Stephen Evans, 66, a local government officer from Builth Wells, was scheduled for a double knee replacement and told in May that his first operation would be “within the next few weeks” in Hereford.
When he called the hospital to follow up, he was told his wait would be at least another year and said he had not had any contact from the health board or Welsh NHS.
“When your life is put on hold because of a decision like this, you deserve the truth, not some excuse,” he said.
“I choose to live here, but I’m still entitled to the same sort of medical treatments as a person who lives across the border in England.”
John Silk, 92, from Talgarth, was a regular golfer and went to the gym until his osteoarthritis got too bad.
“I have a stick to walk down the path from the front door now and driving in the car is a nightmare,” he said.
He was due to have an operation in Hereford in June and had been to the hospital twice in preparation.
When he phoned to ask why his knee replacement had been delayed, he was told by an “apologetic” secretary that he would have to wait another year due to budget cuts.
Like others, he has not heard anything from NHS Wales. “I want them confronted with what they’re doing.
“They’re causing unnecessary pain and suffering. I don’t think that’s the idea of politics, do you?”
Health board chief executive Ms Thomas said: “We understand that the changes we have made to the way we commission planned care services will be frustrating and disappointing for patients and their families.
“It is vital that we live within our means. We cannot continue to spend money we do not have to offer faster access care to some parts of the county.
“Instead, we need to take a fairer approach that protects essential services for everyone.”