Asking the right questions at your first orthopedic appointment can help you to prepare for treatment and allay any fears. It can also help your orthopedic doctor understand you better as a patient.Â
So, what should you ask? Consider the following 10 questions.
It’s important that you fully understand what your condition is and how it is affecting you. You will also want to know the long-term repercussions of having this condition.
Ask your doctor to explain any unfamiliar terms to you so that you have a clear idea in your mind what it is.
Ask your surgeon why the procedure is being recommended to treat your condition. You could ask if other treatments are available. You should be aware of all the surgical and non-surgical options available to you. This will help you make an informed decision.Â
It’s good to know what will happen on the day of your treatment. That will help you in your preparations with what to bring, what to wear, and any arrangements you need to make before your treatment.
If you are having surgery, asking about the procedure will help you get a clearer idea of what to expect on the day.
If you are having surgery, you will likely want to know if you will feel any pain during the procedure. Ask your surgeon what type of anesthetic they will use, whether it will be local or general. Have them explain the risks that come with each one.
Before accepting any treatment, you will want to know how successful it is, especially if it carries some risk, such as with surgical procedures. Your doctor should provide you with some data to give a clear idea of whether the treatment will provide the relief you are looking for.
Some medications and surgical procedures come with an element of risk or side effects. Check with your doctor about what these are before choosing a treatment.Â
Most surgeries carry a general risk. You should also find out what the specific risks are and how likely they are to occur.
Before accepting surgery, you may want to try conservative treatments. Your surgeon will understand the dynamics of your condition and what risks there might be if you delay your surgery.
It’s good to ask this question because sometimes surgery is not successful and it needs to be redone. If you had prosthetics fitted, you may need to replace them after a certain amount of time. Ask your surgeon the length of time it might be necessary so you can evaluate whether to operate now or later.
Asking your surgeon this will give you an idea of how much experience they have. The more they perform the procedure, the more likely it will be a success. You will be at peace of mind knowing that your surgeon has the experience needed to successfully treat your condition.
You will want to know the ins and outs of the recovery process. Ask about your follow-up visits, how many there will be, and how often. Find out if you need to work with any other physician as part of your recovery.
Consider what happens after the procedure, when you will likely be able to return to work, and normal activity such as driving. If you play sports, ask how long it will likely take to return to your physical best.
These questions can help you make the necessary preparations before the surgery so that you can focus on your recovery. For even more information, let us help you find an orthopedic doctor in your area today!