I'm wondering if I need to change surgeons.

[Jamie]

Excellent. You are really on top of things and that will make a difference. We've had a fair number of folks who travel to find the right doctor for their situation and it can work just fine. Sometimes you have to do a little more planning, but it's really not an issue overall. It is so important to find a good surgeon who has worked with problem cases. They are usually located in larger cities at the larger hospitals or those associated with universities (teaching hospitals). I agree that the surgeon you have chosen to see is a good one. He would have been my choice.

 

[Jaycey]

I agree with Jamie. I wouldn't go near anyone who advertizes he is a "sports medicine" specialist. Dr Davis also seems to focus on not replacing joints. Good that there is a revison specialist in that group.

Please let us know how it goes!

 

[mcgaughy]

Haha Jaycey - too late for me on the not replacing joints philosophy! If I understood right the three docs in Atlanta meet on Wednesdays and divide up the cases and determine who takes which case and then call patients. I felt better after just talking to their receptionist on the phone since I didn't get the "we'll have to review your records and decide whether we can take your case" speach. Thanks again for your help

 

[mcgaughy]

Well, it's Friday and I haven't heard anything from the doctor in Atlanta. I called a couple of times and they always take my telephone number and say someone will call me back with a status but I haven't heard anything. Surgery with my current surgeon is scheduled for August 8th so I guess I will go on with that if I don't hear from these docs.

 

[Jaycey]

If it were me I would call on Monday and say I will hold until I can talk to someone. Explain that you are scheduled for surgery but still unsure and that you need to see someone urgently. You have nothing to loose!

 

[mcgaughy]

You are absolutely right Jaycey I will do that. I can be very insistent normally and I will do that Monday - as you say I have nothing to lose. Thanks so much!

 

[Jamie]

Yep....Jaycey is right. Sometimes you have to be a bit pushy with the administrative staff. If nothing else, ask to speak with the surgeon's nurse to explain your situation. You really NEED to talk with this doctor before submitting to surgery. Remember....you can always reschedule your surgery date if you need more time. Just explain that you're not quite ready yet.

 

[Josephine]

"corticated" is a radiologist's way of saying healed!

I'm glad you found yourself a revision surgeon.


btw, you know you don't HAVE to use the"Reply" button to post again. Just use the message box at the bottom of the page.

 

[mcgaughy]

Thank you Jamie I will call tomorrow and insist they let me speak with someone. Josephone, I had no idea I didn't have to "reply" each time LOL!

 

[mcgaughy]

I called this morning and insisted that I talk with someone today and told them why so we will see if I hear back this time. Thanks for all the help on here.

 

[mcgaughy]

Jaycey or Jamie can you tell me if you can find anything about Dr. Scott Appell in Birmingham? I may be able to get him to do my surgery but don't know anything about him other than he does do revisions. Thank you for any help!

 

[Josephine]

I found him here but it doesn't mention anything about revisions. Actually, he looks to be a bit of a generalist...
- specializes in total joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder and arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder.

 

[Poppet]

Hi just dropped by to wish you luck with finding a good OS who does revisions - do let us know how you go