Once I had decided that I was going to need surgery, it was time to find a qualified surgeon - easier said than done. While almost any orthopedic surgeon will offer to do the fasciotomy (compartment release), it must be taken into account that compartment syndrome is still a relatively rarely diagnosed condition, and therefore, there are not a lot of surgeons out there who have done the procedure enough times to be truly considered experts.
So when speaking to a prospective surgeon, DO NOT be embarrassed to ask how many compartment releases the surgeon has done in the past year. While this might be a somewhat awkward question to ask, as it implies a certain distrust of the surgeon's abilities, it nonetheless must be asked. I first went to a highly respected surgeon (for those Sox fans out there, he was part of the surgical team that did the famous suturing of Curt Schilling's ankle in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees). Unfortunately though, he told me that he only did about 1-2 fasciotomies a year. That just wasn't going to cut it. Even if his office walls were adorned with the autographs of the entire '04 sox championship team.
Eventually, I found my guy, who does tons of them, and came highly recommended (If anyone would like names, please contact me).
Now it was time for the pre-op appointment...
I was advised to go to someone because he was the best in our town. However, he didn't really seem like he knew what he was talking about. I ended up going to a dr. 3 hours away but he was the nation's expert on CS!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree, no one should let convenience allow them to opt for a less experienced surgeon. Did you already have the surgery? If so, feel free to share your post-op experience! Everyone will benefit from hearing it!
ReplyDeleteHi Sam,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Julie and I have been suffering from CCS for two years. Thank you for creating this blog! There is not much information out there and it is extremely frustrating. How are you doing? Are you feeling ok?
Do you live in the Boston area? If so, who is your doctor?
And I am also curious to know who the nation's expert on CCS is?
I am seriously considering surgery since this has changed my lifestyle dramatically and is a real downer.
Keep me posted on your recovery!
Hey Julie! I feel your pain (literally). If you are not satisfied with the alteration of your lifestyle that compartment syndrome forces upon you, than for sure go see a doctor! If you want the name of the surgeon I went to, I'd be happy to provide it. Just e-mail me at nompetpau@gmail.com. As for how I'm feeling, the posts in this blog pretty much sum it up, and I will continue to give updates on my progress as long as I am able.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Sam
Have appointment in 3 days for pressure readings, after 3yrs of pain and no jogging I am ready. I have been through EVERY non surgical treatment without relief. I live in Texas need a surgeon who does the release frequently.Help
ReplyDeleteWhere are you from? I live in Illinois and just found out that the leg pain I have had for 10+ years is compartment syndrome. I had MRI And compartment testing. Resting pressure was 25-28. After exercising for 11 minutes it was 35-38. I was never a runner and everything I read is about those who run. I have planned my surgery for May. I feel confident that the surgeon is experienced. Not sure I feel that way just because he is the first person who knows what is happening.
ReplyDeleteHe said two incisions on each leg, done with a camera. Researching some on this and there's not a lot???
@ Timmar- there are three ways of doing the surgery. The surgeon I had insisted on doing it with one large incision, because he said it is the most effective, and leaves less room for mistakes. Each surgeon has his preferred method, but it wouldn't hurt to do more research so you're more informed^^
ReplyDeleteI had a bilateral fasciotomy in the anterior compartments of my legs in 2002 in Texas. I had run in a couple marathons with multiple shorter length runs from 3k to 30k. Dr. Thomas O. Clanton performed my surgery. I was referred to him by one of my other doctors on whom he had also performed surgery and I had been suffering from CS for five years. You can google him but you should also check out others who may be as experienced living in your area, Maggie. My surgery and recovery went well and I have not had any problems. I believe the doctor practices in Vail now. My sister had the same surgery in Seattle --don't know that doctor's name. It is very important to find a surgeon experienced in this procedure. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Surgery has been moved to 4/12. I did some more research and discovered the dr is knowledgeable and experienced, even though he says this is rare.
ReplyDeleteI am a little, well a bit, nervous about recovery not knowing what to expect. I see good stories and bad, guess that's with all recovery.
In my mind within 1 week I can be up and about like I am now. Not sure how I feel about being slower longer than that. The dr said it can take 6 months to be fully back!!!! That's a long time!! I am taking 40 preschool children to st Louis zoo 5/11 so I need to heal quickly.i also want to be careful so I heal correctly.
It really helps reading this blog.
Can you please tell me the name of the doctor, I need to have the surgery and am in Chicago
ReplyDelete