Seattle area doctor or travel?

[Colorblind]

This is my first post in the forums I have been reading them for the last 6 months. I've finally decided I want to go ahead with the procedure. However, I did not expect it to be so hard to find a doctor in the Seattle area. I tried calling for an appointment with a Dr. Thomas Walsh in Seattle. They explained to me that they were too busy and would most likely not even return my phone call. I tend to have high anxiety so I'd prefer not to travel. My wife and I have discussed this and she is onboard and willing to travel if necessary. I also would prefer not to have to do this twice due to an inexperienced surgeon. Should I simply travel to Texas and see Dr. Clavell? All suggestions welcomed, thank you.

[Mtnmirv]

Hi Colorblind,
The most important decision you have to make is the choice of your surgeon. You want to feel comfortable with their qualifications, reputation, and ability to communicate with you. I decided that my location was not as important as was finding a doctor that I trusted and had confidence in so I was open to traveling to other states if necessary. After researching here on Franktalk for many months and also watching many different videos on Youtube I decided that I would make the trip from Southern California, where I live, to Texas if I was accepted for surgery with Dr. Clavell in Houston. As it happened I was accepted and I am currently 6 weeks out from surgery. Like you, I didn't want to have problems or issues after surgery because of a low volume surgeon so it was worth it to put up with the hassles of traveling to find the best doctor that I could...and dealing with all the travel was not as bad as I thought it might be. My experience with Dr. Clavell was absolutely top notch and I would highly recommend him even if you have to fly a few hours to see him. If you decide to go with Clavell feel free to pm me and I can share some of the logistics and details with you.
Best,
Mtnmirv

[Kalidestroyer]

The only rational reason to stay local is because of cost, ie your insurance will only be accepted locally. If money isnt an issue, get the best surgeon you can find regardless of location and book a hotel for a week near the surgical sight. I got implanted on 9/29/23, 4 days ago. I arrived on 9/27, pre-op “measuring”appointment was 9/28, post-op appointment was 10/2 where he instructed me on how to operate the device and cycle. Im now on my second day of cycling, off pain meds, and flying back to CA tomorrow (10/4).

My research caused me to believe Eid is the best but others will disagree. Narrow your list to 2-3 and have video appointments with them and then choose. Again, this all assumes money isnt an issue. My insurance did not cover Eid but I found his “no-touch” technique offered the lowest chance of infection. I also liked his very early cycling approach. If I waited 3-5 weeks to cycle, extensive fibrosis, thinning, and shortening might set in which I didnt like. Of the peno-scrotal surgeons, I think he advocates earlier than others. But make take your time and choose and then once you choose, dont question. Im sure youll have a great result. Good luck

[Lost Sheep]

Colorblind, thanks for asking our opinions. I sent you a PM (Private Message) with some names of Seattle Area surgeons that come highly recommended to me. They were recommended because I need a prostatectomy but my local surgeon finds my implant to be problematic and expects these surgeons would be more experienced with implanted men. I did not want to post their names on the open forum. They are not specialists in implants, but are HIGHLY experienced.

They operate out of Swedish Health Services and Fred Hutchinson centers in Seattle.

Perhaps calling to either one of those might get you some names to reference.

I will leave you with the advice my (chosen) surgeon gave me and the advice Dr Eid gave me. Dr Shaw told me, when I told him I was considering flying across the country to Dr Kramer or Dr Eid, "You will be overflying a lot of good surgeons if you do" Dr Eid wrote to me, "Find a surgeon in love with his craft." He went on to add that such a surgeon would make all efforts to ensure his patient's best outcome.

[Stupid]

USC DOCTOR LOH-BOYLE AND BOYD. Top notch. Boyd has 40 plus years experience

[ThailandBound]

Should I simply travel to Texas and see Dr. Clavell? All suggestions welcomed, thank you.

That’s what i did. Flew 1/2 way across the country (Florida to Texas). The flight home was not that big of a deal. More mental than physical (you’ll feel a bit fragile, but not in pain. Mitigate that by asking for wheelchair assist, or, at a minimum, explain to the gate agent you’ve had recent surgery and ask to board early. You’ll avoid getting jostled by fellow passengers).

One brother here traveled 1/2 way around the world and back to have Dr. Clavell do it. He was fine.

[mspokane]

I drove from Spokane to Seattle for Dr Walsh to do my implant in Aug 22. The folks at the UW Men's Health Clinic have been top notch. Sorry you are having troubles getting them to see you. I am very pleased with Dr Walsh's work. I did not feel I could have gotten the same experience level from any Doc on this side of the Cascades. Best of Luck to you.

[Gt1956]

Colorblind, don't let a long delay for your first appointment scare you away. My dr has his time allocated as to what its for. First appointments are low priority. My first visit was at 4 months out, might of been a week over that.
Once he's seen you then follow ups are a lot quicker. This kind of scheduling is not uncommon in some specialties. L
His surgery day is always on Monday. If a holiday falls on a Monday? Then there isn't any surgery that week.
His surgery follow ups are on Wednesday's. Organization is key to many of them. If he is a quality implanter? Accept the delay & get in line.

[Yodarb]

Colorblind
Hope this process is working out for you. I am also in a similar situation. Evaluating an implant in the Seattle area.
Were you able to get connected with a surgeon who you trust? I think is it also important to start any pre-treatment as soon as possible.
I have gone to seen Dr Ostrowski at Evergreen. As I understand, he worked with Dr Walsh at the UW Men's clinic and is a high-volume surgeon. I am considering an implant for early next year.
There are other excellent surgeons in the Seattle area.