It's good to be back! I've been away from the forum for some time and have just finished reading all the posts I've missed. Whew! When I last posted, I had just cancelled surgery with a doctor in Atlanta who wouldn't talk to me by phone himself, leaving that to his nurse who seemed confused by my questions. Then, thanks to advice from many on this forum, I began my search for a new surgeon...first seeing one in N.C.
Then - here comes another example of good things that happen because of this forum - I met Cathie (bsprings) who just happens to live a couple of towns away from me and had also seen the same Atlanta doctor that I had, although she ended up having her surgery in New York with Dr. Boachie. We met for lunch one day. At that time, one doc had told me I would need a long fusion to the sacrum, and that my "walk" would never be quite the same since I would be stiff thru the lower spine. Cathie has a similar fusion, so naturally I was anxious to see how see looked. Well, let me tell you guys who haven't met her in person, she is beautiful! She walks tall, straight and gracefully. Seeing her put my mind at ease because, if I could look half that good after surgery, I'd be happy!
Cathie was planning to see Dr. B for her 18-month check-up, and she volunteered to change her appointment to whatever day I could go, so I could also sit in on her visit with him and see her x-rays. What a wonderful offer to someone who had been a total stranger to her a few weeks earlier!
So, early last June, I set off to N.Y. a day ahead of my apt. and saw Dr. B the next morning. Another interesting note....this was also the same day that Debbe was in to see Dr. B, so I was able to met her and her hubby....a very handsome couple indeed! Dr. B calmly answered my many questions. I won't go into details in this already long post, but what he proposed seemed the best solution to me. Later that day, I joined Cathie for her follow-up, and after a nice dinner, we flew back to Atlanta together.
The day after I got home, I called and scheduled the surgery with Dr. Boachie. Two December dates had already filled since the previous day (remember, it was JUNE), so I took the first available in January. So now I'm just trying to work out the insurance issues. BTW, so far I have found Theresa, the insurance/billing lady to be quite pleasant and helpful.
Thanks again to all who've advised me or wished me well. This is such a long and unfamiliar road we're on; it's such a comfort to know that we're not on it alone. Will keep you posted.....although will keep it much shorter next time.
Peachy (Anne)
Then - here comes another example of good things that happen because of this forum - I met Cathie (bsprings) who just happens to live a couple of towns away from me and had also seen the same Atlanta doctor that I had, although she ended up having her surgery in New York with Dr. Boachie. We met for lunch one day. At that time, one doc had told me I would need a long fusion to the sacrum, and that my "walk" would never be quite the same since I would be stiff thru the lower spine. Cathie has a similar fusion, so naturally I was anxious to see how see looked. Well, let me tell you guys who haven't met her in person, she is beautiful! She walks tall, straight and gracefully. Seeing her put my mind at ease because, if I could look half that good after surgery, I'd be happy!
Cathie was planning to see Dr. B for her 18-month check-up, and she volunteered to change her appointment to whatever day I could go, so I could also sit in on her visit with him and see her x-rays. What a wonderful offer to someone who had been a total stranger to her a few weeks earlier!
So, early last June, I set off to N.Y. a day ahead of my apt. and saw Dr. B the next morning. Another interesting note....this was also the same day that Debbe was in to see Dr. B, so I was able to met her and her hubby....a very handsome couple indeed! Dr. B calmly answered my many questions. I won't go into details in this already long post, but what he proposed seemed the best solution to me. Later that day, I joined Cathie for her follow-up, and after a nice dinner, we flew back to Atlanta together.
The day after I got home, I called and scheduled the surgery with Dr. Boachie. Two December dates had already filled since the previous day (remember, it was JUNE), so I took the first available in January. So now I'm just trying to work out the insurance issues. BTW, so far I have found Theresa, the insurance/billing lady to be quite pleasant and helpful.
Thanks again to all who've advised me or wished me well. This is such a long and unfamiliar road we're on; it's such a comfort to know that we're not on it alone. Will keep you posted.....although will keep it much shorter next time.
Peachy (Anne)
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