panic.

I am panic-striken. I went for pre op testing and everything was great but I got a knowitall for an anesethologist (sp) and he insisted that I get a new letter from my primary dr. My first letter is exetremely supportive but he has an issue because it was done in August of 2006 when I started the process. I actually had another internist clear me that day but the sleepytime dr says he doesn't think that is "fair" to my doctor. I can believe it. Nothing has changed in my life since the first surgery. That wasn't even the last time that I saw my dr. The problem is that my dr is closed wednesdays and that leaves only thurs. and fri. to get a letter. Surgery is Monday. He will probably insist that I make an appointment. (he does that even for referrals which he knows are necessary) I hate to think negatively but I am also worried because I cannot take time off either day even if he can get me in. I thinking of calling Dr. Kole. I'm hoping that the surgeon can override other docs. Any advice????

That's a pretty crappy thing to do. He has a right to his opinion, but to tell you with this short of notice? Geez. Does your current doctor know about and support your surgery? Maybe he'd be willing to call the anesthesiologist's office and speak with him directly rather than try and get a new letter. Can you call the surgery schedulers at the hospital and request a different anesthesia person? I would give that a try too. You need to be comfortable with everyone in the OR, but esp. the surgeon AND the guy watching over you while you're under! Good luck. I hope this is really just a pebble in the road that just looks like a boulder from this angle.

thanks. I'll try your suggestions.

Dr. Kole is a great guy as well as a good surgeon, call him like you said and see what he can do to help you. One thing i've learned about Dr. Kole and Dr. Schuchknecht is that they really care about their patients and put their patients health first and foremost. Always.