Find the best doctor you can find. My first experience was at New England Baptist back in the early 90's. I found the doctor by asking friends, and also calling the Boston Celtics and asking them who they used. I eventually went with a friend's recommendation which led me to New England Baptist, and after researching at the library (this was pre-internet), found the surgeon. I have found that hospitals are more like spas but back in the day you got thrown on a gurney, which was cold as hell, especially with a johnny made out of tissue paper and the open side where your ass hits the metal. I dealt with a surly guy who gave me a spinal, was pumped full of drugs and woke up in recovery pawing at the oxygen tube in my nose and my knee in a constant passive motion machine. I don't think they use much anymore.
My second was done 2 years ago at St. Elisabeth's in Brighton and I found my surgeon by asking my pediatrician because he is awesome and I trusted his opinion. This brought me to Dr. Diane English and I knew nothing about her except that my pediatrician recommended her. When I walked in to her office for the first time there were pictures of athletes covering the wall and found out later that she was the team doctor for BC football. So if you are looking for a doctor a highly recommend calling a local sports team and asking who they use, presumably they have done their homework.
Before I go further though I want to say one thing, which is REHAB. It's on you to get better and the way you get better is pushing yourself in rehab. Although I have met some fantastic PTs, its the work you do with them and on your own that will get you better. REHAB.
So pulling into my 3rd operation what am I doing. Got the insurance squared away, although I found out my usual PT is now not in my network so had to pick someone out of the insurance guide, but since it is not my first time at the rodeo I'm not so anxious. I set up the first rehab session weeks ago and booked the following three so I can get times that are more convenient to me. Booking ahead is essential so book as many and as far in advance as you can
Secondly, I am trying to take care of everything that I can think of that I need to do while still walking. These are chores around the house. Putting the ladder away. Filling salt buckets by the doors, as its winter time up here, doing some holiday shopping. I am never this organized but the surgery focuses you. I have set up my rides to and from the hospital. Most of them now have valet service if you are bringing a car, use it. Last time I drove myself to the hospital at 6am, my wife got a ride there and we brought drove my car home. ACL recon is usually day surgery, get there in the morning, out by 3 or 4pm that afternoon.
Third, get yourself squared away at work, set up auto responders on your e-mail and a message on your voicemail that you are going to be high on Vicodin for awhile so you won't be answering and if you do you won't be making any sense or that you will nodding off frequently.
Fourth, bring a book you wait around a lot and wear sweats or track pants for surgery you need something loose to fit over bandages etc. You don't really need to bring anything else unless you want something that makes you feel better, like a picture or something.
Lastly, while it sucks it is not a big deal. These surgeries are very common, it's going to go well but it sucks to go post-op and rehab.
I'll get into the particulars of which surgery I think is better, my experience, etc.
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