Advice about hosp apntmt appreciated!

josiec

Hi all,
Please can I ask your advice? You may remember that my consultant decided at my last appointment not to fuse my toe yet, despite my having been told previously that they would if I wanted it. He sent me away for 6 months and I see him again on Nov 10th. I am now getting desperate for something to be done - if he proves reluctant again, does anyone have any advice as to how best to handle it - I fear I may just cry and not put my point across as I should. I go to appointments alone, which suits me as long as I can discuss them afterwards with someone.
Thanks, Josie

elnafinn

Hi Josie

Do you know why your consultant decided at your last appt not to fuse your toe yet?

As you are now getting desperate, that is good in a way because you have decided from your point of view what you wish to be done. If he is reluctant again, then you may understandably burst into tears and this will tell him quite a lot, without you saying anything. If you really think that you may be unable to voice your views on the matter as you would like, then why not, before you go, write it all down and he can read it while you are there. Or have a list of things written down for you to ask and say so you forget nothing.

I wish you well with this appointment, it is not always easy, I am well aware of that.

Luv
Elna

josiec

Hi,
That's a good idea, writing it down in that way - I will do that, thankyou. He was reluctant due to my age (31 then - maybe it will make a difference now I'm 32??!!) as he said if I didn't like it I was stuck with it a long time. He doesn't want to just remove the bone spurs as he said they'll just come back or replace the joint as he thinks fusion will give a more stable result. I understood his points totally, but I was annoyed as when I'd gone a few months earlier I'd been told to think about it and let them know, so had gone psyched up to tell them I wanted it doing: I felt like they'd done a u-turn. There is still some movement in the joint if it is manipulated but it doesn't bend at all when I'm walking and I walk on the outer edge to try and reduce the pain. I think I'm too young to have this degree of limitation when it could be significantly reduced - it's also affecting my hip now too. Thanks for your advice x

elnafinn

Hi Josie

My knee consultant did not do a u turn like yours but he told me the same, at 56 that I was a little too young to have a TKR, major op, could not change it, once done, etc, etc. I had it done at age 58 and it is great. We really don't wish to wait too long do we, I well understand that one. You are young, but you want your life now not put it on hold any longer. They try to put us off, understandably, perhaps, but once one has made one's mind up, well ....... we know our own body more than anyone and how these things are affecting our life.

All the best, let us know how you get on. won't you?

Luv
Elna x

josiec

Absolutely, I know and understand the risks, possible limitations still with footwear, etc, but knowing that the success rate is far higher I'm quite prepared to take that chance for the potential gains....to be able to walk without pain, I almost can't remember it. I wasn't sure when I went in January, but by the time I went in June I was, and certainly am now!! What I will do if he refuses again I really don't know...don't really want to contemplate that, but of course may have to. Isn't it odd to be desperate almost for painful surgery?! Think it's what I hope to get after it that I'm desperate for. Will let you know what happens! Glad your TKR was such a success! Thanks, Josie