Your very first visit to an orthopedic surgeon may be because of a mishap while playing sports, from engaging in physical activity, or due to arthritis. Whatever the reason is, you might want to know what to expect during your appointment.
The best way to have an eff0icient visit with the surgeon is to have prepared a list of the things you want to ask. This way, it will be easier for you to understand what the doctor is saying in regards to how the treatment applies to you.
Below is a shortlist of questions that may help you when visiting an orthopedic surgeon for the first time:
1. What does the pain I feel mean?
Describing and measuring your level of pain is one of the most helpful ways for your doctor to assess your condition, so your doctor may use a pain scale when asking you to identify the pain’s intensity. All you have to do is rate your pain from 0 to 10, with 10 representing excruciating pain, while 0 means no pain.
Once you have communicated this clearly, it will be easier for the doctor to diagnose the issue, explain what it means, and develop a customized treatment plan.
2. What is the expected outcome from the prescribed or recommended treatment?
Orthopedists are usually linked to surgery centers. These facilities keep records and data on surgical results, demographics, length of hospitalization, and so on. Your surgeon will be able to explain some of the treatments that have been used in the past to treat patients with a similar condition as yours, and why this particular treatment is expected to achieve optimum results for you as opposed to other options.
3. What are the other treatment alternatives?
Asking about alternative treatments is also helpful so that you know that you and your surgeon are making the best choice possible. This way, you may also have a Plan B in case this treatment doesn’t work as well as expected.
4. What has been your experience prescribing this treatment to other patients?
Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon about how other patients have responded to the treatment that is being prescribed or recommended to you. Ask the doctor if it actually helped, kept their health the same, or if anyone got worse after having the treatment – and if so, why.
5. What am I not allowed to do while undergoing treatment?
Before undergoing any treatment, make sure that you understand the parameters. Are you allowed to exercise? Are there any foods you should avoid?
6. What happens during the treatment?
In order to reduce the amount of anxiety, you have about the treatment – especially if surgery is necessary – it is best to ask your doctor about how it works. You can ask about the duration of the surgery, what you will need to do to prepare beforehand, and what you can expect during your recovery.
7. What are the benefits and risks of the treatment?
Ask about the benefits of the treatment as well as the possible adverse side effects. This will help you to make an informed decision.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Greater Fort Lauderdale
If you are in or near Pembroke Pines or Lauderdale Lakes, the medical team at Total Orthopaedic Care is here to help you find relief from your orthopedic pain and movement problems. Our comprehensive services include pediatric orthopedics, general orthopedics, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, sports medicine, joint reconstruction, arthroscopic surgery, and physical therapy.
If you have any questions about what we offer or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (954) 735-3535 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here.
