More of the same

[petuniafish]

I had second appointment with different surgeon for a PKR. I *think* I am in a pretty good spot to choose. Even tho I work in a small hospital most of the surgeons and anesthesiologists are up on who is top rated in my state. I also interview patients all day long and have the benefit of hearing which worked out, which lasted, which had the fewest complications etc.

#1 OS was dynamite. He just had a hissy fit when I told him about probs I had with anesthesia in the past.
Saw # 2 last week. He said even tho my medial compartment needed replacement and lateral is pristine, he'd still do a TKR. Said I'd walk funny without it. (?) Lastly he said even tho I've had a dozen steroid injections, his were the best and I needed one again. No improvement. Again. Nothing but a huge lump and pain where he injected after 5 days. He's full of it. He does the most knee replacements in my state with the best results, but I thought the total knee over PKR sounded weird.

So have TWO more appts next month. One guy about 2 hours away and another 6 hours away both in my state. Both again highly recommended by OS's I know personally, patients and anesthesiologists. I am a very trusting person and usually get along well with surgeon's-I work with them. But this is getting discouraging. I know what you will all say- keep trying and you'll find the right one. It'll happen. Right now I am back to thinking about the "hissy fit" OS overall. I KNOW he's good. I just have to wait til July til he thinks my knee will have calmed down after all the arthroscopies in the last year. In the meantime I'll talk to the other guys.

Thanks to all who've recommended their OS's. I think I want to stay right here in Oregon. Any complications and at least it's easier for my family. I have one more question that I need to pose in another thread. Thanks for listening. Nancy

 

[Jamie]

Good luck, Nancy. You're doing the right thing. Keep searching until you find someone you completely trust and feel confident with.

 

[JudyS]

Nancy
I do agree that having surgery in your own state makes the most sense. The closer to home the better.
Are you going for a partial? Is your patello-femoral component pristine as well?
you've probably already mentioned this, I just have the world's worst memory.
Judy

 

[Karen54]

Hi Nancy,
What part of Oregon are you in? I'm in Bend and Dr. Hall did my hip almost 5 weeks ago. He is excellent on both knees and hips! Also Dr. Buehler here in Bend. Are either of those ones you are seeing?

Karen

 

[Josephine]

Why did he have a hissy fit? Was he disbelieving your history or thinking it presented unsurmountable problems?

 

[petuniafish]

Jo,
The hissy fit concerned the same thing I mentioned earlier- my anesthesia problem. I am working on that end myself at this point with the help of an anesthesiologist friend and my regular neuro.
The huffy OS.... I liked him til I brought up my anesthesia potential problem. But before I got thru the first sentence, he threw up his hands started to bellow, and walked out of the room!

Karen,
One of the anesthesia people where I work told me there was a terrific "guy" in Bend, and I keep hearing the same from others too. If I were going to make an appt with one of them, Hall or Buehler, who would you choose? It's a partial knee, and really want someone I can talk to, and who has done a lot of partials.

Jo,
I think Hissy Guy both disbelieved me and didn't want to hassle with a potential problem. His last words were, "you'll be lucky to find any anesthesiologist to work on you." A sweetheart of a guy.

I have also spoken to the Zimmer rep here at the hospital I work at. Funny, he recommended the "hissy fit" guy! He said regardless, Hissy's the best in the business. So I may have to go full circle in the end, suck it up and see cranky guy. Maybe after I get my ducks in a row, he won't be so irritable. No doubt, he may not win a personality contest, but he's undoubtedly good. If I can fix my anesthesia problem all the better.

 

[Judles]

Nancy,,,,,Go for the SKILLED surgeon! Looks like Hissy just needs a personality adjustment!!

 

[Josephine]

Yes, they often do, Judles! But not quite so much as they used to, thank God!

 

[Karen54]

Nancy,

I'd try to get the name of the one you heard about. They are both just fantastic, but Hall is the only one I could personally recommend, although I think Buehler did both of my neighbor's knees. Hall is very easy to talk to, just a great guy! Buehler has been here longer and actually brought Hall in a few years ago. Knute Buehler and James Hall and they are both at The Center in Bend. Good Luck!!

Karen

 

[Nursepair]

PF. Try sending a Private Message to Beachcomber. She lives in Oregan too, her OS may be better?