A Moment of Panic (the first of many to come)

Eight days to go until surgery. I called Orthopaedic Associates of Allentown to see what Dr. Meade (my surgeon) wanted me to do with the "okay for surgery" paperwork from my family doctor. The assistant said, "I guess you're aware that Dr. Meade is no longer with OAA." What? "Yes, that's effective June 1." What? "Oh and I see you have a post-op appointment on July 2, I'll cancel that for you." What? I sounded like a broken record ... or at the very least someone in shock!

So, what's the status of my June 3 surgery? (the first rational thing Isaid since this conversation began.) "Well, we think Dr. Meade is honoring all his surgical commitments. We don't know where you'll have to go for your post-op though because we don't know where he's going." What? (Honestly, it seemed to be the only thing I could say!)

PANIC CITY!

I should know to just call Kera as she's quite resourceful. She knows "people." She made a phone call and found out that Dr. Meade is starting his own practice beginning June 1 and that yes, he is honoring his surgical commitments. My guess is that contractually he can't talk to patients about this until June 1. Hopefully I'll receive some type of contact from him next week.

I hope. The alternative will be a full blown panic attack!

Time Winds Down

Who knew four months could fly by so fast. I say that now, but as the clock was ticking, it seemed to be incredibly slow. For the first few months, everything remained the same. This led to never ending second thoughts. Perhaps I could wait a few months....or years. Then things took a definite turn for the worse. Who knew that could be a good thing? Yet it was. No more thoughts of procrastinating, no more possibility of keeping the weak defective knees I was born with. Despite all my squeamishness, it's time to face reality. What the heck, I'd better get 'er done before nationalized health care sticks me with them forever.

But wouldn't you think that with all the technology doctors have at their disposal, wouldn't you think they could at least make me a little taller?

How Did It Happen?

It's interesting how sometimes things just fall together. Coincidence some say. By the grace of God say others. Just a lucky break perhaps.

To replace the knees or not to replace the knees was the question. You're too young. You haven't exhausted all the options other than surgery. But what happens when all the options except surgery have failed? What happens when the quality of life has diminished to the point where your world is work and the couch? Do the same prohibitions to surgery still exist?

The doctor is good, is a second opinion better? More questions. The answer after much soul searching, discussion and counseling was a resounding yes. A second opinion means more knowledge upon which to base an educated decision. Or does it? What if the second opinion leads you down a road you never anicipated?

Not such a big difference perhaps, but a curve in the road I certainly didn't anticipate. By a cirquitious route, I was led to a surgeon in Allentown, who by all accounts, is one of the top in his field. I went in January 29 for a second opinion and came out with a June 3 surgery date. And thus the journey begins.