Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey OLFers,
   I just wanted to give an update on the surgery that I'm planning for my shoulder injury.

    My surgery that was scheduled for this past Wednesday was cancelled on very short notice for the second time by my wonderful and considerate orthppaedic surgeon. The first time, it was cancelled last month when the doctor refused payment for the screws and hardware needed to complete the procedure only a dsay before the procedure was scheduled.

    This month, he was overseas on a trip and decided to extend his vacation time by a few days and cleared his entire Wednesday schedule....which included my surgery. I appreciate that he was probably catching up on time that he doesn't get to spend resting or with his family because of his busy practice, but I can;t take the chance that he'll need to do it again next month when I'm rescheduled for my third time.

I promptly let him know that he was fired and wouldn't be doing the surgery on me and that he hadn't done much good for my already ailing opinion of the medical profession. I have some very close friends who are doctors and have their patients' welfare at the top of their respective priority lists, but I've also had more than my share of experiences with doctors who don't.

Now, I'm looking at starting at the initial consultation with a new surgeon that I can, hopefully, trust to do the surgery when he schedules it. Fortunately, all the imaging is already done and available for him to review as well as the MRI reports.

It's frustrating as I sit in pain and unable to work for 8 weeks longer than was necessary.

I'm just anxious to get back to my shop and all of he work lined up in it.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

Keep the faith Kevin and Hang in there my friend, it a;; will be behind you soon, you're still in my prayers.



Serge

Hey Kevin,

It must be very trying for you at the moment, I can only imagine your frustration. But keep your chin up mate and let us all hope that you quickly receive first class treatment to get your life back on track ASAP.

The main thing for you to do now is to try and relax focusing on the fact that every day endured is yet another closer to putting this all behind you.

Cheers

Kim

Hey Serge,

You stole my post while I was still typing dude...and left half the words out as well. But you still maintained the sentiment buddy and that I am sure is shared by all

Cheers

Kim

That sucks Kevin!
My wife and I have experienced inconsiderate doctors/surgeons in the past as well. Once we find a Doctor that puts us first we hang on to them as long as we can. I wish you well in your search.

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   Kevin
    What are you getting done? I have mine reconstructed twice from dislocations. That is in fact how I discovered guitar building.
    Sounds like your doctor is an As$ so run as far as you can.
   Good luck , it took me about 4-5 months to really feel normal again. They had to cut all my tendons and ligaments , then make me a new shoulder socket.
Isn't something I recommend for fun but I can say I feel great and don't have any pain or movement restrictions.
   If you need to talk we are here to cheer you up.
John Hall
PS they will give you some great pills for sure

Kevin,

So sorry to hear about your extended pain and inconvenience. Perhaps it's better that you had to fire this guy now, in the long run. If he'd done the surgery and you'd needed him for followup during your recovery and he wasn't available, that could have been worse than the waiting you're having to do now. I've had about 12 major bone surgeries and seen the torture a selfish doc can put a patient through. Nobody should have to go through that no matter how good a doc might be with a scalpel. You did the right thing.

Best wishes.

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now known around here as Pat Foster
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

I agree with the above...I'm sorry you're going through all this, and that your surgeon turned out to be a dud.

Say, I'm sure you've thought of this, but what are the chances that during your 8-weeks, or during recuperation, you could take on a few students who want to learn the art of guitar building? Obviously you hvae a ton of knowledge to share. I guess it would be difficult/impossible for you to do too much work as an example, but maybe some of the basic things wouldn't be out of the question.

Just an idea.

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Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

Hi Kevin,

I'm sorry you had to go through all this, but I'm glad you stood up for yourself and fired the guy. Obviously, he's all about the money and himself. That's too bad.
I hope and pray you've now found a doctor who will give you the help you need.

_________________
"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

My wife and I have fired more than one doctor over the years. The doctor can be your best friend, or your worst. I hope that You have found the right one and that your surgery goes well and on schedule. We'll be praying for a speedy recovery.

Al

Hi Kevin,
I'm am so sorry to hear of the the problems you are having both with your shoulder and with getting the surgery. As a chiropractor, I get to hear sooo many stories of the failings of the orthopedists. Mainly not in thier skill but due more perhaps to their arrogance at times. Hang in there, there are good ones! Ask friends or at church or other groups you may be involved with for favorable feedback. Unfortunately, some of the best technically are the worst with thier "bedside manner". Good luck and keep us posted.

Good luck. As frustrating as it must be, it sounds like you made the right decision.

Also, Bill's suggestion of taking on students could be a good way to get you into the shop for the time being.

Sign me up Kevin! Let's make some lemonaide!

Kevin, you gotta a lot o people praying for you!! Hang in there.... we know its gotta be tough but in no time it will be all over and nothing but a bad memory in the past!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Sorry to hear this, Kevin. Sounds like your (ex) doctor is one of those who could benefit from being a patient himself. (Don't they say this is always eye-opening to physicians--to be on the receiving end for a change?)
I'm sure you will improve the situation as you take the experiences to heart, and turn them into lessons yourself. What comes to mind first is being able to put yourself in others' shoes-- how they feel, what they are experiencing. No doubt you will be even better able to empathize with your own customers, and treat them as you would wish to be treated.

It is said that suffering leaves an indelible mark upon men. Surely this will be blessed to your gain. Our prayers are with you to that end.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Kevin,
My doctor did the same thing to me for my knee surgery...In my view, these doctors ought to...well never mind.
Anyway, find a good Doc, get better...we will be praying for ya!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Well it's pretty clear to me that God's ordered your steps in many areas. He a plan for your doctor too. I just turned down a small but good paying job. Not only do customers choose me, but I screen them. In this case the Holy Spirit nudged me to steer clear. I did. Took a a much more deserving customer (I did the work for half price) b/c he serves others, runs the food bank at our church etc. I can sleep at night when I listen to that still small voice.

You'll be fine through this. The greater the battle, the greater the glory. (preachin to the pastor here...)

Can't wait to hear the story that's being written.

Kevin,
so sorry you have to go through this.. Its bad enough to need surgery, now you have to deal with a poop head doctor. 've had 3 joint surgeries, and have played the waiting room waiting game far too many times. so many days of sitting for 2 hrs just to see the doc for 5 minutes.. I thought I had to wait, but your waiting is so much worse, ihope you find a good caqring doctor who can take care of you soon.. I have to say at least I am glad I have had the surgeries, 2 of them are perfect now,, the other,, well its better. And i do things I shouldn't so its part my fault.
Get better and get building
Mike

Kevin sorry to hear news of your protracted woes. Waiting for surgery creates enough anxiety let alone your prolonged discomfort. It has to be disheartening for you as I very much doubt you treat your customers in the fashion you've been treated.

I wish you a successful surgery and a speedy recovery.

     Kevin: I really feel for you. I had so many problems with MD's. If I could recommend, that you look for an Osteopath. These are medical doctors equivalents in full training and licensing to MD's, but without the dismissive attitude. I'm sure you can find one trained in orthopaedic surgery in your area.

    Most people don't even know who Osteopaths are. My family has had 3 for 3 and they were all good. They have a much more balanced approach to medicine. My prayers also!

    Things happen for a reason! I think Stowell's given some really good advice.

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Billy Dean Thomas
Covina, CA

"Multi famam, conscientiam, pauci verentur."
(Many fear their reputation, few their conscience)

Kevin, I know it's not what you want to hear, but personaly I'm glad you dumped your first surgeon. He was in it only for the money not for you. Yes, doctors need to get compensated for what they do, but when they are more concerned about their bottom line they stop being good doctors. I know that all this down time has been killing you, but a couple of months down time on this end beats years of pain/annoyance down the line, which is what I think would have happened if you had gone through with the surgery. And who knows, since you have all the films in hand you might not have to wait but a couple of days after the consultation.

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Aoibeann

Kevin,
Man, I can't stand MDs' like that! You were smart to dump him. Good luck with your new doc and good luck with your surgery and a speedy recovery.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Hi Kevin...

As you know by reading these posted emails you know that I too am going thru a surgery on monday as well. It's called an Angioplasty. I will admit that I am scared as heck thats for sure. A certain percentage don't come out of this procedure on top. I am praying for you my friend and hope that all the pain will be absorbed me and you will be successful and healthy.
You're a good person so what if it was wood that brought us together. That fact is that we are caring for each other in a religious manner.

So take care and remember that there are prayers out there coming your way for sure.

Respectfully, walter