What can I expect from an orthopeadic surgeon?

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rach1986
rach1986 Member Posts: 32
edited 4. May 2010, 18:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
Not sure if I spelt the ortho-whatsit right lol, but basically my physio referred me to them as the exercises she'd given me weren't working for the OA in my wrist. I've been waiting for what seems like forever, and I finally got a phone-call this morning :) The man on the phone gave me an option of places, such as hospitals, and private ones (wish I'd gone for a private hospital now but ah well) and he's said I should get an appointment letter soon for 2-3 weeks away. I've been frustrated by the wait, but now I'm actually getting somewhere I'm nervous, I dont know what to expect :? I discussed injections with my gp and physio but I dont know if they'll do that or not. Anyone know what I should expect?

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  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Rach,

    Glad your seeing one cus they are very good at knowing what will and wont help you. I imagine they do the same what ever the joint? I haven't got oa in my wrists, or if I have its sub letting from the pa, but with my knees, feet, back and neck they examined me, did xrays and then talked about the best way forward. I was lucky in all but my necks case the went for surgery and it helped so much but the Rumo now does it all and he sent me to the pain clinic as well. they are also very thorough and good (in my case) at keeping me going.

    I really hope you find its helpful to see an ortho, they really do know their stuff and well good luck and please let us know when you get your appointment and how it goes. take care Cris x
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Rach

    There is no need to be nervous - you do not have to commit to anything if you do not wish to do so and you can also say to whatever he may suggest, that you would like to think about it, if that is how you feel.

    You will have your history taken, he will look at your wrist, any xrays you have had done, hopefully he will have access to them. He may wish you to be xrayed again. He will ask about your pain, when it started, medication you are on, how painful from 1 - 10, occupation, hobbies, what brings on the pain etc.

    It may be a good idea to go prepared with some questions, pointers, details, written down to take in with you and have a pen with you to write anything down that is said, should you wish.

    He may suggest injection(s), splint, a resting splint, other medication, operation, pain clinic.

    I wish you well with the appointment when you have a date.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • rach1986
    rach1986 Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi everyone, I've finally got an appointment for Thursday 6th May. I'm kinda nervous of what to expect :?
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Don't be nervous, he's just a human being with some rather specialised knowledge. Write out some notes, detailing your case history, current situation, meds etc. You cannot hold it all in your head and conversations never go the way you plan them. If you have questions, note them too. Keep calm. It will all be fine. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi - that's good, not too long enough to worry - long enough to write out your list of questions to ask.

    You'll feel better after the appointment whatever the consultant does/doesn't say ... the not knowing is the worst bit.

    Let us know how you get on.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • oneday
    oneday Member Posts: 1,434
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    It seems when physio done as much as they can they refer you to ortho surgeon to see if any operations available - i personally said no to op....not having op on spine unless i cannot walk at all!
  • wynnie
    wynnie Member Posts: 117
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    rach1986 wrote:
    Not sure if I spelt the ortho-whatsit right lol, but basically my physio referred me to them as the exercises she'd given me weren't working for the OA in my wrist. I've been waiting for what seems like forever, and I finally got a phone-call this morning :) The man on the phone gave me an option of places, such as hospitals, and private ones (wish I'd gone for a private hospital now but ah well) and he's said I should get an appointment letter soon for 2-3 weeks away. I've been frustrated by the wait, but now I'm actually getting somewhere I'm nervous, I dont know what to expect :? I discussed injections with my gp and physio but I dont know if they'll do that or not. Anyone know what I should expect?
    hi there i had my wrist done last january and i havent looked back the scar is so thin you wouldnt know i had one and the pain in my wrist was away immediately after the op,it did take a few monthe to be able to rotate it again but i got physio,i would highly recommend it apparently i could need it again eventually and i wouldnt hesitate,i have no pain in it at all now and it was worth the op,your decision if you are offered it ,it beats constant throbbing pain hope you get it sorted soon wynnie
  • rach1986
    rach1986 Member Posts: 32
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Only one day to go!! Is it daft that I almost don't want to go to it? I'm nervous of what will be said. :oops: I still have no idea what to ask him, does anybody have any suggestions? All I can think of is "what options are there? injections? operation?" and after that I'm stuck :roll:
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Tell him what the problems are, ask him what the solutions may be. Take notes - or better still, if you can, take someone to support you. The Husband does an excellent job of asking questions I haven't thought of, and remembering stuff I am told. I would offer to lend him to you but he's away this week. Don't fret. It will all be fine. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    try not to worry about you appointment....the orthopaedics are very knowledgeable and I've always found them to be very careful and to give good advice.

    I have a lot of trouble with my wrists too. When I went to my first ortho appointment the surgeon spoke to me about the referral and asked me what problems I had with the wrist, when that had started, what treatment I'd had, and what had helped/ not helped.

    He then examined my wrist and sent me for xrays...as that shows them what joint damage there may be and what might be appropriate treatment, or if indicated surgical options.

    The ortho will discuss all of this with you.....what the xrays show and what the options are.

    As others have said, write things down before you go.... but don't worry about it! the ortho will ask you questions that will give him the information he needs so really you can't go wrong.

    let us know how you get on! (you will be fine)

    Iris x
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