Your orthopedic surgeon is a partner in enhancing your health. Patients should have an active part in their healthcare, and this can be done by asking your surgeon questions about your concerns and being proactive in your treatment plan. It is important to know all about your surgery beforehand.
Any surgery has its risks and benefits. It’s crucial to acknowledge them before you decide if the procedure is suitable for you. Orthopedic surgery varies from a minimally invasive procedure to a complex one. Your doctor will only consider surgery as a last resort option after exploring non-surgical treatments, such as pain medication, injection therapy, and physical therapy.
Before going for surgery, acquire all the information about what to expect. Here are 3 questions to ask your orthopedic surgeon at your next appointment.
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Why do you recommend this treatment?
Before considering surgery, an expert orthopedic surgeon will exhaust all conservative and minimally invasive treatment options. If surgery is recommended, you should have tried other treatments prior to it. If your surgeon recommends surgery, you should be able to fully understand why. This will require at least one lengthy discussion on your specific symptoms and conditions, as well as why surgery is the best way to treat it.
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What are my alternatives to this procedure?
If you feel that surgery is not the right option for you, ask about other treatments you can try. There may be minimally invasive treatments that offer particular benefits for you. Surgery may be a great solution, but other solutions may offer at least some of its benefits without the pain and lengthy recovery often required with surgery.
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What to expect after surgery?
Since there are many orthopedic surgical procedures, it is important to understand what to expect after your particular procedure. For instance, some surgeries require several weeks or months of rehabilitation and rest, while other procedures require only several days. Knowing this information will help you better prepare for your procedure and recovery. You can arrange for help with chores and cooking meals, accommodations in your home, time off work, and more by knowing how extensive your recovery will be.
Tips for Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider
It is important to deliver your feelings, questions, and concerns to your surgeon before undergoing surgery. These suggestions may help to improve communication between you and your surgeon:
- If you do not understand your surgeon’s responses, ask questions until you do.
- Take notes or accompany a family member or friend to take notes for you.
- If necessary, ask your surgeon to write his recommendations and instructions down for you.
- Ask your surgeon where to find research or educational material regarding your condition.
- Ask the surgeon where to find more information if you still have questions.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Farmington Hills, MI
At Tri-County Orthopedics, we value our patients’ health and comfort. Helping patients be educated and proactive in their health is our top priority. We spend ample time with each patient to explain their various treatment options, answer their questions, and address all their concerns.
Schedule an appointment with one of our expert orthopedic surgeons if you have questions. Contact us at (248) 474-5575 or request an online appointment. We would love to provide you with the high-quality and compassionate care you deserve.
