When Doctor Says You'll Need Surgery
You’ve just received the disturbing news. Your medical situation requires you to have surgery. As you sit there and absorb what the doctor has told you, you may ask yourself a load of questions: How could this happen? Will I survive this? How much time will I lose from work? Will I recover completely?
An unexpected need for surgery is always a hardship. Besides a normal fear of going under the knife, there are many issues of concern. Will I be disfigured? How much will this cost? How will I manage my life, my relationships, my family? Surgery can not only debilitate you physically; it can also exhaust you spiritually, emotionally and financially.
The first and foremost concern when contemplating surgery is how to get back to optimal health as quickly as possible. Your best chance at a full and speedy recovery is to be proactive in your health care. It is your body and you have a right to know what doctors plan to do with it. This article provides some tips for creating a solid partnership with your doctor(s) and asserting your basic rights.
The Second Opinion

If you’ve been told you need surgery, ALWAYS get a second opinion, a third, or even fourth opinion, if you feel it’s necessary. Obtain a copy of your records from the first doctor and provide them to every other doctor you see. If the surgery is not extremely urgent, take some time to get referrals to other surgeons from friends, relatives and associates.

You have to right to interview, evaluate and investigate every doctor that treats you. Here are some important things to know about your prospective surgeon:

• Has the doctor completed a residency that has been approved by the American Board of Surgery? To be approved by the American Board of Surgery a doctor has to meet certain standards and criteria.
 
• Has the physician received board certification in his specialty from The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or a board under the aegis of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA)?

• Does the doctor have fellowship status in a college or university? A fellowship is a good indication of professional qualification.

• Is the doctor an attendee of a hospital and have admitting privileges? If so, there is a good chance the doctor will have malpractice insurance. In many states, physicians can practice legally without any malpractice insurance, but few hospitals will permit doctors to become attendees unless they carry malpractice insurance.
Teaming With Your Surgeon

As you research your surgery, get as many details about the procedure as possible. Compile your questions into a list and cover all of them. Some smart things to ask:

•What is the urgency of my condition and proposed operation?
•What are the risks of this operation?
•What is the mortality rate for this operation?
•What are possible complications?
•Will I be permanently disfigured?
•Will this surgery require plastic surgery after I’ve healed?
•What medications will I have to take before, during and after the operation?
•How long will I be on medication(s) after the surgery?
•Are there alternative treatments for my condition?
•How long will it take me to recover?
•Will I suffer permanent lifestyle changes as a result of this surgery?
Ideally, the surgeon you choose should have a great deal of experience (including recent experience) with your specific type of surgery. If a doctor hasn’t performed your type of surgery in over a year for example, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you. Ask him/her:

•How many of these operations have you done in your career?
•How many of these operations have you done in the past year?
•Can you connect me with other people who've had the same operation so I can ask them some questions?
•Do you know of any support groups?

You have the right to ask these very important questions. And more. You also have the right to receive a treatment plan from your doctor in writing. Give the doctor a copy of your questions. And stay on top of him once you’ve made your decisions.

Preparing for surgery can be overwhelming. If the stress of your impending surgery has you feeling overloaded, have someone you trust accompany you to your appointments. Ask that person to listen in, take notes and give feedback. Utilize the support of family and friends.
The American Medical Association’s website has links regarding insurance requirements in your doctor’s state. Visit: www.ama-assn.org for more details
For informational purposes only. No portion of this article is intended to replace the evaluation, care or advice of a health care professional. The author makes no claims or recommendations whatsoever as to any illness, treatment or cure. Read more...
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Tannis Blackman is a certified dance instructor and health enthusiast. She is the author of several books, including The Mystical Seductress Handbook and writes numerous articles for Alight Transmedia. 
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