Well, Since You Asked.....

Specific Questions For Your Doctor



Here is a basic list of questions to ask your doctor. Print this out and take it with you, as you will be too inundated with information and emotion to remember it all.

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The printer-friendly version does not include the explanatory information, just the questions with space for note taking. It is still 2-3 pages long. Use your browser's "back" button or arrow to return here. Print a new blank copy for each visit.

If you have trouble remembering what the doctor says at your appointments ask if you can record your visit with a small tape recorder. Then you can review it at home when you are under less stress. Not all doctors will allow this but some will.

You need to know what stage you're in. Stage determines what options are available to you.

Do you have an ulnar variance?

What further tests or studies does he want? MRI? CT scan? Other?

You need to know the name of the operations your doctor is considering.
He should also tell you about any other operations that might be available. There are bone lengthening and shortening procedures, revascularizations, grafts, core decompression, partial fusions, bone removals, and a total fusion. If you have this bilaterally (in both wrists), each wrist may be in a different stage and would require different treatments.

You doctor should give you the statistics of the proposed procedures. The general studies are usually based on rather small groups of 20-30 people, so the statistics can't be as accurate as we'd like; that is part of the package when dealing with a rare disease (KD is registered with the National Organization for Rare Diseases). Additionally, there are some personal variables like smoking, age, and general health. But the statistics available should give you an idea what you're up against.

If he has ruled out any procedures, find out why.

Is he an orthopedist who specializes in hands?

You should ask him what kind of experience he has with this condition, how many cases he's seen, and how many procedures he's performed.

Ask how long he expects each phase of the process to take.

How long before surgery?

How long will the surgery last?

Will this be outpatient surgery? If not, how long will you be in the hospital?

What type of dressing will you have after surgery / go home in? Cast? Bandages?

What sort of care will you be responsible for? Cleaning the surgical site? Changing bandages?

When will your first follow-up visit be?

What changes will be made at the first follow-up visit? Cast? Bandages?

How long will you be casted?

How long after surgery until you can perform basic tasks like driving or lifting?

Does he recommend physical therapy?

When would therapy start?

How long would therapy last?

If this procedure fails, what would be the next step?

Tell your doc about your personal circumstances and the demands on you. How do you use your hands? Do you provide care for small children or make your living playing a musical instrument? Is he covered by your insurance? If your doctor doesn't care about these things, ask yourself if he's the right doctor for you.




 

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