I am travelling to Baltimore in a few weeks to see Dr. Mark Myerson for a third opinion regarding surgery for PTTD. I live in Raleigh, NC --about 5 hours away. I have concerns about the return trip home post-surgery. Has anyone travelled out of town for this surgery? How did you handle it? I hear he is a great surgeon, but is it worth the complications that the travelling will present?
Thanks!
Last edited by kindredsprit; 07-17-2011 at 01:11 PM.
I had surgery in NYC, 2 hours away. I went home (well, actually to subacute rehab)from hospital in a medical van, strapped in a wheelchair, with foot up. It wasn't too bad, but be sure to stay on top of the pain meds...you might have to take some during the trip too...don't wait if your dose is due. Between the trip and getting settled in, I did miss a dose and paid for it dearly that night. Fortunately, since I was in a medical facility, I was able to get injectable pain med to get ahead of the pain. You might want to consider an intermediate step of staying in a rehab facility close by hospital for a few days after hospital release just to give you a few more days for pain to become manageable. Good luck.
It took a while for me to get diagnosed with PTTD. The first surgeon said it was a terrible procedure and did not recommend it. I asked around for recommendations, but wanted to be sure to get someone specializing in this procedure. I did find someone here in Raleigh but am not sure I feel completely confident with him.
my docs are Garrett and Bolignese at Duke. Garrett is the Head of Orthopedics and Bolignese is the surgeon that did my Tibia Tubercle Osteotomy and Reconstruction a year and a half ago and he's really really good. I've had over 20 surgeries on both knees, and these two have been my fav. surgeons to date. Garrett was the Head of Ortho at UNC but 6 yrs. ago he moved to Duke, and I followed him over there!
I am travelling to Baltimore in a few weeks to see Dr. Mark Myerson for a third opinion regarding surgery for PTTD. I live in Raleigh, NC --about 5 hours away. I have concerns about the return trip home post-surgery. Has anyone travelled out of town for this surgery? How did you handle it? I hear he is a great surgeon, but is it worth the complications that the travelling will present?
Thanks!
hi kindredsprit,
i'm just curious. how does that work with your insurance when you are traveling to another state for surgery? what type do you have? do you know what types of insurances are accepted by dr. mark myerson?
Luckily, my insurance is with CIGNA & is a national plan. Dr. Myerson is even "in network." Thanks for the luck--I go to Baltimore to see him this week!
Hi,
Yes, Dr. Myerson repaired my ankle. He did a wonderful job. I am 4 months post-op and doing very well. I do have pain as I walk but consider it part of the recovery process as I rebuild my muscle strength. I see you are from Reston, VA. You are in a similar situation with having to travel a distance to see him. I had spoken with other doctors locally but felt most confident with Dr. Myerson. I have no regrets and would do it this way again. Be sure to check his vitae on Mercy's website. I would be glad to answer any other questions. BTW, I had planned on having surgery now (this January)but had to move it up because my ankle was worsening quickly, too. Good luck.
The Following User Says Thank You to kindredsprit For This Useful Post: mcelsnoot (01-10-2012)
i was reading your post. what about your care ater surgery,your check ups, so are you willing to travel every week or two to see this dr? are you planning on to see him the rest of your left if you have to,id think id worry about this more,and look into other dr around your house for future need
I had my surgery on a tuesday (outpatient), stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital for 3 nights after, saw my doctor on Thursday. He removed my surgical splint, took x-rays, put me in a surgical boot and sent me home. I travelled 5 hours home (by car) with no issues (I had been concerned). At 6 weeks, I had x-rays taken here at home and sent them to him. He reviewed them and called me and gave me a schedule to begin weight bearing --followed by PT a month later. I have had no need to see him again. Any questions or concerns I had were answered by phone or e-mail. I am glad I used this doctor because of his reputation and would do it this way again if I needed to for my other foot.
The following user gives a hug of support to kindredsprit: trishab65 (01-10-2012)
I am travelling to Baltimore in a few weeks to see Dr. Mark Myerson for a third opinion regarding surgery for PTTD. I live in Raleigh, NC --about 5 hours away. I have concerns about the return trip home post-surgery. Has anyone travelled out of town for this surgery? How did you handle it? I hear he is a great surgeon, but is it worth the complications that the travelling will present?
I had my surgery on a tuesday (outpatient), stayed in a hotel across the street from the hospital for 3 nights after, saw my doctor on Thursday. He removed my surgical splint, took x-rays, put me in a surgical boot and sent me home. I travelled 5 hours home (by car) with no issues (I had been concerned). At 6 weeks, I had x-rays taken here at home and sent them to him. He reviewed them and called me and gave me a schedule to begin weight bearing --followed by PT a month later. I have had no need to see him again. Any questions or concerns I had were answered by phone or e-mail. I am glad I used this doctor because of his reputation and would do it this way again if I needed to for my other foot.
Kindred, did you have your stitches taken out by a local doc? I thought the standard approach was to go back 10 days post op to have the stitches out and have everything checked.
BTW, I made an appt with Dr Myerson today and the earliest opening he had was April 12. Guess he is very busy and in demand.
Yes, I asked my GYN's office (LOL) that I have agood relationship with if they could do it and the nurse there removed them.
I had to wait 3 months to see Dr. Myerson but was able to schedule my surgery within a month after the consult. Consider yourself lucky that you got an appointment. I have heard many that some can't even get an appointment!
BTW, if you do have surgery with Dr. Myerson, be sure to keep reminding them at the hospital that you are not local. They have a slightly different protocal for travelling patients.
Re: Out of Town PTTD surgery 
