It doesn't matter what Dr. you see just make sure you find out how they go in to do the surgery and how good their success rate is.


I have a 2 inch cut on the neck and I wear low cut tops and I just call it a conversation peace. Don't just go by a Drs. name check in your area if anyone has had surgery by them that you can see how they are doing. I think it's important to know what you are getting into.

Ada

I do care about how good a surgeon is, otherwise I wouldnt be considering going to Denver. I just want to hear about the follow up after surgery. NOT who you think the best of the 3 Denver Docs is.
I don't consider myself a needy patient, I'd just like answers from doctors instead of having to search the internet or forums.
Last time I called my TOS Doctor it has taken 3 months for him to get back to me, despite promises from his staff. To me this is unacceptable.
I've had new symptoms that have scared me with no Doctor to ask that is a TOS specialist.
My anxiety has risen to an all time high. MY pain is awful. I feel afraid even telling this story to you. I don't want to cause any problems on here.
If you need to pm me or email me please do so, I just want to hear the truth of your experiences, good or bad. thank you very much.

Hi ihtos...I haven't had surgery nor needed to travel (I live near Denver), but just wanted to say I agree, 3 months is unacceptable! I hope you can find someone else in your area who can help you get your pain under control. My experience has been that PM&R docs seem pretty knowledgeable about TOS (physical medicine and rehab)...differ in treatment philosophy, of course.

Take care, and keep us posted on how things go for you!

Quote
[I've had new symptoms that have scared me with no Doctor to ask that is a TOS specialist. ]

If you want to post your new symptoms maybe we can relate and help ease your mind that way.

Did or do you have a PT that you went to, that might be able to answer your questions?

I had surgery in Denver....2000 miles away.

Both he(the doctor) and the office staff were excellent in my follow up care. I never had to wait more than a day or two for returning phone calls, or anything. I even sent a digital picture to the surgeon about a question I had...he correctly pinpointed the problem from the picture!

I am going back again next month. I have no reservations because I know I will get very good care before, during, and after my time in Denver.

Good luck to you!

hi thinking of travel....does that count...

how far from toronto canada to denver?????

ok just thinking out loud guys....ready for a redo.....lol

love and hugs,
Victoria

Use your provincial coverage and come to B.C. to see my surgeon. He is awesome, and it would be less expensive that Denver. LOL Talk to you soon.

Sure gibbrn, take notes like I am doing.
Jensrib, that is wonderful news about your surgeon you chose.
Donna, my pain rehab doc just tells me to take more vicoden.
and Jo I've ran thru all the PT in my area and also chiros.
I've done what I was told to do after my evaluation by an expert in Denver2006.
When i reached a plateau point in PT I tried numerous times to contact him to no avail thru phone calls and emails. (since October 2006) . I finally got a letter from him this week telling me to come be evaluated again.

In the mean time I had to find a vasc doctor locally to help me. I don't need a diagnosis, I just need to know if my veins bulging worse, my jabbing pains in my ribs, my hand turning lighter color, are more serious now? My tos is vascular and neuro. I have another arterial doppler scheduled soon.

I cannot afford to fly to Denver evertyime I have a question. What do you guys do in this situation? Who do you call? Who do you ask when you get scared?

Jo: Would love it if you could help me find those threads you refer to below. Thanks again from a very nervous Annie! If you are willing to chat about this, I can be reached at [removed #]. I would love to thank you for all of your previous help too!!! xo, annie


we have threads for preparing to travel, pre , post & away from home surgery .
If you need help searching for them let us know.[/QUOTE]

In my experience, traveling to Denver and seeing Dr B was good for a diagnosis. Vascular TOS. After the diagnosis, his response to calls or emails was not good at all. I called asking about new symptoms as instructed by my Physical Therapist. His staff was always very curteous, and gave him the messages.
I finally got a letter from him after 3 months. (Come back and be reevaluated. )
After spending all the money to go out there I was really hurt that he didnt even return my calls. Also I am on a very limited income now.
I spent days crying in pain. I had to quit my job. I had to go to a vasc surgeon close to home, to be sure I hadn't devloped bruits or clots.
I've spoken by phone to Dr Sanders 2 times in the last year. His patients that have spoken with me feel they aren't left out in the cold after they return home.
So, I have my diagnosis. I am not sorry I went to Denver. But I wish I had seen at least 1 more Doc while I was there......Sanders or Annest.