Finding a quality OS?

[koditten]

Hi Guys and Gals:

Long time lurker, seldom poster.

I have learned much. This group is outstanding. My short question is I need to know how some of you went about getting second opinions. I work on the average of 60+ hours a week. I do not have time to mess around talking to other Doctors. My vital stats are as follows.
41 yrs old
Synvis shots-no noticable improvement.
Cortizone shots-" " "
Therophy- " " "
Doctor says I am too young...Yada, Yada,Yada.
I work out with upper body only. Doctors orders.
20lbs. overweight.
excelent condition besides knees.

I have been noticing that the Doctor is not as vehement about the tkr s as when I first started seeing him. (2ys ago).

I live in the central michigan area. Does anyone have any recomendations and/or testimonials for m area?

Thanks

Kirk

Sorry about the spelling. I gotta go back to work.

 

[Josephine]

Hello, Kirk, and welcome to BoneSmart. Sadly, only you can search out a surgeon that is suitable for you. I take it you have read the "How to choose a surgeon" post at the head of this forum? If so, then you just got to get out the Yellow Pages, make lists and start phoning around.

 

[Jamie]

Hi, Kirk....so glad you decided to join us!

I'll be honest with you....in my opinion, your health and well-being are every bit as important as your job. Do you have the flexibility to do some of the contacting during the workday? If not, you may need to take a half day off here and there to do your calling and meeting with doctors. Think of it this way....if your bad knees are impacting your life, you are not working at 100% at your job anyway. You need to get this taken care of so that you can go back and be full-functioning in your job. At some point your knees WILL be your number one priority, even if they aren't now. Wouldn't it be better to get them taken care of at a time of YOUR choosing with a doctor you have carefully researched? If you wait, the situation could be a lot more of an emergency requiring action quickly.

Congratulations on all you have been doing to address the situation and stay fit. I say, find a good doctor and go for it.

 

[Linda2]

I'm in Kalamazoo and have a recommendation here for you. I know Gretchen is in Grand Rapids and she might be able to help.

 

[Josephine]

Well, let's be having it, Linda! It's okay to post it here so others might benefit as well.

 

[Linda2]

My recommendation in Kalamazoo is Dr. David Christ (it's pronounced with a short i--like Chris with a t). I must admit, it is reassuring when you look at all hospital labels and the all say Christ--rather reassuring. Gretchen would have to speak for the Grand Rapids docs.

 

[Gretchendz]

Hi. Grand Rapids here. Spectrum Hospital (Blodgett actually) claims they do the fifth highest number of joint replacements in the country. I did my two knees 6 months apart and received exceptionally high quality treatment both times. If you go there for the surgery do NOT skip the class they do in advance. It is excellent and the huge book they give you answers almost any question you can imagine.

My surgeon is at West Michigan Orthopedics on East Paris Ave. If you want more detailed information, please send me a private message and I'll help anyway I can.

Now if you're Lansing, I can't help but I do have friends in that area who have had joint replacement so if that's the area you need, pm me and I'll ask around.

GOOD LUCK

 

[koditten]

Thanks to all. I will be using this info to further my hunt for a OS.

Thanx
Kirk