Just wondering if anyone here has dealt with Chris thein from st vincents hospital in Melbourne. I’m scheduled for an mvd in two weeks but lacking in confidence due to the fact that there has been very few people that can answer any of my questions and I only briefly seen the surgeon to more or less set a date but there was no discussion about the actual procedure and no one has even read my MRI results, then the fellow I seen yesterday who said he was the doctor under the surgeon said he wasn’t qualified to read my MRI and his answer to 90% of my questions was I’m sorry I can’t answer that!!! Shortly after I seen a pre admission nurse who then asked me how I damaged my back?!! Starting to feel a little unsure about the whole thing! Any one with any feed back for me good or bad please comment it will be appreciated! Do doctors these days rely on us self educating or what?!!
Aminda -- the lack of knowledge that you report is not a good sign. If a relative of mine told me similar things, I'd advise that she cancel her appointment and tell the appointments office that the staff you have talked to clearly don't know what they're about.
There are three TN patient support groups in Australia, one of which has a website. The support group leaders or contacts should know of patient reports on Australian surgeons who have produced good results. You can look them up at http://www.fpa-support.org in their top level menu. You'll need to register, but it's free and a good idea in any event. They have an extensive searchable knowledge base in chronic facial neuropathic pain. The link is http://www.fpa-support.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/International_July2011.pdf
Regards and best,
R.A. "Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
Resident Research Analyst, LwTN
Aminda,
I agree with Red. If you are not comfortable, keep an open mind to cancelling. I am sure you can reschedule.
The nurse that asked about your back - perhaps they just see a lot of back surgeries on that floor. She may have made the assumption before she even looked at your chart. On the other hand, if she assumed that because your Doctor is a back surgeon......you have a problem.
Many MD's will say they are not qualified to read an MRI because legally they shouldn't - a Radiologist (?I think I have the right Doctor) is normally the one who reads it and forwards the results to the Doctor who ordered the test. At least that's how it works in Canada.
I would demand to talk to the surgeon and have him/her explain everything in detail. Let them know your are very uncomfortable at this point and unless you have some assurance you can't continue on to the surgery at this time. Most surgeons don't like to talk to patients, but if your surgeon can't get over that I would reschedule.
I have given some possible explanations to some things that you experienced. I know I erred on the side of caution, but sometimes things aren't as dark as they appear. When we are already backed into a corner and scared we are looking out for monster, not angels.
Elaine
Hi Aminda, I was wondering if you went ahead with the operation? I also live in Melbourne but i have not dealt with anyone from St Vincents hospital. I hope you are doing well either way.
Betty.