Alan got the apt. with the Orthopedic Surgeon
 

Wow, that was fast.

The secretary just phoned me up. They read my email about Alan. The doctor does indeed work with people with foot ulcers, shaving bones, neuropathy, etc. and he thinks he can help Alan.

Apt. is on October 23, and they take his insurance.

Wow, isn't this exciting?? The guy may someday be able to go for a hike!!!

He'll just settle for being able to walk without the boot thing.

Oh, Alan wants to know, Does he tell the new podiatrist that he has an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon on the 23rd. Alan will see the podiatrist on the 15th. I told him "of course you should tell him, I mean, he has told you he can't operate on you, so why woudn't you just say "I have to pursue this and see if this guy is more specialized in this field (Or something to that effect). I think Alan is afraid of offending the podiatrist.

What do you think. Should he keep his mouth shut or should he inform the podiatrist about the appointment. Also, this podiatrist has Alan's x-rays. Do you think it might be a good idea to take the x-rays with him (even though I do believe that the Ortho guy will be ordering an MRI, sonogram, whatever ortho guys do).

Thanks for any comments.

I think its ok to tell him. If he has said he can't operate...he has to know there might be someone out there who thinks it can be done....and it only makes sense you would keep trying.

My sister has just been told by her trauma surgeon that he will not operate on her at any point because to do so would crush her lungs and bladder...so she is currently living with all of her intestines outside the abdominal wall

She is devastated as she thought once they did a gastric bypass and she was able to lose some weight...they would be able to do the surgery to put them back in. Now she has been told no. She will have to l ive the rest of her life like this.

I've told her, SEE ANOTHER DOCTOR, there is bound to be one who can offer you some hope.

So, I say, don't give up til you've exhausted all avenues....and it looks like he has found someone who may be able to help!

Well, Alan has decided to cancel the appointment.

Here's what happened. He went to see his original podiatrist today to have his orthotics adjusted. The new podiatrist wrote down what should be changed and Alan brought the paper to the previous podiatrist and he put them in for the change. Alan discussed the Orthopedic surgeon with him and this is what this podiatrist has to say. (Alan loves this guy by the way). He's been his original podiatrist for over 12 years. Mine also.

Well, the podiatrist told Alan. "For the moment, don't go to the Orthopedic Surgeon. Let's get these orthotics adjusted (they are being adjusted by about an 1/8 or 1/4 of an inch, Alan is not sure). He then said: "Alan, where your ulcer is, well, it's in a bad position, it's a very serious operation and well, I think it's in your best interest to wait before you consider surgery. Let it be the last thing that you consider. Let's try the orthotics. It's like a trial and error with orthotics, and now that you have the Cam Walker, let's get these orthotics made, and you'll try them. If the ulcer comes back, put on the Cam Walker until it heals, and if these orthotics don't do the trick, you can always then make an appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon. But you should always avoid surgery in cases like yours, It should really be your last thing".

So Alan wants to listen to him and phone up the ortho guy (guess who is going to do it??) and cancel.

I'm asking for your comments. Alan is not. He is listening to his podiatrist. He wants to try the re-done orthotics before considering any surgery. I kind of thought "why not just keep the appointment and get the guy's opinion" but Alan says "I want to wait".

So I'll just call up and thankfully tell his appointment person, exactly the reason, in a very polite way, and I'll just say "we are tabling this for now, but we will definitely give you a call if Alan feels he needs to see an orthopedic surgeon".

What do you all think???

Mel
P.S. Thanks

Just my thoughts Mel, but i would exhaust all avenues before considering surgery.

Brian :)

New orthotics for Alan
 

Hi Me:

I'm with Brian in thinking I would try the new orthotics before considering surgery. Surgery to me is always the last resort. It is a very drastic step.

Shirley H.

Whoa...
 

What happened there? Was she born with this? I have a congenital GI error, that is a variant of the organs being on the outside. Mine went in but are severely twisted. I found a book in the U of M library written in Canada by a doctor who fixes these things. It is called malrotation.

I have never heard of someone having their organs moved to the outside before. Can you elaborate?