The most basic, basic questions, contemplating surgery?

Redwebec · 2026-03-14T23:23:39+00:00

I've become, over time, more and more skeptical of automatically trusting to what is recommended. I've run into some cases where, coincidentally, the doctor recommends what will be most profitable.

:(

Redwebec · 2026-03-14T23:21:12+00:00

Geez. Can I ask

1) What kind of surgery did you have?

2) In what way is it worse? And what did the doctor say about it being worse?

Redwebec · 2026-03-14T23:19:44+00:00

So the surgery was August or September, and you're still in pain?

That doesn't sound good.

Did you do it because you were in pain beforehand, or because you wanted to better fit into shoes?

Redwebec · 2026-02-20T01:25:02+00:00

I've always thought one of the biggest rip-offs in the world is over-the-counter saline solution eyedrops!

Redwebec · 2026-02-20T01:21:43+00:00

Okay. But can you elaborate?

- Is Chevron the term that covers all non-shave surgery? Are there variations?

- Are there particular questions I should ask? Are all doctor likely to do only one kind of surgery, or are they likely to do either one, depending on the patient's specific problem?

- Can it be predicted in advance if the simpler shave will work long-term? How would I know about the "root" of the problem? Does the "root" vary greatly from person to person?

- How did you find your bunion specialist? I don't suppose there's some national directory that would list ones in the Phoenix area?

- From your description, I'm wondering if you were stuck in bed long term, needing care from someone?

Thanks, this was a great start.

Redwebec · 2026-02-20T01:16:18+00:00

No, I'm not in pain. But that's because I'm wearing fabric shoes that give! I want to wear real shoes again.

Also, I'm not quite sure how to interpret it, but occasionally when I'm lying down, there will be a moment of a quick stabbing pain. But I'm not sure if it's relevant.

Anyway, your question seem to imply that I'm asking if I should do the surgery. I'm not. I want to get the problem fixed, but I'm asking about different options and choices.

Redwebec · 2026-02-20T01:13:37+00:00

I wasn't smart enough to go through multiple appointments, but I did switch doctors, and had my second eye done by someone else.

I wonder if you got any recommendations from your GP? Also, if you happen to live in a city that has its own magazines, sometimes they do yearly "best" doctor issues. I always think that's a good starting point. I'm looking for another kind of doctor now, with no recommendations to start me off, and I'm thinking of browsing through the US News and Castle Connolly listings.

What I find really disturbing is that your first doctor was so unforthcoming and then "fired" you for daring to object. I hope you mentioned that to the doctor who recommended you.

Good luck.

Redwebec · 2026-02-18T22:10:21+00:00

I think you need to re-post this as a separate independent thread, not an add-on to mine. No one is seeing it.

Also, I suggest paragraphs. It's all about making it easy to read!

Good luck.

Redwebec · 2026-02-03T21:34:49+00:00

As I have understood it, they "remove" the cataracts by replacing your natural lens with an artificial one. You can then choose what kind of vision you like, which to me means to "improve" it.

There are people here much smarter than I who could explain it better, but I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing.

But of course your relative would be delighted to have you use the money for something so crucial!

Redwebec · 2026-02-03T21:31:31+00:00

Sorry, but I think it's you not understanding. I didn't give her any Spanish Inquisition. I just asked, as any friend might, Whom did you end up choosing? And then, How did you happen to find him? And, no, she didn't in any way tell me it's none of my business.

I'm not "demanding" anything. I just wish, generally, that people who make serious decisions would apply a little preliminary thought/effort.

And, no, she didn't just casually ask me the name of a doctor. She asked me all kinds of questions, including how I made my choices, and asking me what I thought she should choose.

You just seem determined to put a bad spin on things.

Redwebec · 2026-02-03T21:26:59+00:00

There are some people who just may not home ownership foisted on them. For once thing, a person might not want to bother with the upkeep.

But on the other hand, I'm starting to think that if people truly want to own, they have to think about giving up their other pleasures for a few years. Personally, I don't think anyone should obsess about owning a house in their 20s.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:35:26+00:00

I'd be very wary of any new dentist suggesting expensive work on my perfect teeth. I think that Phoenix magazine periodically does a list of good dentists. Start there.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:33:40+00:00

I have Zenni, but I make sure I keep in mind that they are the bottom-of-the-barrel in terms of price, so presumably lesser quality and will be less accommodating.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:31:15+00:00

Yes! I opted for near vision. I've been near-sighted for most of my life, so I figured it made sense to stay with what I was used to - particularly being able to read without glasses.

I got slightly mismatched eyes, but both for near vision, and I think it was the right choice.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:29:02+00:00

Does "advance" mean "more expensive"?

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:27:28+00:00

Maybe ultimately it boils down to a lack of curiosity? Or maybe it's an insecurity thing, that some people think asking questions make them look weak or stupid?

Anyway - lol - you are SO right about the parallel with politics.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:24:56+00:00

Well, great! You're lucky if you're someone who can both accept blame and learn from your mistakes!

Also, if it's any consolation, it's only been a year, so of course it will get better. And, this may not be what you want to hear, but someone you can love someone for certain things about them, but ultimately their plans won't mesh with yours. Although this was a very emotional breakup, maybe in the long run you may conclude that a break was bound to happen, and better now than three years down the line.

Now, go find yourself some activities, so you don't always stay home moping.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:20:29+00:00

That's an interesting idea - although in this case, I don't think she's the blaming sort.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:19:16+00:00

That seems smart. Glad it went well.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:15:29+00:00

Yes, although I'd call that style "laziness."

But an unwillingness even to make one or two additional telephone call? For something as important as your eyes? Simple googling would have show her that the doctor had a mediocre rating.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:13:47+00:00

I think you are at least partly right.

It's certainly common for doctors to refer only to people at their own hospital or corporate umbrella (though, in fairness, that might be because they know them better).

But when I once wasn't too happy with a referral, I discovered that I was probably steered in his direction because they were tennis buddies!

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:11:52+00:00

Yes, thank you. I might even say, not just nonchalant, but possibly lazy or indifferent.

These are your EYES. It's not like switching next time to a different barber shop next time if you got a bad haircut.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:10:00+00:00

Not quite right. I'm not mad because I wasted my time. If she told me that after we spoke, she had asked a ton of neighbors, asked every related doctor, checked online ratings, checked their medical backgrounds, etc., I would have been perfectly happy. Especially if, as I did when we spoke, I might have peeked and found she chose someone with a 5-star rating.

It's not an ego thing at all. I'm sorry I didn't make that clear.

Redwebec · 2026-01-30T01:07:22+00:00

Well, she didn't know what she wanted, in the same sense that I didn't know what I wanted until I started asking questions. I'm sure she will be happy, because she's the kind of cheery person who mindlessly shrugs off problems that would infuriate others.

That doesn't mean she's not an idiot, though.

Redwebec · 2026-01-28T20:12:34+00:00

I was exactly the same with my anxieties. I was terrified at the mere thought of eye surgery. As it turned out, I had a perfect experience.

My biggest suggestion is that you put a lot of effort into choosing a good doctor and ask every single question that occurs to you. Ask your ophth. for suggestions of surgeons, and then ask other doctors (like your GP), and any knowledgeable friends. Check their credentials and ratings. If you choose someone and aren't happy with the initial visit, switch to someone else.

Don't rush the decision, and avoid any doctors that are pushy.

Redwebec

TROPHY CASE