"The first visit seemed a bit canned, but I imagine it has to do the numbers that Dr. Byrne does. He seems to have quite a dry wit, appearing with a large button on his lapel with a question mark on it..... Of course, he wished to be asked what it was about......and the answer was it was a query as to "where are the surgeons?", an editorial comment it seemed on the more and more miserable payment the surgeons actually receive from the insurance companies, coupled with the higher premiums that they have to pay.
Anyway, it was a very informative day, longish since we had to wait for the "group session" at 1 and I had an early appt. for Dr. Byrne himself, the dietician, and the psych consult. Risks were addressed very openly, questions were well received and well answered.
Aftercare was strongly emphasized, and completion of another group meeting with the floor nurses is mandatory for surgery. This meeting was also lengthy, but very informative. We were given a very explicit booklet with the whole nitty gritty of our hospital stay outlined, and then a very excellent talk by the dietician. On the way out, we were given a "recipe book" that looks as if it will be especially helpful dealing with the liquid diet immediately post surgery.
I was quite impressed with the depth of information given out in every event......and then there is Joyce!! She does the scheduling for Dr. Byrne, and is like having a guardian angel on the other end of the phone. What an asset!!"
