This topic is about a person who was all set for their Ken-butt surgery, which involves a proctectomy with a permanent ostomy, but faced a last-minute postponement. Here's what happened and some advice shared by others:

- The surgery was canceled because the previous operation took longer than expected, leaving no available staff for the next procedure.
- This was the second time the surgery was postponed; the first was when they were on an emergency list, and now it happened again on a planned list.
- Under the UK NHS system, the person can choose the hospital but not the exact date or time for the surgery. Private healthcare options are too costly for them.
- They expect a call from the waiting-list coordinator within a week with a new date. The surgeon is trying to fit them in sooner, but they don't want to take someone else's spot.
- Emotionally, the person feels disappointed, angry, deflated, and mentally exhausted after preparing and losing sleep over the surgery. They hope the previous patient had a good outcome.

Advice and insights from others include:

- Many people offered empathy and reassurance, acknowledging that cancellations, while frustrating, are sometimes unavoidable.
- It's safer to wait for surgery than to have it performed by a tired surgical team after a long, complicated case.
- Some suggested seeing the delay as a sign that the surgery will be better timed and safer in the future.
- One person who faced similar cancellations advised researching the specific surgeon, insisting on a preferred surgeon if possible, and believing in the saying "third time lucky."
- To cope with the delay, they suggested doing something special, like visiting a museum or meeting a friend, to lift spirits during the wait.
- Keeping perspective is important, as others have had successful outcomes after rescheduling.
- For those outside the UK, it's important to know that without private insurance, patients rely on NHS scheduling, which can lead to delays. Private care can avoid these delays but is expensive.
- Members encouraged the person to update the group once a new date is set and to focus on a smooth recovery eventually.