Continuity of Care - How Important?

[Lost Sheep]

How important is it for the surgeon who did the implant be the person who follows up for post-op care. (Initial inflation, questions that may come up, etc.)

I know this is highly a matter of opinion so I hope for a discussion of the pros and cons.

I can have an implant with a relatively low volume but nearby Urologist who would also do all the pre and post surgery care. Or I could go to a somewhat higher volume Urological Surgeon in Seattle with followup and all post surgery care by my local Urologist.

As I wait for the VA to work out the bureaucratic details, I am getting antsy.

Thanks in advance

[DaveET1]

Professionally, I don't think it is crucial, but I think many of us have established a relationship with the surgeon, and it is nice to keep that intact.

[LMCatman]

I think I'm right on this....AFTER the surgery, there is nothing the surgeon can change without another surgery. While I'd prefer to "follow up" with the surgeon, another doctor "monitoring" you should be sufficient......

[Bigred]

For me, it is very important. I'm very picky about who works on my stuff. My line of thought was that just because you are a urologist doesn't make you a great implant surgeon. I was fortunate enough to have insurance that would cover 90% or more of the cost so I went with one of the top high volume implant surgeons. Flying back to Baltimore next week for post operation visit and activation. It's well worth the $200 air fare to me to have my surgeon do the activation.

[sliphill]

I'm in agreement with Bigred. I would prefer the guy who did the surgery to follow up with. I chose a low volume surgeon 12 miles from where I live. Yes, he might only do 2 or 3 a month, but he has been doing them for over 25 years, so I was confident in him. The nice thing about it is I have 20 days post surgery, and have already seen him twice so I didn't have to wait 6 weeks to see him. I'll see him again on 7/25 for activation. My feelings are, he did the surgery, so he knows my case better than anyone else. Just my 2 cents.

[sliphill]

For me, it is very important. I'm very picky about who works on my stuff. My line of thought was that just because you are a urologist doesn't make you a great implant surgeon. I was fortunate enough to have insurance that would cover 90% or more of the cost so I went with one of the top high volume implant surgeons. Flying back to Baltimore next week for post operation visit and activation. It's well worth the $200 air fare to me to have my surgeon do the activation.

Dang Bigred, you only had yours done two days before me and your getting activated next week. I wonder why my doctor is waiting so long, on 7/25. BTW, how are you doing?

[Bigred]

For me, it is very important. I'm very picky about who works on my stuff. My line of thought was that just because you are a urologist doesn't make you a great implant surgeon. I was fortunate enough to have insurance that would cover 90% or more of the cost so I went with one of the top high volume implant surgeons. Flying back to Baltimore next week for post operation visit and activation. It's well worth the $200 air fare to me to have my surgeon do the activation.

Dang Bigred, you only had yours done two days before me and your getting activated next week. I wonder why my doctor is waiting so long, on 7/25. BTW, how are you doing?

Well, I should have said 2 weeks, 7/11. I lose track of time being retired. But overall, doing well. Can't wait to be able to deflate for a change.

[Smetro]

I felt good about going back to my surgeon for activation however after that it's just a matter of time, patience and self discovery..... so many trifling things resolve and are left in the dust once you start applying your new and magical implant to the purpose for which it was intended

[sliphill]

I felt good about going back to my surgeon for activation however after that it's just a matter of time, patience and self discovery..... so many trifling things resolve and are left in the dust once you start applying your new and magical implant to the purpose for which it was intended

Lol, can't wait.

[Larry10625]

I felt good about going back to my surgeon for activation however after that it's just a matter of time, patience and self discovery..... so many trifling things resolve and are left in the dust once you start applying your new and magical implant to the purpose for which it was intended

Lol, can't wait.

My surgeon was 7 hours away so Dr. Brock agreed to allow Dr. Woods (urologist surgeon) take care of the post op care, wound care anyway. I may have to go back to London for the activation appointment. Dr Woods use to work with implants but does not anymore. This arrangement works great for me but, I can see that it may not work for everyone.

Larry