ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Microsurgical Options => Topic started by: TxNurseNoelle on June 03, 2009, 12:18:15 pm

Title: need advice
Post by: TxNurseNoelle on June 03, 2009, 12:18:15 pm
Hi to all my fellow AN'ers I need some advice...I have an apt on Tuesday with the Neurosurgeon who will be assisting the Neurotologist if I decide to go ahead with the surgery, and I need some advice on what questions to ask when I go, I want to make sure I cover all the bases so I can make an informed decision. I really appreciate knowing I have someone to ask who has been there and understands how I feel. Hugs to all....
Title: Re: need advice
Post by: ppearl214 on June 03, 2009, 12:45:59 pm
Hi Noelle

Ok, try this thread:

http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=53.msg266#msg266

KateB, back in 2005, put together a terrific list of questions to bring to the doc. I used this list as well as I began my decision making process. Now, granted, a little has changed since 2005 but this list is a terrific tool to help you out.

Good luck at your appt and pls keep us updated.

Phyl

Title: Re: need advice
Post by: Kaybo on June 03, 2009, 01:37:00 pm
Noelle~
I was going to tell you that there was a thread out there somewhere that had that info so I am glad that Phyl was able to supply it.  Feel free to call me if you need to!  Do you still have my number?  If not, PM me, OK?

K
Title: Re: need advice
Post by: Jeepers on June 03, 2009, 03:08:06 pm
Hi TxNN ...

Kate's list is very helpful and pretty much covers all the bases. I just recently met with the neurosurgeon who would be assisting, so I had already asked Kate's list of questions to the neurotologist (and had also gone thru this many yrs back when first diagnosed). I did select a few questions that I also asked the neurosurgeon, but ended up getting more information from what he told me than what I asked him ... so you might want to inquire as to how many ANs he's assisted/over what period of time; get him to tell you about the hospital you will be at - my neurosurg talked about what a fine facility it was, how they've provided all the high-end equipment they've needed and asked for over the years; he mentioned that the surgical support staff and post-op were very dedicated and conscientious.

I found my neurosurgeon to be much more focused on surgery being the [very] best option so his information was very one-sided. My take on that is that your neurotologist is the one who can more fairly present the benefits/risks of surg vs. rad. I therefore did not expect a totally impartial meeting with the neurosurg and that was fine.

Good luck!
Title: Re: need advice
Post by: Kate B on June 03, 2009, 08:38:46 pm
http://anausa.org/forum/index.php?topic=53.msg266#msg266

KateB, back in 2005, put together a terrific list of questions to bring to the doc. I used this list as well as I began my decision making process. Now, granted, a little has changed since 2005 but this list is a terrific tool to help you out.
Phyl



Kate's list is very helpful and pretty much covers all the bases. I just recently met with the neurosurgeon who would be assisting, so I had already asked Kate's list of questions to the neurotologist (and had also gone thru this many yrs back when first diagnosed).

blushing...Seriously I am glad that the question list is helpful:-)