Starkers - I know what you mean. I got the NHS to pay for mine to be done at a private hospital http://www.hmthospitals.co.uk/claremont/ So what I should have had done 4-5 years ago only took about 6 weeks to get going
Yeah we have a similar scheme here, where my own doctor refers me to a private hospital/surgeon, but the wait is still quite some time... reason being, I cannot afford to pay. It will happen... one day... in the meantime, however, there's always the meds...
Hmmm, getting high as a kite doesn't always have to be illegal.... starkers's 'Tramadol Nights',
I've had my 15 minutes online
... and your 15 minutes of fame... now get back to recuperating. 
starkers, I truly wish things were different for you, mate.
Yeah, me too... but at the end of the day, it's my state of mind and how I deal with it. I chose to be happy and a fun loving bloke with a care-free attitude... and that is one step toward feeling well/better off. It doesn't take away the pain completely, but at least I'm able to laugh/smile and not wallowing in self-pity.