Scott 5A hypothetical guide to knee reconstructions... Part Three!
August 16th 2006 05:06
Another day, another edition of the Sport Talk knee reconstruction series. Today we look at being assessed by a surgeon and how to handle being dealt harsh dose of reality!
Before you’re assessed by the OS, you should prepare yourself for a few things:
• Bad news.
• A lack of ‘personal support’.
• A seemingly convincing lack of ‘caring’.
Bad news is inevitable. Any stable human being goes into a specialist appointment believing they are the exception to the rule. The miracle. “Screw surgery, I’ll just click my fingers and you’re good to go,” the surgeon is supposed to say.
Unfortunately you’ll be retested, told the truth and be on your way. Don’t be surprised if you get the feeling the surgeon doesn’t really give a snails tail about the details of your injury.
Let’s be honest, this guy is juggling a dozen assessments a day and in between lunch and afternoon tea performs as many operations as possible. Telling the surgeon about your ‘bad luck’ is only a waste of time.
The truth is not many surgeons are 'bedside doctors', that is, not many are prepared to go through the emotional component of your recovery. For some, that news is hard to handle - but rest assured, what your surgeon lacks in emotional support, they make up for it in professional ability! So smile!
When you attend the orthopaedic surgeon's office, have questions prepared, understand some basic terminology and get ready to remember details. The next time you see your surgeon could be on the operating table. Leave the surgeon’s room with the following:
• Information – what is wrong and how it will be fixed.
• Understanding – why it’s wrong and why it should be repaired.
• Appointments – an MRI scan is sometimes scheduled.
• Confidence – if you’re not happy or still unsure, consider a second opinion.
Before you’re assessed by the OS, you should prepare yourself for a few things:
• Bad news.
• A lack of ‘personal support’.
• A seemingly convincing lack of ‘caring’.
Bad news is inevitable. Any stable human being goes into a specialist appointment believing they are the exception to the rule. The miracle. “Screw surgery, I’ll just click my fingers and you’re good to go,” the surgeon is supposed to say.
Unfortunately you’ll be retested, told the truth and be on your way. Don’t be surprised if you get the feeling the surgeon doesn’t really give a snails tail about the details of your injury.
Let’s be honest, this guy is juggling a dozen assessments a day and in between lunch and afternoon tea performs as many operations as possible. Telling the surgeon about your ‘bad luck’ is only a waste of time.
The truth is not many surgeons are 'bedside doctors', that is, not many are prepared to go through the emotional component of your recovery. For some, that news is hard to handle - but rest assured, what your surgeon lacks in emotional support, they make up for it in professional ability! So smile!
When you attend the orthopaedic surgeon's office, have questions prepared, understand some basic terminology and get ready to remember details. The next time you see your surgeon could be on the operating table. Leave the surgeon’s room with the following:
• Information – what is wrong and how it will be fixed.
• Understanding – why it’s wrong and why it should be repaired.
• Appointments – an MRI scan is sometimes scheduled.
• Confidence – if you’re not happy or still unsure, consider a second opinion.
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