Metal Allergies...What Would YOU Do????

[Katie]

It's been two weeks now since I got the news that I have severe metal allergies and am not a candidate for the regular ADRs and maybe fusion.

The report was sent to my surgeon at the same time as I got it, plus I also forwarded it to him with a couple of questions along the lines of 'what next'?

I also asked about new technology with plastic hardware that someone said is on trial in the UK, etc.

I was supposed to have my surgery done this coming week, all four levels, but have not heard a word from my surgeon since the allergy report was sent out. I can't call, but know that he is in the office through another poster. Yes, he's super busy, but some kind of feedback would be appreciated and just a bit reassuring that he still wants to work on me, some how, some way.

He is a five hour drive away, so I can't just drop in on him.

Any suggestions? I've sent three emails already to his personal address and his office assistant knows that I've sent them, and I assume she's mentioned it to him by now.

I'm getting more than a bit stressed by the silence.

[ajj1001]

So does he definitely think you are still scheduled for surgery?

I would talk to his assistant and restate all the facts and that you need a response. Assuming that she has told him doesn't mean that she has. I have had success communicating with someone with a written letter rather than an e-mail that someone can ignore/delete.

[Katie]

Ah, but that's the rub. The office staff does not speak English. Not more than hello. And I don't speak French, not enough to get this problem across to her. I can decipher a letter in French, but cannot compose one well enough to communicate my wishes.

The surgeon is completely bi-lingual so there's no problem there with his staff, but communicating through her is definitely out.

He has always responded quickly, usually the same day, to emails that I have sent in the past. Now there is just silence. This man is the only hope I had of surgery, after almost four years of searching for someone, anyone who could do what I needed inside Canada, so that it would be covered under our insurance.

After my last surgery in mid-August, we both agreed that I would come back in six weeks for the four level surgery. When I found out soon afterwards that the Maverick disc was being taken off the market, I emailed and asked what our other options would be, as that was the disc of choice for us.

He gave me the list of others that he could use, and that was the last that I heard from him. I spoke to another poster here who also keeps in touch with him and she called last week and was told that he is still in the office, but just very busy. (She is fluent in French).

I have no idea where to go from here, other than driving over for a couple of days and walking into the office in person. That is not easy or cheap.

This is a very compassionate man, very easy to speak with and who has discussed my concerns in the past quickly and with respect. I don't know what changed, other than this upset with the allergies has thrown him for a loop and he's hoping I will simply go away.

How would you deal with it?

[dalhousie]

I don't know what to suggest with your dilemma. In the past I've felt I've been left hanging somewhat as the specialist seemed hesitant about what to do with me without resorting to major surgery - that & the fact that as an individual I was one of many patients that occupy a surgeon's thoughts & time. I didn't have the communication issue so I pressed to make some progress. Time passes very slowly when your activities are restricted by pain but when you're a busy surgeon I guess it flies by.

I can only suggest you send another email emphasising how you feel & ask him to confirm the fact that he will be able to help you.

Sorry you're being kept in limbo like this

[Cindylou]

Katie, could this friend that you know who is fluent in French speak on your behalf, if you told her/him precisely what all your questions and concerns are right now? Is that even possible? Other than that, I can be a bit wacky with these "in limbo" states myself, so I would very likely find myself driving the 5 hours, as long as I knew it wasn't a day he would be away from the office in surgery. If it is that stressful, I would take the bull by the horns and just drive there. Stay in the cheapest motel around, and pack some food. That's all I know to tell you, other than I am so sorry you are finding yourself in this totally stressed out situation.

[Katie]

Thanks Ruth & Cindylou. I'm about ready to do all three, email again, have my friend translate a formal letter, and go over there if I get no response by the end of the month, just over two weeks away.

I heard from another surgeon who lives six to seven hours in the other direction a few weeks ago. He was willing to see me but I thought I had already committed to this one, the one who did the discogram and dye test, so I politely declined. I think I'll call him back and see what he says. He only does cervical ADR, not lumbar while the present one does both, but since my cervical is much more critical, it seems to make sense to try and see him now.

What a circus! It does help to talk it out with you guys; it helps me rationalize things that just doesn't happen on my own. Thanks a million. I can't thank you enough.

[Cindylou]

WE LOVE YOU KATIE!!!!

[ajj1001]

You'll do the right thing, praying you get the response you need.

x

[KBear]

All very good advice given... I really have nothing to add. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Kathy

[Graysonlaw]

AARRGG! Unfortunately, I can relate! The staff at my surgeon's office may as well speak French since I can't even get a return call from the nurse. Best of luck to you. I'm thinking about you.