[bottledballerina]

Hello everyone.
I haven't been in a very long time did to depression. Seasons changing, another move, I didn't think I would be able to add to this wonderful place in a way that would add to it's wonderfulness.
Any hoo, an update on my leg.
The physical therapy was not working in the way it should have, so now I will be referred to a surgeon.
Recognition after years of fighting! Yay.
Any way, I believe they are an orthopedic surgeon and they will look at the usefulness and possibility of either braces, orthotics or surgery. Does any body have any advice on how I should approach this appointment?
Any advice would be greatly apreciated. Thank you for reading this, and be happy!

PS, if I missed any autocorrect weirdness, i apologize.

[Diandra]

Just a couple pieces of advice on ortho surgeon appt:

.....Go with a written list of questions and concerns and tell the doc from the get go that you want to address them all so the doc can organize the time she/he has allotted to your appt.

....bring someone with you who can listen too and knows your issues. Sometimes, These can be quick appts that proceed at warp speed and I know I personally get a bit flustered when doc and nurses are whipping in and out of the room and before you know it the appt is over and you may have trouble remembering all that was said. This person can listen as well and be your advocate. They may think to ask questions that had not occurred to you.

....if the doc recommends surgery, get the exact name of the surgery, pros and cons, ask for write ups or websites. Ask doc how things will progress if DON'T have the surgery.

....if surgery, ask recovery time, time needed to take off work/school. What rehab is recommended and what it will entail.

personally, I would want surgery as a last resort but only you know your pain and disability issues. Certainly braces and orthotics are worth a try.

Wishing you the best.
D.

Originally Posted by bottledballerina

Hello everyone.
I haven't been in a very long time did to depression. Seasons changing, another move, I didn't think I would be able to add to this wonderful place in a way that would add to it's wonderfulness.
Any hoo, an update on my leg.
The physical therapy was not working in the way it should have, so now I will be referred to a surgeon.
Recognition after years of fighting! Yay.
Any way, I believe they are an orthopedic surgeon and they will look at the usefulness and possibility of either braces, orthotics or surgery. Does any body have any advice on how I should approach this appointment?
Any advice would be greatly apreciated. Thank you for reading this, and be happy!

PS, if I missed any autocorrect weirdness, i apologize.

[bottledballerina]

This is chock full of amazingness. Thank you very very much for this, I'm sure it will come on incredibly handily.

Originally Posted by Diandra

Just a couple pieces of advice on ortho surgeon appt:

.....Go with a written list of questions and concerns and tell the doc from the get go that you want to address them all so the doc can organize the time she/he has allotted to your appt.

....bring someone with you who can listen too and knows your issues. Sometimes, These can be quick appts that proceed at warp speed and I know I personally get a bit flustered when doc and nurses are whipping in and out of the room and before you know it the appt is over and you may have trouble remembering all that was said. This person can listen as well and be your advocate. They may think to ask questions that had not occurred to you.

....if the doc recommends surgery, get the exact name of the surgery, pros and cons, ask for write ups or websites. Ask doc how things will progress if DON'T have the surgery.

....if surgery, ask recovery time, time needed to take off work/school. What rehab is recommended and what it will entail.

personally, I would want surgery as a last resort but only you know your pain and disability issues. Certainly braces and orthotics are worth a try.

Wishing you the best.
D.