If you’ve been told that you need surgery, you probably have a number of different thoughts running through your head. That’s completely normal, but it’s also important that you take a deep breath and mentally prepare for the road ahead. Knowing how to navigate the surgical process can help ensure you experience the best results. So in today’s blog, we’re going to explain the best steps to take if you’ve been told that you need foot or ankle surgery.
I Need Surgery, Now What?
Here’s what you need to do to put yourself in the best position to have a successful surgical operation if you’ve been told that you need surgery.
1. Get A Second Opinion – Surgery is a big deal, so even if one doctor has told you that you need surgery, it’s a good idea to seek out a second opinion. Another set of expert eyes may see the problem differently or spot something the first doctor missed. Surgery is a large trauma on the body, so if you’ll make a full recovery with nonoperative treatment, go that route instead.
2. Go To A Specialist – If you’ve confirmed with a second doctor that you need surgery, find a specialist in your area. Don’t just go to a general surgeon, find an orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Silverman who specializes in surgery on the ankles and feet. You want someone who has performed a lot of similar procedures and who deals with that area of the body on a daily basis, so look up some experts in your area.
3. Visit A Few Surgeons – Once you’ve found a couple specialty surgeons in your area, set up initial consultations. Let them know that you are considering surgery and you want to go over your options and what surgery might be like. Doing this with a couple surgeons will ensure that you select a surgeon who is the best fit for your operation. If you don’t like how you’re being treated by one surgeon, go with someone else. Ultimately it is your decision who performs your surgery, so by setting up a couple consults, you’ll make sure that you’re putting your faith in a doctor who meets your expectations.
4. See What Others Are Saying – It also helps to see what others are saying about your surgeon online. Reviews from their website can be tailored to say exactly what the doctor wants, but reviews on Facebook or Google are a little more helpful. That being said, don’t just look at the star ratings, read the reviews and see if the surgeon is getting back to patients who left less-than-perfect reviews. You want to make sure you choose a surgeon who is willing to help you throughout the entire process, and this is sometimes evident when looking at different review sites.
5. Don’t Rush – Finally, don’t rush into any decisions when it comes to surgery. Odds are time is not a huge factor, so don’t make any hasty decisions about your health. Consult with your family and get your ducks in a row before moving forward with surgery. Moreover, don’t let a doctor or their medical team pressure you into selecting them for your operation or putting your surgery date on the schedule before you’re ready. You are on your own time, so be patient and move forward when you’re ready.