Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Hi Ray! Did your orthodontist refer you to Dr. Garfield? Did he mention any other oral surgeons? Maybe there another surgeon who's familiar with your case and who might be less busy than Dr. Garfield... It is best for you to be with a surgeon who's familiar with your orthodontist since they have to work together. The only oral surgeon I have any real experience with is my current surgeon - Dr. Morin. He has an office in Outremont and one on Repentigny. But if you change surgeon - you'll still have to wait a few months before you can have your surgery. If I'm not mistaken - you said Dr. Garfield has had your molds for over a month? That's about how long before I got a call back from my surgeon's secretary after my ortho sent him my final molds. Do you have any idea at all when you'd have your surgery if you stay with Dr. Garfield? Best of luck! Johanne > > > > > > I know I haven't posted here for a long time, but I'm > still > > > > > alive... > > > > > > and waiting... waiting... waiting ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > Short story : the surgeon is taking an unusual amount of > time > > > to > > > > > look > > > > > > at my case. It's been more than a month now, that he had > my > > > > mouth > > > > > > imprints and he has not contacted me. Finally, I > discovered > > > > > > yesterday I may have a condition which would make > anesthesia > > > > > > dangerous (I will be asleep, but I could wake up several > > weeks > > > > > > later). We need to investigate this prior to surgery. > So, > > > this > > > > > puts > > > > > > me in the November candidates list, at best. But, my > > personal > > > > > > feeling is... December or January. > > > > > > > > > > > > Patience is a virtue... I have yet to possess... ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Johanne, I wasn't exactly referred to him, he was imposed upon me. My ortho doesn't want to hear about anybody else, despite my asking several times. If he was at least talking to him, I'd understand, but here I am, making the link between the two because my ortho don't want to call him, and Dr Garfield doesn't seem to want to call my ortho either. Initially (last year) my ortho said I'd be ready for surgery in October this year. We worked hard to get there (I was in constant pain with my braces for the initial 4 months, because he was squeezing my teeth as quick as he could). In August, I contacted Dr Garfield, got an appointment for beginning Sept. I met him, he asked 'where are your molds?' Ehhh... what molds?, I said. My ortho didn't do any. So I had to go back to the ortho, have molds done, and a week later, I returned to Dr Garfield's office with my molds. That was Sept 19. Since then, not a word. I was ready for surgery on Sept the 13. In fact, when I first met Dr Garfield, he said he usually respects the ortho's date. So, theoretically, I should have already had the surgery by now, or be scheduled for next week. But for now, I don't even have my surgical hooks and I haven't gone through the medical exams. So I'm affraid even if he was to fix an appointment for next week, I won't have any date prior to mid december. I'm really beginning to regret all this... I was at least expecting to be free for my birthday 2005 (Jan), but it doesn't seem to be my luck! nuff rambling! Ray > > > > > > > I know I haven't posted here for a long time, but I'm > > still > > > > > > alive... > > > > > > > and waiting... waiting... waiting ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Short story : the surgeon is taking an unusual amount of > > time > > > > to > > > > > > look > > > > > > > at my case. It's been more than a month now, that he had > > my > > > > > mouth > > > > > > > imprints and he has not contacted me. Finally, I > > discovered > > > > > > > yesterday I may have a condition which would make > > anesthesia > > > > > > > dangerous (I will be asleep, but I could wake up several > > > weeks > > > > > > > later). We need to investigate this prior to surgery. > > So, > > > > this > > > > > > puts > > > > > > > me in the November candidates list, at best. But, my > > > personal > > > > > > > feeling is... December or January. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patience is a virtue... I have yet to possess... ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 That's really too bad Ray... All I can tell you is to try calling Dr. Garfield back. It's weird that your ortho and surgeon aren't communicating with each other. You shouldn't be the only one trying to work out the details. If you don't mind me asking - who's your orthodontist? The last time you called Dr. Garfield's office - all his secretary/receptionnist said was to be patient because he's busy? After my surgeon received the molds from my ortho - his secretary called my ortho to confirm when I'd be ready for surgery and then she called me to tell me when he'd be available to do the surgery. Hopefully your ortho and surgeon will start communicating with each other soon. What did your ortho say about your surgeon being too busy and not giving you a date? > > > > > > > > I know I haven't posted here for a long time, but I'm > > > still > > > > > > > alive... > > > > > > > > and waiting... waiting... waiting ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Short story : the surgeon is taking an unusual amount > of > > > time > > > > > to > > > > > > > look > > > > > > > > at my case. It's been more than a month now, that he > had > > > my > > > > > > mouth > > > > > > > > imprints and he has not contacted me. Finally, I > > > discovered > > > > > > > > yesterday I may have a condition which would make > > > anesthesia > > > > > > > > dangerous (I will be asleep, but I could wake up > several > > > > weeks > > > > > > > > later). We need to investigate this prior to > surgery. > > > So, > > > > > this > > > > > > > puts > > > > > > > > me in the November candidates list, at best. But, my > > > > personal > > > > > > > > feeling is... December or January. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Patience is a virtue... I have yet to possess... ;-) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Johanne, My ortho is doctor Chouinard (in Anjou). He said to wait, and begged me to reconsider before to call another surgeon. He said Dr. Garfield is the best, and that he's surprised he hasn't at least called me to discuss the options (I should have the full kit, but some actions are optionnal). But you're probably right, hopefully they will start to talk to each other once Dr Garfield has had the time to examine my teeth alignment and discuss the issues with me. Still, I will find another surgeon Monday and will make an appointment with Dr Garfield to take back my molds, so I'll be able to arrive ready at the next surgeon's clinic! How are things planned for you? Did Dr Garfield gave you a series of test to undertake at the hospital (blood test, physical, etc)? I may seem like I'm over-reacting, but I just want to get this behind me as quickly as possible. I've been on a half and half diet since mid august. My teeth are so misaligned (only 3 of them touches, and not enough to chew solid food), in preparation of the surgery, that I can barely chew anything semi solid. So it's Boost in the morning (or a banana with yogurt), and ultra soft food for the rest of day (mainly soups, muffins, things I can break with my tongue). It's getting on my nerves already, because I can't see the day this is gonna end, and on my stomach because I swallow un-chewed food (stomach burns) But, all good things (and bad ones) comes to an end. My current predicament will be over... one day ;-) Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Ray -- A few more ideas. when you call Garfield's office, tell them (and get the highest ranking person you can -- the surgeon himself, or his office manager, or assistant, in that order --) WHY you need the models. That you would have wished, and your ortho would have wished, for him to do the procedure, but that you believe he is showing a powerful disinterest in attending you, and that you cannot understand why they have not responded to you. Also that their apparent indifference makes you wonder what kind of aftercare you might receive, should you have a problem. (That certainly would have occurred to me. My surgeon and my ortho both list their home telephone numbers. I did not call them at home, except when I had extreme circumstances, but both told me that I could.) That may shake them up a bit. I would also send a letter to the surgeon, marked " Personal, please, " and explain to him why I felt him to be inaccessible. It may be that his office staff is letting him down. Meantime, I know you are frustrated, and I don't blame you at all. But don't lose track of the end result, in frustration and a desire to be out of your present circumstances. If you wind up with a compromised result, it won't make things any better that you got through it six months, or six years (for that matter) sooner. Now, for your tummy -- have you tried antacids? Have you spoken with your general physician? Have you tried blending foods before you eat them? That would be awful for everything, I know. But not as awful as a consistently burning stomach -- not to mention the possibility that something else may be going on there. And mashed potatoes, for example, are, to me anyhow, every bit as tasty as baked or boiled or fried ones. And berries blended into smoothies are as good as whole berries. Broccoli soup can be marvelous, as can spinach souffles. Just a few ideas. It sounds as though you are miserable, at least about the way your body is working on these problems, and I hope you find some help soon. Please do tell those who are caring for you precisely what your troubles are, and perhaps they will have other ideas. Is there a reason your ortho has not telephoned the surgeon to inquire about your case? I think mine would have, or vice versa, if I'd had such troubles. Being " surprised " is not good enough. Tell him you are baffled, and want him to help you get through to the good surgeon. Or find you someone else you (and he) can work with! If your docs are like my docs, they will want a blood chemistry, plus an EKG (an electrocardiogram) and a chest x-ray, just to be sure that you're healthy enough to manage the anesthesia and surgery without complications. If you have a hidden problem you don't know about, you want to be sure your docs know about it before you go under. Really. Even if it delays everything. Good wishes to you. Best, Cammie ( > Johanne, > > My ortho is doctor Chouinard (in Anjou). He said to wait, and > begged me to reconsider before to call another surgeon. He said Dr. > Garfield is the best, and that he's surprised he hasn't at least > called me to discuss the options (I should have the full kit, but > some actions are optionnal). But you're probably right, hopefully > they will start to talk to each other once Dr Garfield has had the > time to examine my teeth alignment and discuss the issues with me. > > Still, I will find another surgeon Monday and will make an > appointment with Dr Garfield to take back my molds, so I'll be able > to arrive ready at the next surgeon's clinic! > > How are things planned for you? Did Dr Garfield gave you a series > of test to undertake at the hospital (blood test, physical, etc)? > > I may seem like I'm over-reacting, but I just want to get this > behind me as quickly as possible. I've been on a half and half diet > since mid august. My teeth are so misaligned (only 3 of them > touches, and not enough to chew solid food), in preparation of the > surgery, that I can barely chew anything semi solid. So it's Boost > in the morning (or a banana with yogurt), and ultra soft food for > the rest of day (mainly soups, muffins, things I can break with my > tongue). It's getting on my nerves already, because I can't see the > day this is gonna end, and on my stomach because I swallow un- chewed > food (stomach burns) > > But, all good things (and bad ones) comes to an end. My current > predicament will be over... one day ;-) > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2003 Report Share Posted October 24, 2003 Ray, I'm not trying to direct your life, honest. And I am about to back out with my opinions. But print out your post here, and give it to Dr. Garfield and your ortho. It seems to me that you have some truly legit complaints here, and that they both need to hear that they're jerking you around. That's absurd, that YOU should have to be the one to coordinate your treatment. It's in your best interests to do so, if they won't, but they're not three years old, and you can't make them sit down and telephone each other! Cammie > Johanne, > > I wasn't exactly referred to him, he was imposed upon me. My ortho > doesn't want to hear about anybody else, despite my asking several > times. If he was at least talking to him, I'd understand, but here > I am, making the link between the two because my ortho don't want to > call him, and Dr Garfield doesn't seem to want to call my ortho > either. > > Initially (last year) my ortho said I'd be ready for surgery in > October this year. We worked hard to get there (I was in constant > pain with my braces for the initial 4 months, because he was > squeezing my teeth as quick as he could). In August, I contacted Dr > Garfield, got an appointment for beginning Sept. I met him, he > asked 'where are your molds?' Ehhh... what molds?, I said. My ortho > didn't do any. So I had to go back to the ortho, have molds done, > and a week later, I returned to Dr Garfield's office with my molds. > That was Sept 19. Since then, not a word. > > I was ready for surgery on Sept the 13. In fact, when I first met > Dr Garfield, he said he usually respects the ortho's date. So, > theoretically, I should have already had the surgery by now, or be > scheduled for next week. > > But for now, I don't even have my surgical hooks and I haven't gone > through the medical exams. So I'm affraid even if he was to fix an > appointment for next week, I won't have any date prior to mid > december. > > I'm really beginning to regret all this... I was at least expecting > to be free for my birthday 2005 (Jan), but it doesn't seem to be my > luck! > > nuff rambling! > > Ray > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Hi Ray! Apparently Dr. Garfield is one of the best and if you're comfortable with him (how many times have you actually seen him?) apart from playing the waiting game with him - maybe you really should try to call his office and, like Cammie said, try to talk to him personally pr to someone else at his office that has some degreee of power in the outcome of all of this and really express your miscontent. Tell your surgeon all the things you've told us here - that's you've heard he's great surgeon and your otho trusts him and wants you to have your surgery with him, but you had expected to have your surgery much sooner - or at least have some more precise idea when you'd be having it. My surgeon is not Dr. Garfield though - it's Dr. Morin. My ortho is more familiar and comfortable with him. Oh, and while you're at it - get your ortho off his butt and on the phone with your surgeon. If your ortho wants you to see Dr. Garfield - he shouldn't be simply surprised he's busy and let it go at that. He should be calling your surgeon to talk about your case. Oh, and Cammie brought up another good point - if it's this hard to get attention before your surgery - what's it going to be like after? I know you're not exactly comfortable right now - but what hapens if you have a serious problem and when you call your surgeon's office - they tell you he's too busy and to be patient and then nobody calls you back? I have my ortho's home phone number and his cell phone number and I'll be getting my surgeon's home phone number and/or cell before the surgery (I do have his e-mail address though) You really need to be comfortable and be able to count on the people who are taking care of you. I'd really get this settled before going through with the surgery. Good luck! Johanne > Johanne, > > My ortho is doctor Chouinard (in Anjou). He said to wait, and > begged me to reconsider before to call another surgeon. He said Dr. > Garfield is the best, and that he's surprised he hasn't at least > called me to discuss the options (I should have the full kit, but > some actions are optionnal). But you're probably right, hopefully > they will start to talk to each other once Dr Garfield has had the > time to examine my teeth alignment and discuss the issues with me. > > Still, I will find another surgeon Monday and will make an > appointment with Dr Garfield to take back my molds, so I'll be able > to arrive ready at the next surgeon's clinic! > > How are things planned for you? Did Dr Garfield gave you a series > of test to undertake at the hospital (blood test, physical, etc)? > > I may seem like I'm over-reacting, but I just want to get this > behind me as quickly as possible. I've been on a half and half diet > since mid august. My teeth are so misaligned (only 3 of them > touches, and not enough to chew solid food), in preparation of the > surgery, that I can barely chew anything semi solid. So it's Boost > in the morning (or a banana with yogurt), and ultra soft food for > the rest of day (mainly soups, muffins, things I can break with my > tongue). It's getting on my nerves already, because I can't see the > day this is gonna end, and on my stomach because I swallow un- chewed > food (stomach burns) > > But, all good things (and bad ones) comes to an end. My current > predicament will be over... one day ;-) > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 > Oh, and Cammie brought up another > good point - if it's this hard to get attention before your surgery - > what's it going to be like after? That is something that crossed my mind several times. I know how great he is (even my dentist and her staff knows about him), but that's not going to help me if I can't see him quickly. It's probably different once you're on the other side though. Got to give the surgeon some credit. It might as well only be bad timing for me. Perhaps, exceptionnaly, more patients showed up at his door needing emergency care. On my last visit, he told me a story of a man who had a bar fight and was admitted very quickly for an emergency surgery. I know he's not only doing jaw as ortognatic surgery, he does also many different things (still in the same area). Perhaps, since I'm reasonnably healthy and there's no real emergency, I'm being delayed. I can understand these humanitarian reasons. Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Hi Ray! Most good surgeons do have long waitings lists. I have to make appointments with mine at least a month in advance and then be available whenever he is or I'd have to wait another couple of weeks. I was suppose to get my surgery in September, but apparently fall is a busy time for oral surgery (I guess most people don't want to have surgery during summer since they might be going away on vacation and it's not pleasant being sick/hospitalized when the weather is nice and warm (not that it's much more pleasant any other time of year), so they pospone their surgery whenever possible. I think the only reason I got a date for december is because many people might be trying to avoid having surgery close to the holidays. The waiting is long and annoying, but your main concern should be getting your ortho and surgeon to communicate with each other to ensure when you do eventually have your surgery - it will go very smoothly. I've had a lot of trouble talking and eating for the last 3 or 4 months, so I understand how even more impatient that can make you. I'm sure everything will work out for the best though. Good luck! Johanne > > Oh, and Cammie brought up another > > good point - if it's this hard to get attention before your > surgery - > > what's it going to be like after? > > That is something that crossed my mind several times. I know how > great he is (even my dentist and her staff knows about him), but > that's not going to help me if I can't see him quickly. It's > probably different once you're on the other side though. Got to > give the surgeon some credit. > > It might as well only be bad timing for me. Perhaps, exceptionnaly, > more patients showed up at his door needing emergency care. On my > last visit, he told me a story of a man who had a bar fight and was > admitted very quickly for an emergency surgery. I know he's not > only doing jaw as ortognatic surgery, he does also many different > things (still in the same area). Perhaps, since I'm reasonnably > healthy and there's no real emergency, I'm being delayed. I can > understand these humanitarian reasons. > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 Thank you so much Cammie! I've forwarded a copy of this note and will take this into consideration. Ray > Ray -- > > A few more ideas. > > when you call Garfield's office, tell them (and get the highest > ranking person you can -- the surgeon himself, or his office manager, > or assistant, in that order --) WHY you need the models. That you > would have wished, and your ortho would have wished, for him to do > the procedure, but that you believe he is showing a powerful > disinterest in attending you, and that you cannot understand why they > have not responded to you. Also that their apparent indifference > makes you wonder what kind of aftercare you might receive, should you > have a problem. (That certainly would have occurred to me. My surgeon > and my ortho both list their home telephone numbers. I did not call > them at home, except when I had extreme circumstances, but both told > me that I could.) > > That may shake them up a bit. I would also send a letter to the > surgeon, marked " Personal, please, " and explain to him why I felt him > to be inaccessible. It may be that his office staff is letting him > down. > > Meantime, I know you are frustrated, and I don't blame you at all. > But don't lose track of the end result, in frustration and a desire > to be out of your present circumstances. If you wind up with a > compromised result, it won't make things any better that you got > through it six months, or six years (for that matter) sooner. > > Now, for your tummy -- have you tried antacids? Have you spoken with > your general physician? Have you tried blending foods before you eat > them? That would be awful for everything, I know. But not as awful as > a consistently burning stomach -- not to mention the possibility that > something else may be going on there. And mashed potatoes, for > example, are, to me anyhow, every bit as tasty as baked or boiled or > fried ones. And berries blended into smoothies are as good as whole > berries. Broccoli soup can be marvelous, as can spinach souffles. > Just a few ideas. > > It sounds as though you are miserable, at least about the way your > body is working on these problems, and I hope you find some help > soon. Please do tell those who are caring for you precisely what your > troubles are, and perhaps they will have other ideas. > > Is there a reason your ortho has not telephoned the surgeon to > inquire about your case? I think mine would have, or vice versa, if > I'd had such troubles. Being " surprised " is not good enough. Tell him > you are baffled, and want him to help you get through to the good > surgeon. Or find you someone else you (and he) can work with! > > If your docs are like my docs, they will want a blood chemistry, plus > an EKG (an electrocardiogram) and a chest x-ray, just to be sure that > you're healthy enough to manage the anesthesia and surgery without > complications. If you have a hidden problem you don't know about, you > want to be sure your docs know about it before you go under. Really. > Even if it delays everything. > > Good wishes to you. > > Best, > > Cammie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2003 Report Share Posted October 25, 2003 I can understand that, too. Just the way I can understand being kept waiting for three hours to see an orthopedic surgeon for routine follow up that takes three minutes. People break bones, and surgical patients need attention post op. But I can't understand why this fellow doesn't have SOMEBODY on his staff who can tell you that that's the reason. Lemme know, when I'm not the emergency and you have someone who is, and I'll reschedule or wait. But let me make that choice. Nor did I understand it with my orthopod, and I let him have it when I got in there. (I don't appreciate waiting three hours to see you for five minutes! He did apologize... I think there had been a major screw-up in his office. I can even forgive that major screw-ups happen -- hey, I have had one or two in my own life and business dealings. But I cannot forgive being ignored and left without any explanation, and I start to raise, if you will pardon my language, Holy Hell when I perceive that I am being ignored. Or even worse, when my beloved ones are.) You don't want to run into my buzz saw, believe me. Not that it necessarily helps, but I turn it on full throttle. Cammie > > Oh, and Cammie brought up another > > good point - if it's this hard to get attention before your > surgery - > > what's it going to be like after? > > That is something that crossed my mind several times. I know how > great he is (even my dentist and her staff knows about him), but > that's not going to help me if I can't see him quickly. It's > probably different once you're on the other side though. Got to > give the surgeon some credit. > > It might as well only be bad timing for me. Perhaps, exceptionnaly, > more patients showed up at his door needing emergency care. On my > last visit, he told me a story of a man who had a bar fight and was > admitted very quickly for an emergency surgery. I know he's not > only doing jaw as ortognatic surgery, he does also many different > things (still in the same area). Perhaps, since I'm reasonnably > healthy and there's no real emergency, I'm being delayed. I can > understand these humanitarian reasons. > > Ray Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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