I would have it done sooner rather than wait even if it means a longer journey.
Hope it all goes well.

[JanB]

I've been looking at trains and buses. It can take anything up to five hours with a change in Lisbon. It's too far for Grumpy to drive and would cost a fortune on the motorways, with all the tolls.

I'd only be in for a day or so, but don't fancy getting a train back down. Might be too uncomfy.

I was told it would be Portimao as they have the specialists there. I'm going to ask friend to ring the hospitals oop north next week and ask the question.

I have a few weeks before I need to decide, as the letter gives me a dead-line. If I don't respond, then I get taken off the list

[saundra]

I'm sure your friends will all help you and support you Jan you certainly don't need a long train or drive after a operation

[Kaz]

Six months is a long wait Jan Is there any way you can research the alternative hospitals, to see how good they are?

[JanB]

That's what Portuguese friends are for Kaz

It will be done next week.

[Workingman]

Jan, my thinking is that Portimao is the devil you know, sort of, and it is also on your doorstep by comparison to Braga and Porto. It's driveable for Grumps if you can get him a good break, say a nice lunch / tea, between pick up and the drive back.

If the wait for the others is a couple of months then it might be worth holding off.

[Workingman]

Oops, I didn't see Kaz's post and your reply.

I had a procedure done today, one I have been waiting for since November 2019. I could have gone to Newcastle or Sheffield during last year, but with the pandemic I decided to wait and be local.

[cromwell]

That really is a tough one Jan.
Hopefully your Portuguese friends can come up with some good advice.