A True Testimony: The Frustration of Post-Surgical Care with a Health Care Professional

Health care professionals are often praised for their expertise and efficiency. However, not every patient experience is a positive one, especially when post-surgical care falls short. This article shares a firsthand account of one individual's frustrating experience with a physician who excels in the number of procedures performed but often neglects follow-up care, a lesson learned through a painful post-surgical ordeal.

Introduction to the Experience

The author had a full knee replacement with a highly regarded surgeon known for his productivity. Although the recovery was largely uneventful, the after-care left much to be desired. When a complication arose, the lack of follow-up care from the surgeon led to prolonged pain and hindered the recovery process.

The Surgical Complication and After-Care Frustration

After undergoing the knee replacement, the author experienced unexpected black and blue shades engorged in the calf of her leg. Described as excruciating, the pain was similar to a severe cramp. This condition was attributed to a failure in stopping the bleeding from the small blood vessels, resulting in blood pooling in the calf.

Upon seeking advice from a retired physician, the author learned that the recovery from this issue could take up to two weeks and would involve significant discomfort. This information came as a surprise, given the initial optimism and assurance about the recovery process.

Seeking Help and Receiving a Wrong Response

The author reported her ongoing pain and difficulty sleeping to the surgeon's office, but was met with a dismissive response. The office either ignored the issue or inaccurately reassured the patient. This interaction led to the author being referred to a physician's assistant, who although sympathetic, was not capable of addressing the root issue.

During the conversation, the physician's assistant’s reference to the author’s legal background led to an unexpected turn of events. The author jokingly mentioned specializing in medical malpractice class action litigation, which surprisingly resulted in a dramatic change in the surgeon’s demeanor. The physician’s assistant then provided a cell phone number and begged the author to contact the surgeon directly if the problem did not improve.

Resolution and Reflection

Thanks to the retired physician’s prediction, the blood eventually drained, and the calf returned to its normal state, alleviating the author’s suffering. The author wonders if the surgeon would have been as accommodating if he had known about her legal background.

Conclusion and Reflection on Professionalism

The experience highlighted the importance of comprehensive and compassionate after-care in medical practices. It serves as a reminder that even the best-performing medical professionals can fall short when it comes to patient support and follow-up care.

For medical professionals, this story emphasizes the need to prioritize patient satisfaction and ensure that all aspects of post-operative care are thoroughly addressed. It is a call to action for health care providers to reflect on their patient interaction and follow-up procedures, ensuring that every patient receives the care and support they need.