Re: Talking with the doctor.

[Guest guest]

I had good luck with my OS answering my troubling

questions when I wrote them on an index card very

briefly and had them waiting in my pocket for the

moment when I could pull out the card and ask him

politely if he could answer a few questions I have.

I guess some doctors like to talk--mine didn't. I

sensed a kindness and concern to take care of me even

though he was very matter of fact. I knew that he had

a fine reputation. The nurse always seemed to know

the answers and she was a people person. I wish you

well. RUTH

--- skyepyper <skyepyper@...> wrote:

> I've been thinking about my meeting with my THR

> doctor. I met him at

> my first visit for less than five minutes at the end

> of my visit.

> Most of my time in the examination room was with a

> nurse

> practitioner.

> She took my history, asked questions, had me lay

> on the table for

> her tolook at my hip, etc. But the doctor only came

> in at the end. I

> didn't have the chance to ask questions and he

> didn't really examine

> me other than to look at my xrays. But he sort of

> seemed in a hurry,

> though seemed to be a nice guy.

>

> I have to go for a cat scan and mri tuesday and

> then will see the

> doctor on Friday. After that I believe all that is

> left is for me to

> schdule the surgery and go to the hospital.

> My dilemma is that I have a number of questions

> and it would make

> me feel a whole lot better if I could have an

> appointment with just

> my doctor to talk with him, ask my questions and to

> get a better idea

> about him. I would like him to be familiar with my

> case.

> I called the office on Friday and asked the

> scheduling receptionist

> if this would be possible. At first she said no and

> then she said I

> should ask her surgery scheduling person. When she

> switched me to her

> I got her answering machine so I left a message but

> havn't got a

> return call as yet.

> Am I asking too much to ask to meet with the

> doctor and for enough

> time to go over my questions? I asked for enough

> time because if they

> say I can talk to him but then I get there and he

> comes in in a rush

> again or with the nurse practitioner doing most of

> the talking, I

> don't think I will feel as good about having the

> operation.

>

> Should I call again on Monday before my tests and

> ask again?

> Thanks, Dan

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I had two appointments with this newest impending surgery.The first in Dec.05 when I was told I needed a revision but the shock made questions disappear from my head. After I scheduled surgery for April 18th, their office called me saying the OS wanted to see me to make the decisions necessary to perform the surgery. By then I was clear headed enough to write down questions in advance so I would be sure to get my questions answered. You will probably see your OS again once the results are in so write down what you when to know and save them for that time. Good luck.

Sue in PA

I've been thinking about my meeting with my THR doctor. I met him at my first visit for less than five minutes at the end of my visit. Most of my time in the examination room was with a nurse practitioner. She took my history, asked questions, had me lay on the table for her tolook at my hip, etc. But the doctor only came in at the end. I didn't have the chance to ask questions and he didn't really examine me other than to look at my xrays. But he sort of seemed in a hurry, though seemed to be a nice guy. I have to go for a cat scan and mri tuesday and then will see the doctor on Friday. After that I believe all that is left is for me to schdule the surgery and go to the hospital. My dilemma is that I have a number of questions and it would make me feel a whole lot better if I could have an appointment with just my doctor to talk with him, ask my questions and to get a better idea about him. I would like him to be familiar with my case. I called the office on Friday and asked the scheduling receptionist if this would be possible. At first she said no and then she said I should ask her surgery scheduling person. When she switched me to her I got her answering machine so I left a message but havn't got a return call as yet. Am I asking too much to ask to meet with the doctor and for enough time to go over my questions? I asked for enough time because if they say I can talk to him but then I get there and he comes in in a rush again or with the nurse practitioner doing most of the talking, I don't think I will feel as good about having the operation. Should I call again on Monday before my tests and ask again? Thanks, Dan

[Guest guest]

Hi, I do already have all my questions written down. My appointment

with the doctor on Friday is to go over the results. As I mentioned in

my previous email, I would like some time to actually talk with the

doctor and ask questions. As I mentioned in my previous post I called

to ask if this was possible and was told " no " it wasn't but was given

the surgery scheduler's answer machine and left a message.

I do not know anything about this doctor really, and talking to him

is something I think would be appropriate for such a serious

undertaking. I am not comfortable with telling everything, being

examined, etc. with a nurse practitioner and then having it relayed to

the doctor only. I would like for him to communicate with me at least

one time directly. Because of all the choices involved in hip surgery,

from the type of hip to post op treatment I'd like to know ahead of

time what choices the doctor is going to implement. I hope this will

be possible. I wanted to ask the doctor's office before the expensive

tests (cat scan and mri) on Tuesday.

[Guest guest]

I know that my husbands OS phoned a week before the day and asked if there was any questions. So that is when most of the questions got answers. He seen his OS in September, we hadn't researched much before going in. Then then said it would be two years before they had a day. Then they got more time in the OR and he went in July 4th. But even ask the ladies at the office if this is possible, just to talk on the phone, or e-mail him.

But yes try phoning on Monday. Or Try phoning days you know he is not in the office. The days the OS are in the office the place is nuts.

Hope this helps.

From: "skyepyper" <skyepyper@...>Reply-Joint Replacement To: Joint Replacement Subject: Talking with the doctor.Date: Sun, 09 Apr 2006 12:12:14 -0000I've been thinking about my meeting with my THR doctor. I met him at my first visit for less than five minutes at the end of my visit. Most of my time in the examination room was with a nurse practitioner. She took my history, asked questions, had me lay on the table for her tolook at my hip, etc. But the doctor only came in at the end. I didn't have the chance to ask questions and he didn't really examine me other than to look at my xrays. But he sort of seemed in a hurry, though seemed to be a nice guy. I have to go for a cat scan and mri tuesday and then will see the doctor on Friday. After that I believe all that is left is for me to schdule the surgery and go to the hospital. My dilemma is that I have a number of questions and it would make me feel a whole lot better if I could have an appointment with just my doctor to talk with him, ask my questions and to get a better idea about him. I would like him to be familiar with my case. I called the office on Friday and asked the scheduling receptionist if this would be possible. At first she said no and then she said I should ask her surgery scheduling person. When she switched me to her I got her answering machine so I left a message but havn't got a return call as yet. Am I asking too much to ask to meet with the doctor and for enough time to go over my questions? I asked for enough time because if they say I can talk to him but then I get there and he comes in in a rush again or with the nurse practitioner doing most of the talking, I don't think I will feel as good about having the operation. Should I call again on Monday before my tests and ask again? Thanks, Dan

[Guest guest]

I am not going to give any excuses for surgeons, but you should and must research many aspects of this on your own. For instance, are there Joint Replacement Classes offered at your hospital? This will answer such questions as what kind of pre op preparation is necessary? What does the surgical procedure involve? What should you expect after surgery? How long will it take to recover? During the class you may get to meet members of the orthopedic team to answer your questions. You may also receive a Notebook for Hips, A Patient's Guide to Hip Replacement. This is what the hospital I am going to offers. Your OS should answer questions as to your individual surgical procedure, but beyond that there are many other sources to find out on your own. His assistants will be of immeasurable service to you in this regard. Do not be afraid or reluctant to utilize them as an invaluable source of pertinent info. I know my surgeon will not know what exactly he will use until he gets in there. I trust his judgment and expertise to make that decision based on his knowledge and not my own.

Sue in PA

Re: Talking with the doctor.

Hi, I do already have all my questions written down. My appointment with the doctor on Friday is to go over the results. As I mentioned in my previous email, I would like some time to actually talk with the doctor and ask questions. As I mentioned in my previous post I called to ask if this was possible and was told "no" it wasn't but was given the surgery scheduler's answer machine and left a message. I do not know anything about this doctor really, and talking to him is something I think would be appropriate for such a serious undertaking. I am not comfortable with telling everything, being examined, etc. with a nurse practitioner and then having it relayed to the doctor only. I would like for him to communicate with me at least one time directly. Because of all the choices involved in hip surgery, from the type of hip to post op treatment I'd like to know ahead of time what choices the doctor is going to implement. I hope this will be possible. I wanted to ask the doctor's office before the expensive tests (cat scan and mri) on Tuesday.

[Guest guest]

>

> I had good luck with my OS answering my troubling

> questions when I wrote them on an index card very

> briefly and had them waiting in my pocket for the

> moment when I could pull out the card and ask him

> politely if he could answer a few questions I have.

>

>

I wrote down any questions I had for my doctor too....this seemed to

pleae him, kmowing that I'd thought it out ahead of time. I know

he's busy with many patients waiting to see him....so this saved time

for everyone. In addition, his surgical assistant is always at the

office and she's available by phone so I can talk to her anytime. I

really lucked out finding my doctor, I'm in great hands.

They really went to bat for me with my PT situation too, so we'll see

how this new guy is next week. He's supposed to be the " head " PT of

the place. Course he didn't call me back on Thursday like he was

supposed to...not till the docs office called them to have them call

me. What a crappy place this is. I'm beggining to think I might

just have to forget about the inpatint therapy and go to the

outpatient place - it a different office. At leastI know this lady

and she is great

Deb

[Guest guest]

Dear Deb,

Glad to hear you got someone to go to bat for you with the P.T. I know when I go to the Dr . anymore I bring a list of questions partly so I will remember all of them and partly cuz my Dr also likes it when I have them written down. He usually adds my list to my chart. LOL but then we go through them together. ( I am lucky to have the worlds best primary care physician). Hang in there and fight for your rights girlfriend!

Love and Gentle Hugs, Contessa

-- Re: Talking with the doctor.

>

> I had good luck with my OS answering my troubling

> questions when I wrote them on an index card very

> briefly and had them waiting in my pocket for the

> moment when I could pull out the card and ask him

> politely if he could answer a few questions I have.

>

>

I wrote down any questions I had for my doctor too....this seemed to

pleae him, kmowing that I'd thought it out ahead of time. I know

he's busy with many patients waiting to see him....so this saved time

for everyone. In addition, his surgical assistant is always at the

office and she's available by phone so I can talk to her anytime. I

really lucked out finding my doctor, I'm in great hands.

They really went to bat for me with my PT situation too, so we'll see

how this new guy is next week. He's supposed to be the "head" PT of

the place. Course he didn't call me back on Thursday like he was

supposed to...not till the docs office called them to have them call

me. What a crappy place this is. I'm beggining to think I might

just have to forget about the inpatint therapy and go to the

outpatient place - it a different office. At leastI know this lady

and she is great

Deb

[Guest guest]

Classes and assistants are fine. But I am not one to blindly trust

anyone, including a surgeon unless I have talked to them about my own

individual surgery to my satisfaction. I've done my research on the

operation itself.

>

> I am not going to give any excuses for surgeons, but you should and

must research many aspects of this on your own. For instance, are

there Joint Replacement Classes offered at your hospital? This will

answer such questions as what kind of pre op preparation is

necessary? What does the surgical procedure involve? What should you

expect after surgery? How long will it take to recover? During the

class you may get to meet members of the orthopedic team to answer

your questions. You may also receive a Notebook for Hips, A Patient's

Guide to Hip Replacement. This is what the hospital I am going to

offers. Your OS should answer questions as to your individual

surgical procedure, but beyond that there are many other sources to

find out on your own. His assistants will be of immeasurable service

to you in this regard. Do not be afraid or reluctant to utilize them

as an invaluable source of pertinent info. I know my surgeon will not

know what exactly he will use until he gets in there. I trust his

judgment and expertise to make that decision based on his knowledge

and not my own.

>

> Sue in PA

> Re: Talking with the doctor.

>

>

> Hi, I do already have all my questions written down. My

appointment

> with the doctor on Friday is to go over the results. As I

mentioned in

> my previous email, I would like some time to actually talk with

the

> doctor and ask questions. As I mentioned in my previous post I

called

> to ask if this was possible and was told " no " it wasn't but was

given

> the surgery scheduler's answer machine and left a message.

>

> I do not know anything about this doctor really, and talking to

him

> is something I think would be appropriate for such a serious

> undertaking. I am not comfortable with telling everything, being

> examined, etc. with a nurse practitioner and then having it

relayed to

> the doctor only. I would like for him to communicate with me at

least

> one time directly. Because of all the choices involved in hip

surgery,

> from the type of hip to post op treatment I'd like to know ahead

of

> time what choices the doctor is going to implement. I hope this

will

> be possible. I wanted to ask the doctor's office before the

expensive

> tests (cat scan and mri) on Tuesday.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Deb

Glad to hear you had good luck with the doctor

answering your specific questions. I have had to

train myself to be assertive about advocating for

myself. My life pattern has been to be very patient

assuming everyone else knows best--until I realize

they do not know best at which time my patience turned

to anger and aggressiveness. Not effective.

May the Power be with you. RUTH

--- reynawhitehawk <ReynaWhitehawk@...> wrote:

>

> >

> > I had good luck with my OS answering my troubling

> > questions when I wrote them on an index card very

> > briefly and had them waiting in my pocket for the

> > moment when I could pull out the card and ask him

> > politely if he could answer a few questions I

> have.

> >

> >

>

> I wrote down any questions I had for my doctor

> too....this seemed to

> pleae him, kmowing that I'd thought it out ahead of

> time. I know

> he's busy with many patients waiting to see

> him....so this saved time

> for everyone. In addition, his surgical assistant

> is always at the

> office and she's available by phone so I can talk to

> her anytime. I

> really lucked out finding my doctor, I'm in great

> hands.

>

> They really went to bat for me with my PT situation

> too, so we'll see

> how this new guy is next week. He's supposed to be

> the " head " PT of

> the place. Course he didn't call me back on

> Thursday like he was

> supposed to...not till the docs office called them

> to have them call

> me. What a crappy place this is. I'm beggining to

> think I might

> just have to forget about the inpatint therapy and

> go to the

> outpatient place - it a different office. At leastI

> know this lady

> and she is great

>

> Deb

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

>

> Classes and assistants are fine. But I am not one to blindly trust

> anyone, including a surgeon unless I have talked to them about my own

> individual surgery to my satisfaction. I've done my research on the

> operation itself.

>

>

My doctor gave me booklets to read regarding my knee replacement. He

also gave me a few websites to go on to do my own research if I chose

to do so. The hospital where my surgery was to be done sent you to

classes on the surgery, therapy as well as respiratory classes. These

were mandatory. Evem though I'd had three previous surgeries on my

knee, I learned alot from the classes.

I'm also very fortunate to have an open door policy with my doctor and

his assistant/right arm...she was right there with him performing the

surgery. Mac is always available via phone to all Dr. Diamond's

patient's, and so is her assistant. I'm very blessed to have them.

And then I have all of you here How lucky am I!!!

Deb

[Guest guest]

Your interest in talking privately with your doctor is perfectly

legitimate. From what you have told use it sounds like they are

assuming you are going to have this doctor do the operation. I think

you should straighten them out. He maybe the best doctor in the

whole world but the practice of medicine is not like a factory

assembly line (although it has become that in some ways). If you the

patient don't have confidence in the doctor the chances of success or

reduced. They (the doctor, hospital and staff) are only half the

team. Your body and mental state is the other half. The body is an

amazing creation and can and does do miraculous things to heal itself

given the chance. But your mental state has a large effect on how

the body responses.

Based upon what others have stated I would cancel the MRI and scans.

You should be kind but firm and clear in talking with the doctor's

office. Let them know you are the customer and have not decided to

have them do anything. You are still shopping, so to speak, and

talking and asking questions with the doctor is the first part of the

process. If they have a problem I would go somewhere else.

Hope this helps. Like it has been stated different ways in this

forum. You are in charge and responsible for your own body.

Don

>

> Hi, I do already have all my questions written down. My

appointment

> with the doctor on Friday is to go over the results. As I mentioned

in

> my previous email, I would like some time to actually talk with the

> doctor and ask questions. As I mentioned in my previous post I

called

> to ask if this was possible and was told " no " it wasn't but was

given

> the surgery scheduler's answer machine and left a message.

>

> I do not know anything about this doctor really, and talking to

him

> is something I think would be appropriate for such a serious

> undertaking. I am not comfortable with telling everything, being

> examined, etc. with a nurse practitioner and then having it relayed

to

> the doctor only. I would like for him to communicate with me at

least

> one time directly. Because of all the choices involved in hip

surgery,

> from the type of hip to post op treatment I'd like to know ahead of

> time what choices the doctor is going to implement. I hope this

will

> be possible. I wanted to ask the doctor's office before the

expensive

> tests (cat scan and mri) on Tuesday.

>