What liberties can surgeon's take??

[tagger]

P.S. During a emergancy surgery for an ectopic pregnancy. (embryo stuck in the tube) the doctor also removed some fibroids around my uterus. In my case this was a good thing, but does illustrate that they can and do perform other procedures during surgery. I am in Canada, it may be different where you live...Tagger

[snowbug]

I had two C-section deliveries, the second one due to a placenta previa. Because of the risk that I might bleed to death from the previa complications, I did sign a release stating that if the surgeon found it necessary, that my uterus could be removed after delivery. (I was done having kids anyway.)
As it turned out, it was not necessary, but the possibility was discussed with me beforehand and I did have to give permission. They also discussed worst-case scenarios before BOTH deliveries, and I had to sign that I had been counseled about the possibility of complications which might arise from a "routine" procedure.

I agree about the c-section sensations, I was awake during both deliveries and could feel some tugging and pressure but no drippy blood or scalpels, etc!! Also I could hear everything that was said and talked to the doctors some during the procedures.

[not2bad]

Jimbrown, your main problem right now is that you have worked yourself into a frazzle! You are consumed with 'what if's, and that can drive you nuts. I see you as a worrier and a person that has to be in control at all times. Neither of these traits are healthy for you...they can actually MAKE a person ill. Another problem is that you don't LIKE your doctor. If you don't like him, then you won't be able to trust him. You need to confront this issue, by either letting go of your control or by requesting another surgeon of your primary care physician.

It sounds like you have never had any surgery before, since you asked about what happens when you are 'on the table', but from what I have seen of specialists and surgeons, they tend to have little or no 'bedside manner'. They're into medicine, not people, if you know what I mean. Clinical might be the word. People are very suprised when they see their surgeon, and he isn't 'Mr. Personality', but this is the reason...not to mention they are at the top of the heap when it comes to being a doctor, so they are considered (often especially by themselves) as 'mini-gods'!

When you 'go under the knife', you have to be willing to trust your doctor, so tell him of your concerns and if he doesn't listen, get another surgeon that will.

In addition, doctors (good ones) generally will not remove anything that is unnecessary. Anything extra removed is potentially unecessary trouble which can come about from healing problems or infection. They don't want to remove anything more than is necessary. However, doctors do remove things that are obvious trouble, like tumors or cancerous growths even though they didn't know about them before surgery. They do this for your own good because otherwise you would have to undergo a second surgery at some later date and that would be costly and a second risk for the patient. (Every invasive surgery has risks.)

So, try to not worry so much! Your surgeon doesn't hate you and I'm sure he's not out to cut you to pieces! Besides you don't want your blood pressure up.LOL! Take care, RELAX and best wishes!

Hi everyone!

You people are wonderful and the words of advice, reassurance, etc is all very helpful and encouraging. Thank you:-).

Well, After more test and talking to the urologist yesterday, he seems to be convinced that I have a lipoma of the spermatic cord which can easily be confused with an inguinal hernia but since 3 doctors so far have ruled out an inguinal hernia, the medical books tell you that it must be a lipoma. I did a lot of reading and talking to different people and I must admit, it does sounds like a lipoma rather than a hernia for many different reasons (ie; it started out as an very itchy spot, no hernia present during the cough test, spermatic cord is a common place fopr a lipoma, etc).

Anyway, the surgeon I was talking about in my earlier posts won't be doing this operation. Instead, my urologist will be doing it since it involves my spermatic cord. I also have a small vericocele ("bag of worms") above my left testicle. I called my urologist yesterday and told him that the lipoma was causing me a lot of pain and affecting me sexually as well. I'm guessing that what happens during sex is that the veins in that area fill with blood and with the lipoma blocking of my veins, vas differens, cord, etc, I get a painful "pinching" sensation.

The urologist seems to be a lot nicer than the general surgeon I saw the other day. He listens and acts concerned. His bedside manner is also good and I've had three other people so far tell me that he is an excellent surgeon so I'm hoping for the best here. He told me to call him first thing this morning (last night) and he would get me in sometime this week and do another urinalysis and check me over.

What I don't understand however, is that I've already had a urinalysis and it contained white blood cells so I was put on Cipro. I really don't see a need for repeatedly doing urinalysis's on me and "checking me over" when the problem is really my lipoma. I don't know why but all of these surgeons seem like they are putting me off and don't want to do the surgery. I don't understand this because I am in pain and the lipoma is causing me problems so why are they acting so freaky about removing it?. Is it because of my insurance?. Are they concerned about complications?. Do they want it to get much bigger before they operate?. I wish I knew the answers to these questions and could get them to take this thing out because it is really affecting my quality of life.

Well, I guess that's about it for now. Thank's for all the help and info. I have to take another Cipro in a little while so it's going to dizzy-city for me...ahhhh!!.

- Peace

[not2bad]

jim, things never go fast when it comes to medical issues! The reason they are doing another urinalysis, I would suspect, is because they want to see if your white blood count has dropped which would indicate the medication is working. They aren't really putting you off, its just that tests take a long time to be taken, processed and results sent back to your doctor's office. You have to keep in mind that you are one of hundreds having tests done. I know it is very frustrating, though.

Nice to hear it will be a surgery that is not as difficult!