Pandemic pressures on the NHS have left a Moray man with a “melon-sized” hernia waiting two years for surgery.
David Stewart underwent keyhole surgery for a different hernia five years ago, with the procedure turning into an eight-hour emergency when a camera hit one of his main arteries.
The 69-year-old, from Lossiemouth, later developed a second hernia on the scar from the life-threatening incident.
And he’s been left in excruciating pain without an idea of when it may end.
David was sent a letter in March 2020, placing him on the surgery waiting list. And even after speaking to his surgeon and being told his case was urgent, he’s heard nothing further.
“The pain’s got worse as the hernia’s got bigger,” David said.
“It’s the size of a melon now, it’s no joke.”
Morphine painkillers: ‘I don’t want to get addicted’
David says the pain is greatly affecting his everyday life.
There are many different types of hernia, which all form when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in a muscle.
They’re most commonly found in the abdomen or groin and typically have few symptoms other than a lump or swelling.
In David’s case, however, they are much more severe.
“I have this nagging pain and stomach cramps, I have to go to the toilet a lot as it’s pressing down on my bowels.
“The pain is the worst thing about it and it’s been getting far more intense.
“I’ve been back and forth to the doctors and given painkillers, up to eight a day.
“They contain morphine, so I don’t want to stay on them for too long, I don’t want to get addicted.
“I’ve put on weight, I can’t go to the gym, I can’t go out on my bike and if I walk too far I get a stitch.
“It’s a vicious circle.”
‘Isn’t life-threatening… but it is life-changing’
While David’s situation is not life-threatening, it has dramatically changed his life.
But he appreciates that pressures from the pandemic and the backlogs that have built up in other areas of the NHS ought to take priority.
“I have respect for every nurse and doctor out there, but it’s just I don’t know if I’ll ever be put up the waiting list,” he said.
“There are a lot of life-threatening illnesses out there. Mine isn’t, but it is life-changing.
“I went for a walk one day and had to get my wife to come to pick me up.”
And while the relentless pain “drags” him down mentally, David is still able to work a few days a week, which greatly boosts his spirits.
He added: “I’m lucky because I’m retired, but I work as a salesman in Grampian Furnishers and the only thing I have to lift is a pen. The staff are excellent.
“It keeps me sane really because being in nagging pain all the time is soul-destroying.”
The latest figures show, as of December 31, there were around 120,000 Scots waiting for any form of treatment on the NHS.
This was up 40% compared to the end of 2020.
We understand the impact this can have on people’s lives and our staff are working as hard as possible to increase capacity.”
Of those waiting more than 52 weeks, Highland, Grampian and Borders had the longest lists.
NHS Grampian has apologised to everyone affected by the delays, but says staff are working “as hard as possible” to clear the backlog.
It has also encouraged anyone with concerns about their case, like David, to contact them directly.
NHS waiting times ‘growing concern’ in Moray
David has also contacted his local MP, Douglas Ross, concerned about what the future holds for him.
“If I could even get the scan, at least I’d know the surgeon’s had a look and we can see what’s happening next,” he said.
Mr Ross says David’s concerns with waiting times is one of a “growing number” he’s raised with NHS Grampian for his Moray constituents.
He added: “It’s clear Mr Stewart needs and deserves to be treated urgently, especially as it seems his suffering directly stems from problems with his initial surgery.
“Sadly, his experience of waiting in pain for treatment is symptomatic of the current crisis in Scotland’s NHS, which the health secretary seems incapable of tackling.”
The Scottish Government says things will improve with its £1 billion Covid recovery plan.
A spokesman added: “We have to be upfront and honest that recovery will take time.
“We have to balance competing demands and pressures, making the best decisions we can, none of which are easy nor taken lightly.”
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