6) How long can I expect to be in the hospital?
The answer to this question gives you an idea of how invasive the procedure really is, plus it will give you an idea of how to plan for other aspects of your life such as work and family responsibilities.
7) How long will it take me to recover?
Full recovery from the surgery could potentially take longer than your stay in the hospital. Talk this one through with your surgeon to get a good idea of the full extent of recovery, and even some things you could do to speed recovery.
8) What if I still have back pain after surgery?
Be sure to ask this question of any and all neurosurgeons you see prior to surgery - it's vital that you have a road map of the potential lengths you have to go through to achieve relief from your pain. Ideally, should pain persist, you'll be able to relieve it using more conservative methods.
9) When can I resume normal activities?
This question should give you the final analysis on how long you'll be out of commission due to the surgery. Be sure to have a list handy of all the activities that are important to you and go down the list with your neurosurgeon to see if there are any special cases that may have longer or shorter wait times.
10) What is your experience with this surgery?
Make sure you get at both angles of this question... You're asking not only how many times your surgeon has performed the operation, but how well the operation has achieved its goals over time. Take your time with this question and get a thorough answer. You could also consider looking up your doctor's online profiles to check his experience. Mine are here: Dr Steven Gelbard (SpineUniverse.com) and here Dr Steven Gelbard (HealthGrades).
The answer to this question gives you an idea of how invasive the procedure really is, plus it will give you an idea of how to plan for other aspects of your life such as work and family responsibilities.
7) How long will it take me to recover?
Full recovery from the surgery could potentially take longer than your stay in the hospital. Talk this one through with your surgeon to get a good idea of the full extent of recovery, and even some things you could do to speed recovery.
8) What if I still have back pain after surgery?
Be sure to ask this question of any and all neurosurgeons you see prior to surgery - it's vital that you have a road map of the potential lengths you have to go through to achieve relief from your pain. Ideally, should pain persist, you'll be able to relieve it using more conservative methods.
9) When can I resume normal activities?
This question should give you the final analysis on how long you'll be out of commission due to the surgery. Be sure to have a list handy of all the activities that are important to you and go down the list with your neurosurgeon to see if there are any special cases that may have longer or shorter wait times.
10) What is your experience with this surgery?
Make sure you get at both angles of this question... You're asking not only how many times your surgeon has performed the operation, but how well the operation has achieved its goals over time. Take your time with this question and get a thorough answer. You could also consider looking up your doctor's online profiles to check his experience. Mine are here: Dr Steven Gelbard (SpineUniverse.com) and here Dr Steven Gelbard (HealthGrades).
Comments
Thank you for visiting and for your kind words, ladies! I am here to help and if you have any questions please email me through associatedcontent! Dr Gelbard.
These are some great tips. My husband has been to see a neurosurgeon before and will have to go again and these questions will help us alot. I have to thank you for this article.
great informative article!!
Welcome aboard Dr. Gelbard..really happy to have a new doctor on associated content...:)
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