Hi ! I have experience with them and I still tell people it looks a lot worse than it feels. What are you having done ? I had a triple arthrodesis on both feet - NOT at the same time. I can give you any details or tips that you want. Ask me anything. I will tell you I am very happy with the experience and recovery and have excellent results. I believe that ex fx is superior to the alternative and finding an expert in ex fx as well as foot reconstruction is imperative as it requires alot of skill and practice. I hope to hear from you before your big day !
I have been told that I will need an ex-fix when I get my ankle fused down the line. I had a case of osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) with chronic pain, and looks like it may be the only solution. How do you find a good doc who does it? Let me know.. Some of the docs here aren't the best.. ortho or pod?
Hi - external fixation is a great method for healing especially for people who have had infections or need to grow bone. When I found my doctor I was referred from another podiatrist. It is very difficult to find someone who specializes and I'm glad I had that referral. If I had to do this again my suggestion would be to do a search on the internet for ANY doctor that specializes in it and if you write to them they can direct you to one of their colleagues in your area. Doctors that specialize in external fixation tend to travel in the same circles and attend seminars and training classes together. They are a very select group. As far as pod versus ortho - I had a pod. I live in a huge city with many teaching university hospitals and found through my journey that the doctor with the most training and specialization in the foot AND ex fix is the best. There are some very specialized orthos out there but the ones I felt most comfortable with were the pods. Just my opinion. It doesn't matter which school they went to but if they have the training and experience it will be better for you. So don't be afraid to ask.
Good luck and let me know how you're doing !
snwtgr- where are do you live. Unfortunately I live in an ortho dominated city for feet, we have 5 ankle ortho specialists in the city which is a big number and the pods stick to bunion surgeries for the most part. I have traveled for past surgery and would like to know who did yours since you seem pleased with your results. I had an osteomyelitis of the heel and would like any info possible. I will look for the ASAMILE. Thanks!
Hi - Remember it's not the degree that matters as much as the experience! It just takes some homework and lots of questions to determine if they have the experience that you need. I won't put my doctors name on a message board but if you search for external fixator and chicago he is at the top of the list. What part of the country are you in ? I hope this helps - keep me posted !
I'm in Tampa.. I think I found your doctors website when I was trying to find a doc who was good. We have decent doctors here, but the pods aren't too experienced because its such an orthopedic crowded city. We have a 40+ doctor ortho practice, but i have seen their ankle specialists. Do you think your doc would talk to me on the phone. I have done way to much flying for a couple months. I am just so confused. I am only 19 and have been hurt 3 1/2 years, ligament surgeries, heel re-alignment and infections have made me very pestimistic of doctors in general, and I want someone good. I am currently going to HSS and they have a couple docs there I have heard too.. Thanks so much!
Orlando isn't too far at all. I have a pod in the biggest pod group here and he's ok with basic stuff but nothing much more, same with his partners. But yes, I can travel, just no more nyc etc. The expenses are getting too high. (Two week stay in NYC for surgery is not cheap). How would I find a good group in Orlando?
Hi - If you e-mail him he would probably recommend someone who specializes in external fixation. I know he works with someone in Georgia and he may know someone in Florida as well. Don't be afraid to e-mail him ! I hope this helps.
Mine is great but dont want to give a name online. Many, many good groups here though with great reputations. Some specialize in sports injusries...they are well trained. look try google, put in podatrist orlando florida. should give you tons of listings. if you find one you want to try i can tell you if i have heard of them or not...I have seen many of them before ifound one I trusted...we all are different but can at least say if they have a good rep or not. i hope you can find someone good...you would think that a city as big as Tampa would have more choice.
keep me posted on how you are
dlh
Ok, I may try to e-mail the Chicago guy, he seems really good, too bad he's not here, lol. Um I found some Foot and ankle Center of Orlando.. It has like 10 docs and their own ambulatory surgery center. I dunno. It's all so confusing. Maybe my pod knows of some.. i will make and appt tomorrow to go see him i think. I am so sick of dr's, but after like 6 os's and only 1 pod I am thinking the podiatrist may be the next step.
Stephanie,
I think pods are the way to go personally. Maybe the one there can reccomend one...the foot & ankle group is good, I have been there. A guy, Mason i think is there, If it the group i think they work on the Magic players. It is confusing and i know you have seen tons of Dr's...i know a few to aviod too...learned the hard way with one. if you have any questions about any let me know. the foot & ankle group has a big web site...could get a referal there maybe.
dlh
Thanks... I am just sick of doctors in general and my pain is getting worse with the more surgeries I have. So as you go on and the pain gets worse you just want it to go away more. I'm just at such a loss. School is hard, then dealing with my parents and the foot/ankle problems. My dad is doc, MD so he likes the MD better, lol. It's just so hard, plus I can't drive so everything appt wise is done on other people's schedule, not mine... Thanks so much though.
