Choosing a Surgeon

"I know a guy" - "my Aunt had hers done - he was great - go to him" - "There is this guy in Montreal... no the other guy in London is better... this guy at St. Mikes...".

What a problem. Of course it makes sense to go to someone that has some success with one of your friends or family, but that doesn't mean you can. Every Orthopod in the city (T0ronto) seems to be booking their surgeries for at least 3 - 4 months in advance and many well into 7 or 8 months in advance.

Too bad I didn't book before I was ready!  Huh?

I suppose if i had to get a new engine in my car, I could go to a number of places and get good results. Even if I didn't get the best results, I could, given a large bank account, go to someone else and have them take a try at it. I don't think it works that way for a hip. Best to choose a good one right away.

Have you ever been to an Orthopaedic surgeon? I am about to make a gross generalization about them - so if this offends you, or someone you care about, feel free to stop reading because it's how I feel based on experience.

They really have lousy 'bedside' manners. They don't really want to give you the time to explain the operation, the options, what to do before the operation - really not a lot of anything except.. and here I will quote - " Yup.. you need a new hip.. talk to my receptionist and we will book you in for the appointments and the surgery. Nice to meet you."

As I started to sweat over the prospect of surgery, rehabilitation, being off work, paying my bills, enduring the pain, more rehabilitation..... I realized I was the only one in the room. The great saviour had gone on to another patient.

Do I sound bitter? Well the good news a couple of surgeons have broken the mold and have spoken to me - one at length. So that means it's possible to be a good surgeon and be able to talk to people.. it's just that most can't. Should we forgive them because they have good hands and do a good job? Not sure. That part sure is important, but so is the mind set of the patient and anything they can do to put my mind in the right place - they should at least try.

Best stop here for now.. getting nasty inside my head and I want only positive thoughts from now until well after the surgery. That could be a long time of positive thinking!.. There's my true challenge in all this.