Visiting any doctor for the first time can be overwhelming, confusing, or even scary- and when that doctor is a surgeon, this is even more true. One thing that can help is going into your appointment with a list of questions so that you don’t forget anything important while feeling anxious. If you aren’t sure where to start, below are some questions to ask during your visit to an orthopedic doctor in Jonesboro.
Why Do You Recommend This Procedure?
The thing you will most want to understand is whether a surgical procedure will actually treat your condition. While doctors are trained to make these decisions, it’s also important that they can explain their reasoning to you. This answer may help you feel more confident about the surgery, as well as your diagnosis and prognosis. If you are still unsure based on the answer, you can also ask if there are alternative options and why those weren’t recommended.
What Will Happen During and After the Procedure?
Your surgeon should be able to give you a detailed explanation of the surgery from the perspective of your day, as well as the details around the process and instruments they will use. This can help you plan for your day, including the duration of surgery, and to help you understand the impact you may feel. You can also ask about how much pain you will feel, if you’ll be awake or under anesthesia, and what risks are associated with those answers.
What Is the Success Rate of the Surgery?
While you want to be optimistic about your outlook, it is also important to understand and be realistic about the potential you will feel relief. You should feel that your surgeon is confident you will get at least some benefits from the surgery. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you want to proceed and understand what to expect in the future.
What Risks Are Involved?
Any surgery comes with risks that you have to accept. However, some are more dangerous than others. It’s critical you understand any risks associated with the procedure, including if it could worsen your condition or require more surgery. Be sure to ask if there is anything you can do before or after surgery to avoid complications.
How Urgently Do I Need Surgery?
Usually, before you visit a surgeon, you have explored all other treatment options. However, you should always ask what the risk would be of waiting longer for the surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon should be honest with you about what will happen if you wait or if you move forward with the surgery. They should also share information about their own schedule with you to answer this question.
How Often Do You Perform This Surgery?
You should feel confident that your surgeon is experienced in your particular needs. You always have the right to ask about their history, including how often they perform the same surgery and their success rate.
What Will Recovery Be Like?
Not only will this answer prepare you for what to expect, but it can also help you plan your life after surgery. You’ll need to understand how much time you need to take off work and household duties, if you will need help performing any activities, and how much follow-up care you will be attending. They should also be able to help you with questions around insurance and applying for leave from work.
Will I Need More Surgery?
Not every surgery is a one-time treatment. Some will require upkeep or need to be re-done. You should ask how likely it is that you will need other surgeries and in what cases this will happen. Your doctor should also tell you anything you can do to prevent needing more surgery if possible, as well as talking through what they will do to achieve the same.
You should always feel comfortable asking your doctor as many questions as you have. While you may not understand every medical concept they explain, the ability to explain things confidently is the sign of a good surgeon. Seek treatment from the best doctors at Jonesboro. At AICA Jonesboro, our orthopedic surgeons are happy to answer all your questions, as well as refer you to other specialists like physical therapists to provide information. If you’re unsure whether you need surgery or if now is the right time, contact AICA Jonesboro today to meet with a surgeon.