Welcome to part two in our series about secrets your doctor may have regarding back and spine surgery. We hope this series helps you to make an informed choice regarding your care and to choose the right spine surgeon available in your area. If you live in the Seattle area, we’d love to help you find back pain and sciatica relief.
Secret #11: Don’t Rush Into a Decision
Many times back surgery isn’t an urgent need; you probably have time to consider your options and make an informed choice. If you can, take time making your decision. Surgery is a big decision and you need to be sure before you commit.
Secret #12: Always Report Leg Pain After Surgery
Leg pain after surgery can be a sign a blood clot, a serious potential complication. If you have leg pain, always contact your doctor immediately and seek their advice.
Secret #13: Doctors Love a Thank You
Being a doctor is a lot of work and requires a great amount of personal sacrifice. Your surgeon will always appreciate a heartfelt thank you after a successful surgery and they will enjoy knowing that their work has impacted your life for good. Consider sending a handwritten card.
Secret #14: Your Doctor is Busy
Doctors and surgeons have many patients to visit. If it seems like they are rushing from room to room, it is probably because they are busy, not because they don’t care. Understanding your doctor’s hectic schedule will help you to realize the challenges they are up against. It doesn’t mean they don’t care; they just have a lot on their plate.
Secret #15: All Doctors Worry About Getting Sued
Being sued is a real worry for all doctors. They may recommend procedures or refuse to do procedures to protect themselves legally.
Secret #16: The Biggest Mistake in Recovery is Not Getting Enough Rest
After your back or spine surgery is complete, get plenty of rest. Your body needs time to heal and recover. Clear your schedule for a few days and just rest. You will start feeling better sooner and reduce the risk of injuring yourself from doing too much too soon.
Secret #17: Find Out What’s Wrong and Why It Needs to Be Fixed
Don’t just commit to a procedure because your doctor recommends it. Ask what is broken and why it needs to be fixed. Some problems might not need treatment at all, especially if they aren’t causing any problems or pain.
Secret #18: Obese Patients Are Challenging to a Doctor
Obese patients are a particular challenge to doctors and surgeons. Their veins are harder to find for IVs and they are more likely to have trouble healing and to get an infection. If you are obese talk with your doctor about the special circumstances your weight presents and find out what you can do to minimize the problems.
Secret #19: Nurses Can Answer Questions Too
If you have a lot of questions about an upcoming procedure, you may be able to find answers from your nurse. Ask your list of questions to your nurse or other care staff first and save the most important questions for the doctor or surgeon. This will allow them to fully focus on the questions they do answer while ensuring that you still get the answers you need.
Secret #20: Doctors Hate Patients That Don’t Listen
Patients that don’t listen are one of the biggest fears for doctors and surgeons. If you don’t listen to instructions about post-op care or getting ready for your procedure, bad things can happen. Your doctor is probably more concerned about patients that disregard instructions than they are about making a mistake themselves.
There you have it; ten more secrets that your doctor won’t tell you (but we will). Keep checking back. The final part of the series will be here soon.