Dooley Noted: 12/4/2014
Far too often, I have patients that have little clue why they had the surgery they endured.
Yesterday, the conversation read like this:
Dooley: “Why did you get a surgery?”
Patient: “I had foot pain. I have flat feet.”
Dooley: “You have 2 flat feet. Why surgery just on the right?”
Patient: “The surgeon said I have arthritis.”
Dooley: “Research supports that arthritis is a poor predictor for pain. Any diagnoses other than that?”
Patient: “No – just flat feet and foot pain.”
Several screws later, I’m helping a patient through the aftermath of a surgery she doesn’t understand for a diagnosis she hasn’t researched.
Walk into a surgeon’s office for advice, and you are likely to leave with a surgical recommendation.
Walk into a rehab office, they are likely to try rehab. But it’s quite a bit less invasive.
Don’t be surprised.
Get informed.
Some surgeries work.
But don’t become a statistic for failed surgery.
Improve your outcomes.
If you are encouraged that you need surgery, consider taking these steps.
1. Get a complete diagnosis and explanation of how the surgery will benefit you.
2. Get a complete description of the typical outcomes of the surgery. Don’t fall for the stats spouted to you, like “9 out of 10 patients see an improvement.” These numbers are usually fabrications. Ask for legitimate statistics.
3. As for rehabilitative suggestions pre- and post-surgery. If someone is going to be cutting into you, you want to have the most stable surgical region before surgery and a strategy after surgery.
4. Get multiple opinions about your surgical region, no matter the surgical reputation, nor sleek resume, nor fancy office.
5. If the surgeon isn’t willing to take the time to educate you, then don’t trust him or her to cut into you. Doctor translates as “teacher,” not “trust me blindly because I’m a surgeon.”
6. You have the right to understand your diagnosis. Research it. Then clarify your questions with your surgeon or rehabilitative specialist. If they are unwilling to address your questions, find another doctor. Great surgeons are out there, and they do address your questions.
7. Don’t be a surgical guinea pig. It happens. Ask for details about the procedure, and state you want to understand why this approach is taken.
8. Investigate less invasive procedures as you await your surgical date. I’ve had many patients set their surgical date, only to rehabilitate for a few months while waiting. Some cancel the surgery, and others are better prepared to rehabilitate after the surgery was completed.
9. Surgery is rarely a magic bullet. Consider that invasive procedures have benefits but possibly consequences.
10. Speak to educated practitioners in various fields to help you. After talking to your surgeon, meet with a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and/or expert personal trainer to see if their services may help you on the path to health.
Consider these factors to improve your outcomes.
You only get one body. Learn more about it and the procedures used to improve your health.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley