Post op check up

Perhaps I should have posted this question earlier, but from reading other posts, it would appear that post op checks are usually within two to three weeks after the implant. Indeed, my surgeon did instruct me to make my post op appointment for within that time frame. But when I tried to make the appointment, the receptionist said the doc was booked out and that I could not be fitted in until 6 June: some 7 weeks after. And despite my protesting she would not budge (saying that she talked to the doc and that would be OK).

The question is, should I really try to get in sooner? There do not appear to be any complications or malfunctions, but given this is my first implant, I am really in no position to form a judgement.

Needless to say, I cannot help obsessing about this, because what if something is not quite right and that whatever that may be might get harder to rectify as time goes by. I simply do not know, so advice or words of comfort from those who know better might help.

This is a great site, by the way, and thanks to all those who help new comers like me.
All the best
Bernard

7 Comments

Hi

by bjbumblebee - 2012-05-20 01:05:08

I think that they recommend the 2 to 3 week follow-up primarily to check the wound site. And if you are feeling fine then you shouldn't need to worry. Nothing of any importance has ever taken place at my post-op checkups and I have had more than I can remember. In actuality it usually seems more of a waste of time and $$$. If however your wound becomes swollen, red, you have a fever, or if you feel your device is not working properly then I would insist on seeing you doctor and if nothing else there is always the ER.

Take care.

Bonnie

appointments

by Alma Annie - 2012-05-20 05:05:01

Hi Bernard,
One complication might be infection of the wound, and you would certainly know if that was the case. If everything seems ok don't worry. It might be a good idea to see your GP to put your mind at rest. If he/she was not happy about things, he would then contact your EP and you would then have an earlier appt. From what you are saying though everything is going well.

It is not unusual for a doc to be booked out. In my opinion though if they say 2-3 weeks then time should be made. We are indeed at the mercy of the receptionists.
Hope all goes well for you

Alma Annie

no apointment

by manaman - 2012-05-20 05:05:07

First off let me say I have had the same issue with appointments with PM a lot.
Now, the receptionist IS NOT who you will be dealing with. If she was that smart she wouldn'r be a receptionist. Ask to SPEAK with the DOCTOR or the doctors NURSE. I founght this battle over a PM condition for two (2) weeks until I went to the patient follow-up folks at a major hospital (nationally known for its work). Seven times I talked to a receptionist and seven times I got no results. After rattling chains I got a call DIRECTLY from the doctor who made an appointment the NEXT DAY ( I have to drive for two hours, over 100 miles for my PM checkm-ups,etc).
During integration of PM it was discovered I had a broken lead in the ventrical (has not been fixed yet but PM was re-programed to take care of the issue until I can make arrangements to have PM changed and wires replaced). I would not take anything for the talking that the receptionist got while I was in the docotrs office.
If you are not comfoprtable with how you feel then take your destiny in your own hands and insist that you talk to someone IN CHARGE (Dr. Nurse, Office Manager.0
Good luck and blessings to you1
Cecil

Hi Bernard

by jane32 - 2012-05-20 05:05:58

I would not worry as it was nearly 10 weeks before I had my first check up, I like you was quite concerned at the time but all was well. I think as long as you feel okay you have nothing to worry about. I recently had my 2nd check up which was 6months after 1st and I don't have to go back now for 1year. Hope all goes well for you. Welcome to this site.


Cheers Jane

no

by Tracey_E - 2012-05-20 09:05:14

As long as you feel good and don't have any signs of infection, the check up is just a formality.

Why in the world

by Rodinaz - 2012-05-31 01:05:47

Did they not set a post op date at the same time surgery was scheduled? If I read this correctly the burden was on you when it should have been handled all at once.

If this is not the case please disregard my comment. The left hand should know what the right hand is doing. In my case they set the surgery date & a 10 day post op. I developed Afib in that time frame & was given meds on my 10 day post op. It was temporary but it shows you that anything is possible. Sometimes the medical profession is very lax. As mentioned talk to someone in charge.

Post op check up

by Bernard - 2012-06-01 06:06:42

Hi Rodinaz
The surgeon left it to me to make the appointment. I agree it was very lax. The surgery knew that I was to have an implant and the follow up should have been made as part of the process. Instead I was left to the mercy of a receptionist who was only interested in her appointment book being tidy and not concerned about the welfare of the patient. Such s life!
Cheers
Bernard

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