Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Blood suckers

I just needed to say a few words about our so called medical proffesionals. I was told by a surgeon that I needed surgery since I had a mild fracture in my neck. I went to see him for a follow up 2 weeks later just to hear him say I needed surgery. The surgeon thought that inserting a pin in my neck would help heal the fracture, and prevent poralisis. Since my neck is already fused I have had my dr. say that the chances are slim that I could get poralisis. It has been very frustrating because I have been trying to get a second opinion on this matter only to find that no one wants to give second opinions. I have been procrastinating this issue for close to 3 months now, and the pain and popping are still there. I actually had my primary doc talk to this surgeon about this diagnosis, and the probability of me still needing it after all this time. There apparently is just no guarentee that the surgery will make any difference. So, I am going to just go into another docs office, and not mention anything about second opinions, and get another diagnosis.

The one thing that has me really ticked off is the fact that this surgeon who DID NOT conduct any kind of service on me of any kind has charged me over $1600 just to say I need surgery. This seems totally unrealistic to think that our medical proffesionals can charge such ASTRONOMICAL amounts of money just for an opinion. When I called the office to complain about there fees the secretary could only say "that is the price you pay for the best." I asked about this surgeons credentils, and he is just some young guy who recently relocated in my area. Sure, he has the education, but nothing to back him up here locally. I personally feel that this doc is just cut happy, and I can only imagine what the cost of the surgery could be if I were to follow his advice.

Lenny

AS is a pain in the neck

Hey Lenny glad you made it through the snow and ice storm.I think you need a 2nd opinion.Yes thes docs cost alot .At least try complain to the medical board about him it dose help others that look for docs and see he has a complaint against him.I am sorry you have to go through this.
Bradford

To the world you may be one person,but,to one person you may be the world.

Edited by towman on 01/10/04 11:30 PM (server time).

Hi Lenny

I definatly wouldn't want to go through any such drastic surgery without a second opinion.

Maggie

Hey Lenny. As we both live in the same town. Tell me who you went to. I know a very reputable surgeon. Did my last neck surgery this year. He also has a very good history with his surgeries. You can either post here or PM me. Also glad all that ice is gone. Had to go to the Dr. Friday. Luckily we have 4 wheel drive and the roads were much better. Nancy

"THAT IS THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR THE BEST?" What is UP with that?? MY guess, is that she's gotta "thing" going on with the doc..... Try talking to the manager, especially if you're paying out of pocket for this bill. And mention the secretary's comment... VERY unprofessional, and ONLY her opinion.

Sounds like you've got it right... go to another doc, and act as though you've never been seen for this before. No xrays or anything. Stay on your toes, my friend.

Stacie

I am sorry you are having such a bad time. Get a second, is this surgeon an ortho? I remember when I was nursing, a surgeon friend of mine said quote" I am a surgeon and operate is what I do." Not saying they will suck the cash out of you they(surgeons) just think an operation can cure everthing. I wish you the best of luck. Peace Dodie