I'm going to be with my daughter when she consults with a surgeon in a few days.

[Ptah]

What questions should be asked?

[thatdemguy]

1. We kind of need more info.

Is it something simple like an ingrown toenail or something much more serious.

But base line questions like recovery time, prognosis, if you do this a lot any normal complications you see.

[Ptah]

2. Spinal surgury

[thatdemguy]

3. Well the ones I mentioned are a great start.

Both my parents were in the medical field before my mother got in to politics. The questions I listed above really are the main ones you need to ask with any surgery. They really kind of cover everything, with out going in to the nitty gritty that can cause you too much grief. Keep it simple, dont worry about the really odd ball outside of norm stuff and you will just spiral down a hole you dont need or want to.

[Ptah]

4. Thank you for the informed suggestions, thatdemguy.

Should I research the surgeon?

[SheltieLover]

5. I definitely would!

[58Sunliner]

6. I would look to boards where patients talk about their surgery and get an honest look at the risks and complications.

There are many types of spinal surgery and what is involved can differ drastically. Most surgeons don't bother trying to really educate the pt on the risks. Many would not bother. Especially if they knew that the fail rate is high, or in 4 years, a second surgery is the usual outcome. It isn't as straightforward as one may think, or be led to think. Spinal surgery is invasive and complex, especially if they are going into the neck through the throat. I have degrees in nursing and RT and have said no spinal surgery 3 times now. Don't regret it, yet.