way OT, but no one else to talk to

[phaethona]

This has nothing to do with chickens, but I really would like to get some feedback, and since everyone on here seems to be so helpful and encouraging...
I had hand surgery about four weeks ago because of a cyst that was attatched to a tendon. I knew going into it that it wasn't going to be a picnic in the park, but this has been all out terrible! It was the 2nd surgery for the very same problem because it wasn't done right the first time. And I being the naive person I am, went back to the same Dr. BIG mistake. The first time around it took 5 months before I was completely pain free, seemed like forever, but I just kept taking pain medicine and going to physical therapy and was finally back to normal.
This time around the surgery was more invasive and resulted in a lot more pain and swelling, but the dr. took me off pain medicine after three weeks and only ordered half the therapy that he did after the first surgery. I'm so discouraged from the pain, I have a hard time getting out of bed everyday. It hurts to brush my teeth, fold laundry, to drive, I honestly can't think of anything besides sitting perfectly still, that doesn't hurt. I feel like I've been left to suffer. I understand that pain medicine can be addictive to some, but they could easily look at my history and see that I have never had any issues with drug addiction, and I certainly don't see how that's worth leaving me in tears nearly everyday. I tried to get ahold of the nurse for two weeks, to talk to her about swelling and healing time, she never did call me back.
now the therapist thinks I'll have to have a 3rd surgery because of the massive lump of scar tissue.

I have an appointment with him on monday, and I have to assert myself about everything, which is hard for me. I'm the type to just say everything's fine. and I feel like the odds are against me, if I were to add up all of the time I had to talk to the dr. over the 2 surgeries and multiple follow-ups, it wouldn't even equal 5 minutes. this last surgery, he'd gone home before I even woke up! so even if I had questions, I couldn't ask him.

I'm so dreading this appointment, I need to find my backbone and I need to try to get him to listen to me...


thanks for letting me vent

 

[Southernbelle]

Have you considered getting a second opinion? It doesn't sound like this doctor is very helpful at all.

 

[SunnyChic]

Quote:
I'm with Southernbelle. Dealing with the stress of chronic pain is terrible; I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this.

 

[TwistedSerpent]

Your the one who pays him, go get a second opinion. Too many people I find seem to feel leashed to a certain doctor but remember in the end he has no control at all over anything unless you agree to it. Many doctors have poor bedside manners, but to me there is no excuse when in your gut you know something isnt right. Everyones body works and reacts a little differently, and sometimes one doctors way isnt right for you when it works fine for others. Its your body, your money and youre going to be feeling the results aftarwards, comming at it from that mindset and you wont have any problems telling him what you need to and go somewhere better.

 

[Godsgrl]

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. Is there anyone that can go with you to make sure your questions are answered? I also agree with Southernbelle, a second opinion might be a good idea. God bless.

 

[phaethona]

well, doing it again I would have gone to an orthopedic surgeon, this one was a plastic surgeon. By now I'm thinking it's too late since the surgery has already been done and the healing process started(incorrectly though, I think). When I go see him monday, if he suggests a third surgery, there's NO way I'm letting him do it.

I wish I could bring someone with me, unfortunately the only one who's seen what I'm going through is my husband, and he has used all of his personal leave time so he can't come.