my aching head
I should have known better. I already learned this lesson once the hard way.
Yesterday I met with the Vice-Chairman of the Department Otolaryngology at the medical school. He specializes in revision surgery. He confirmed that I do indeed need a third sinus surgery. As for my recurrent MRSA infection, he is unconcerned. He concurred with my current ENT that the mechanical problems are creating the breeding ground for infection and then triggering the cycle of inflammation. Plus, as he so diplomatically put it, there are some “man-made” problems to address.
Hmm. Not what I wanted to hear.
In fairness to my current ENT who performed the past two endoscopic sinus surgeries, I also had sinus surgery in college. And I wouldn’t be talking to this renowned surgeon now but for the fact that I’ve been referred by my ENT and am classified as someone with unsuccessful outcomes. Still, clearly, I should have had a second opinion before the first surgery, and certainly before the second.
Now, in my defense, the first surgery was so obviously necessary, and because my primary doctor referred me to this ENT, I wasn’t concerned about a second opinion. But here’s the other mistake I made: I didn’t bring my husband with me to the appointment when my sinus CT scan and surgery were discussed. This is something else I has also learned the hard way before.
It is so important no matter how organized, how astute or how good a note-taker you are to have someone else with you. It pays to have another pair of ears and another perspective when discussing a medical procedure like a surgery. I am sure in hindsight my husband would have asked about the objectives of surgery in a more specific, analytical fashion than I had. I had simply reached the point that I longed for someone to cut my head open if it would get rid of the headaches, pain and pressure. So I heard what I needed to hear.
Before the second surgery I should have asked, “What are the risks of waiting and getting a second opinion?” Read the rest of this entry
chronically chrissy 