HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Questions to ask surgeon

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/4/2018 7:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have my appointment with the surgeon next week. What are good questions to ask him?
Posted 10/4/2018 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
Recovery room-share or solo??? i had my own room and since its not the simplest of surgeries u need a lot of rest.2-step or 3? [if your currently on steroids then prob 3].How much time between surgeries? What pre testing needed[for step1 for now].How long recovery after step 1?
Posted 10/4/2018 8:58 PM (GMT 0)
Mostly it's a chance for you to ask whatever questions you need to feel comfortable about the surgeries, the recoveries, possible risks and complications, etc. For example:
  • Are you concerned about pain?
  • How fast you can return to work?
  • Lifting restrictions and for how long?
  • How long until the adaptation-period is completed after take-down of the j-pouch and to know your new normal?
  • Do you know the odds of a excellent/good/bad outcomes, odds of adverse events and what they are?
  • Any concerns about fertility (I forget your age, and whether that is a concern of yours).


There's a lot of good guides out there that you can read in advance, which might spur questions:

/hmc.pennstatehealth.org/documents/11396232/11432639/IPAA+Handbook/2d536edf-18f8-4468-95ff-b44304bb0715

/www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/IleoanalReservoir_J-Pouch-Guide.pdf

/www.uwhealth.org/files/uwhealth/docs/pdf6/ileal_pouch_reconstruction.pdf
Posted 10/4/2018 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Also: how many of these has the surgeon done?
Posted 10/5/2018 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
  • ask # of surgeries he's performed
  • pain management post surgery
  • how many steps?
  • how will fertility be impacted? (though i know you're not too interested at the moment)
  • will it be open or laparoscopic?
  • how long will you wait between steps?
  • what can I expect life to be like afterwards so far as # of trips and so forth? (you already know a lot but it's good to hear their opinion)
  • what is the prep for surgery?
  • will you meet a nurse before undergoing surgery? (they usually mark where the stoma will be and check the placement of the pouch - give you a guide about how to care for ostomy)
  • will you have access to a nurse/home-care after the surgeries?
  • will there be dietary restrictions?
  • what are the potential complications?
  • am I a good candidate?
  • mucosectomy?
  • is there any additional testing that should be done prior to ensure it's UC vs Crohn's?
  • will I need bowel slowers like imodium after surgery? or any medication?


Do you know what your insurance covers? You might want to meet with the billing coordinator to find out what to expect if you're serious.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply