So, I’ve spent the last two months looking for an Orthopedic Surgeon practicing in the Pee Dee Area. With two major hospital networks around, that task sounds pretty simple, right? Apparently not…
I started my quest by contacting my previous Orthopedist at MUSC, not to get an appointment, but a referral simply because he’s Pediatric (which makes me a bit older than his preferred clientele!). Upon calling, I get directed to his secretary who, for the majority of the conversation, seems baffled as to why an adult would be seeking an appointment with a Pediatric doctor. OK, perhaps I wasn’t as clear as I thought I’d been. So, I reiterated my intent; that I was seeking a referral, not treatment. “Oh, I have that for you right here!”, was her reply. Woo-hoo, now we’re getting somewhere! Best of all, that doctor is right here in Florence (Yay!).
So, I call the number she gave me… *ding ding* Round Two of trying to convince someone that I’m not trying to get treated by a Pediatric Surgeon. Yep, that’s right, this guy’s also just for kids! Well, I guess the poor soul on the other end of the line could sense my frustration. So, she politely volunteered to talk with the other doctors in the practice and also the practice one floor below theirs to see if anyone could help me. A day later she called me to say that while there are adult Orthopedists in the group, none felt comfortable taking on a patient with Spina Bifida (that’s me!)… *sigh*.
So… after all of that, I’m back where I began. Oh well, I guess I’m going to have to extend my search outside the area. I don’t really like the idea because I partially expect surgery to arise shortly after any doctor gets their hands on me. And, I really don’t like sitting in a hospital for days on end away from home. I’ve been there, done that, didn’t buy the t-shirt (although, I got a gown or two!), not going back.
Enough ranting for one day. I’ll leave with this simple plea: Does anyone know of a doctor in the area that might be willing to help me? Any information would be great! Leave a comment, email, or tweet!
My mom is seeing Kyle Watford at McLeod Orthopedic Associates. I cannot recommend him highly enough. On top of being a very good surgeon, he is an incredibly nice person. His staff is equally kind and capable. Their phone number is 777-7900.
They’re actually one of the groups I’ve already spoken to. Thanks, Lisa!
Were they willing to recommend anyone, or did they just turn you down? I’m taking my mom back for a recheck in a couple of weeks. I’ll be glad to ask Dr. Watford if he knows anyone in the area who will treat spina bifida patients, if you haven’t already tried that with them.
No, they didn’t seem too eager to recommend anyone outside the practice. However, apparently my PCP was able to “pull some strings” and get me an appointment with a Dr. Allen (I think he’s the one, don’t have the appointment card on me at the moment.). I know I’ve already spoken to his entire group and got turned down. I’d love to know what he told them =).
Thanks again!
Hey Ty, long time no see. Sorry to hear about your troubles with the doctors. It seems pretty crappy that an Orthopedic surgeon isn’t comfortable to handle someone in your situation. I’d think that’d be a great experience for the doctor to learn.
I guess they’re comfortable in their ways. Blah.