[Rehabilitation / Postoperative Spine Surgery Questions] Post-op care re: out of country surgery...no doctors at home to treat you?

[Katie]

I know this is the wrong spot for this, as it is a bit premature...my surgery won't be for ten days or so.

But I can't be the only person, especially Canadian, who is facing this problem. My doctors (specialists) here at home, every single one, have stated that if I run into difficulties, they will not take me on as a patient...or will cut me off as a patient. Maverick, I know your spine guy has told you this.

If I end up with an infection, that is different of course; I would be able to get antibiotics etc. But any other complications, I think I will be forced to return to Brazil.

Has anyone needed extra care in this sort of circumstance? What has happened? And before anyone asks, yes, we can be dropped as patients here. The best I could do would be to go to Emergency at the local hospital, and just think of the reaction there.....

[Cindylou]

Oooh boy, that is a tough one. In my situation, the doctors were more than happy to follow me, as they wanted to see the handiwork of Dr. Bertagnoli. So I have been quite fortunate that way....someone should chime in with more helpful advice.

[Justin]

Katie,

I would definitely find a surgeon that you can do follow-up with. Maybe Dr. Bitan would be willing to follow you and see you in person at 6 months and 1 year, etc. For most of your follow-up appointments post-surgery, it is a quick 5-10 minute appointment--that's it (most post-operative visits for Spine Patients are "well visits," as most patients do exceedingly well post-op). Some surgeons have even utilized email to follow-up with patients (reviewing films, etc.).

Having a surgeon you know will follow you is good in case there are bumps in the road. Your local primary care can also do follow-up visits as well. I utilized my primary care doctor when I returned home from surgery in Germany in 2003. I only traveled to see Dr. Guyer at the Texas Back Institute at 6 months post-op.

I would see if you can cut a "cash price" with a stateside surgeon for follow-ups. Remember, this is just my .

[Katie]

Dr Bitan would be an excellent choice, if he will accept out of country patients. He is a good seven hour drive away, but that might be worth it. I'll check with him when I get back.

What exactly would I be needing in those first few checkups? My primary care doctor is worse than useless, so I will not be seeing her. It would provide peace of mind to know that all is well, but it will run into several thousand dollars to go to NYC and pay for a couple of consults.

[Justin]

Dr Bitan would be an excellent choice, if he will accept out of country patients. He is a good seven hour drive away, but that might be worth it. I'll check with him when I get back.

What exactly would I be needing in those first few checkups? My primary care doctor is worse than useless, so I will not be seeing her. It would provide peace of mind to know that all is well, but it will run into several thousand dollars to go to NYC and pay for a couple of consults.

Your follow-ups will all having imaging (x-rays) to look at placement of the devices. It's more a "peace of mind" kind of thing. Drs. Bertagnoli and Fenk-Mayer were always willing to review my films post-op and promptly answered any questions / concerns I had during my recovery (ies). See if Dr. Pimenta can look at your films post-op. I'm not sure what you'll do in terms of imaging since you are in Canada though (I know there is a wait for everything).

[rhatzy]

My family doc was great. He gae me all the support I needed, xrays, drugs and anything else I needed. He was great

Mark

[Katie]

My pain management doc will be able to order the xrays for me, so that I can send them to Dr Pimenta or maybe Bitan. Thanks for the great ideas.