For the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to treat a very pleasant man, a Baby Boomer, who had unfortunately fallen on ice back in February.

He complained of pain throughout his lower back, left hip, and knee. When he came to my facility he was using a walker because he could barely walk. He could not shower or dress without help. I developed a treatment program to help him walk better and to decrease his pain.

This man had been examined by an orthopedic surgeon before coming to my facility. The surgeon took X-rays of his hip, prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, and told him to return a couple of weeks later. When he returned, the doctor told him that he needed a hip replacement because he has osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage of the joints). He was escorted to the front desk and scheduled for pre-operative blood work and a complete cardiologic workup.

As you can imagine, the patient and his wife showed up in my office significantly distressed about the idea of having a hip replacement.

I asked him two simple questions. Did you have this pain six weeks ago? His answer was “No.” Are you getting better? The answer was “Yes.”

I referred the patient to another orthopedic surgeon. After a careful evaluation, he did not recommend the surgery. He felt that the patient should continue with treatment since he was improving.

What do you think would have happened if the patient had not gone for a second opinion? He probably would have had an unnecessary surgery.

I have often referred patients for second opinions (and sometimes third opinions, if necessary). If you do not feel comfortable with a doctor’s recommendation, it’s time to get a second opinion. If a doctor is treating you and you are not getting better (experiencing a decrease in the frequency, intensity, and duration of your pain or managing your condition), it’s time to get a second opinion. You can’t depend on your doctor to refer you to another doctor for a second opinion; sometimes you just have to get one on your own.

Doctors are extremely busy and overworked. Quite often they have a tendency to rush in and out of an appointment without focusing on the patient’s needs.

When doctors are rushed, they may fail to answer patients’ questions. Sometimes patients think of other questions after the visit.

I suggest that you prepare a list of written questions for your appointment. When you get home, write down any further questions that you may have thought of after the appointment. If the questions are urgent, call the office and speak with the nurse or physician’s assistant.

If you do not feel comfortable with the answers and recommendations of your doctor, get another opinion. It’s always helpful to have a second pair of eyes look at and evaluate your situation.

To Your Health!

Dr. Michael J. Kaye

One of the major roadblocks to happiness and success is pain.

I have the opportunity to treat the chronic pain population. I
am sure you can imagine how hard it must be to think of
becoming a success while suffering with pain. Your ability to
concentrate is limited by the distraction of the pain. If and
when you have periods of time when the pain is not so bad, you
have to determine whether you should play with the kids, do a
load of laundry, speak with your spouse, exercise, sleep, or
work on your business. 

I treat individuals whose lives have been interrupted by a car
accident or a work injury. They are forced to spend much of
their time dealing with actions related to their
accident/injury.  Things that they were able to do easily prior
to the accident may be difficult. In addition to pain and
problems with daily living, many have to learn to deal with
attorneys, insurance companies, claim adjusters, human resource
departments, doctors and the medical system.

If you have been involved in an accident or suffered an injury,
please click on this link to discover the Accident
Documentation Kit. This kit was created to help close a giant
gap in understanding how to manage life after you’ve been
involved in an accident.
http://tinyurl.com/yc3cdmd

Although it may be hard to concentrate, you must take back
control of your life. This kit will help you deal with doctors,
therapists, insurance companies, and lawyers.

Now is the time to take charge.

Please feel free to forward this link to a friend or relative
who has been in accident. 

http://tinyurl.com/yc3cdmd

Here is a testimonial from one of my clients who purchased the
kit…
“Being a do-it-yourself kind of person, I have bought packages
of forms before from various sources, such as paralegal stores
and discount online venues. And I can tell you Dr. Kaye’s price
for this kit, which not only gives you the forms but also helps
you navigate the maze of insurance, medical and legal dealings,
is incredibly generous.”  -C. Blankenship, Travel Writer

Wishing you Health & Happiness!

Dr. Michael Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results
P.S. Click here now to learn more about The Accident Documentation Kit