Is there a reason we don't mention doctors names

[Jbird]

I am having an issue with a certain doctor but haven't seen anyone name names and wonder why. Seems like other people may have the same issue and it would help to talk about it.

[SingleJawMelb]

Be the first and you might get replies

[Jbird]

Okay. Larry Wolford in Dallas. His office staff ignores my emails asking questions. They used to answer one out of three. I know I have a lot of questions but this is bothering me. What if after the surgery I can't get ahold of them for an emergency or problem. They also don't answer the phone or return calls. I haven't given them any money yet, but I signed up with their recommended ortho, and I got my braces on hoping they will talk to me. I did have the initial consult and MRI done.

[SingleJawMelb]

You sound like an annoying patient already. "They answer one out of three emails"... how many have you sent? Also if you aren't ready for surgery your surgeon really doesn't care.

The medical profession won't operate on you and not put in correct post surgery care. You aren't the first or last to have jaw surgery. Just chill out. Nothing is going to happen to you, you will have instructions and most likely a few days in hospital, and an out of hours number - for emergencies. Furthermore you will have follow up appointments etc.

You had your chance to pay for advice at the consult. If you have more questions, make another appointment. Harsh but true. Take the hint by the lack of return calls.

However if you aren't happy with your surgeon at this stage, perhaps change. Why do you think other people have issues?

[Jbird]

Yes, I'm probably annoying them. I have gotten more answers from the ortho so I'm trying to chill. It's just a scary thing at my age, but yes I have made up my mind to do it for OSA. Thanks for the input.

[Jbird]

I think other people have issues because of some things I've read on the internet.

[SingleJawMelb]

It's not a good prospect for anyone, having to decide to have an operation. However your surgey has been performed hundreds of thousands of times before you, your surgeon is qualified, he's done your surgey before, your case isn't unique and neither are you. Harsh but true.

If you have concerns, ask this forum and you should get a few answers or book in for another paid consult with your surgeon.

[snapdresser]

When I had more pre-op questions I made appointments with my surgeon rather than calling in to her office and trying to get answers. I was told I didn't need another appointment and I was cleared to go ahead with my surgery but I wasn't super comfortable and I wanted to have one more meeting with my surgeon to discuss my final treatment plan, so I made an extra appointment (it would have been the regular $45 copay but my surgeon told her staff to waive it) and the surgeon and I sat down at her desk and went through it all and she answered all my questions. After the surgery my surgeon gave me her personal cell phone number so I could text her with any concerns I had during recovery. I used it several times, but always during daylight hours. I've read on here that some other surgeons also give out their personal number. Not sure if yours will, but if he does 20-100 Leforts per year, I'd guess not :/ This may be way off base, but from what I've read it generally seems that those surgeons who only do this surgery 5-10 times per year are much more responsive than those more well-known surgeons who do it 20-100 times per year.

So if you want more of your questions answered before your surgery, make an additional appointment(s). If that's not satisfactory or you think you won't get good responsiveness post-op based on their performance thus far, you could consider another surgeon.

[uneunsae]

Another thing to keep in mind is that many surgeons don't have the best bedside manner. They became surgeons because they love performing surgery, meeting with patients is the least enjoyable part of their job to them. That doesn't mean that a surgeon shouldn't take good care of their patients, but they aren't going to behave like a general practitioner or other doctors who are more "patient facing." Most surgeons have a personality of "all business." Just know that going in.

Make sure you bring a list of questions to every single appointment and do not leave until you have them all answered. There are no stupid questions when you are having major surgery, so don't be afraid to ask. I am a little shy so this was a challenge for me, but remember that your surgeon is not going to judge you. You don't want to go into a major surgery with many questions because it will make you scared and you'll expect the worst. It sounds like you need to make another appointment! Search this message board for answers to your questions and if you can't find it, ask us!

Ask ask ask!

[kpw818]

Another thing to keep in mind is that many surgeons don't have the best bedside manner. They became surgeons because they love performing surgery, meeting with patients is the least enjoyable part of their job to them. That doesn't mean that a surgeon shouldn't take good care of their patients, but they aren't going to behave like a general practitioner or other doctors who are more "patient facing." Most surgeons have a personality of "all business." Just know that going in.

Make sure you bring a list of questions to every single appointment and do not leave until you have them all answered. There are no stupid questions when you are having major surgery, so don't be afraid to ask. I am a little shy so this was a challenge for me, but remember that your surgeon is not going to judge you. You don't want to go into a major surgery with many questions because it will make you scared and you'll expect the worst. It sounds like you need to make another appointment! Search this message board for answers to your questions and if you can't find it, ask us!

Ask ask ask!

Agreed. I actually really like my surgeon. He jokes around, but you can tell he means business. For questions, I work through the coordinator--she is the one who went over all of my post op as well. However, my surgeon answered nearly every question I possibly had in my pre-op, so I feel pretty good overall.

[petebite]

My surgeon's office was initially slow to reply, but once they know you are serious about surgery they should be more timely. Post-surgery I have my surgeons mobile and can text him about any issues. He gets back to me straight away.

[Jbird]

Yes, a lot of people change their mind and don't go through with it. Thanks for that input.

[TatyanaZ]

I would not trust an office that has a track record of not responding prior to surgery. You will have to have several Post Op checks with your surgeon at his facility and be able to contact the doctor 24/7 in case of emergency. With a surgery this big, I would want to know that I am in good hands and my surgeon wont bounce on me until I'm fully recovered. I think you have good reason for doubt.

[Jbird]

Thank you!

[SingleJawMelb]

I would not trust an office that has a track record of not responding prior to surgery. You will have to have several Post Op checks with your surgeon at his facility and be able to contact the doctor 24/7 in case of emergency. With a surgery this big, I would want to know that I am in good hands and my surgeon wont bounce on me until I'm fully recovered. I think you have good reason for doubt.

He's asking questions via email, which are most likely medical advice, and the surgeon probably doesn't want to waste his time answering emails without getting paid and moreover potential legal consequences. Plus the patient isn't in front of him, so he's not going to give advice without the patient and notes in front of him. I receive no medical advice via email.

Your surgeon will absolutely not bounce on you after surgery, you are his patient, you aren't buying a new car. Follow up appointments are scheduled after surgery. The surgeon will have an out of hours number to call for medical issues. This is not the problem.

What is the problem is thinking medical doctors care about replying to non patients out of consults. They don't need to, it's not the correct method of care and it's on the road to burn out.