Hi @Kaz64 - I am so sorry to see you've joined our exclusive little group - but we've 'been there, done that' so we pretty well know what you are going thru xx ...... There is a wealth of knowledge here & hopefully, we'll be able to help you thru the next few weeks & months xx
I am not in Vic, but others will jump on & advise you in the areas you've mentioned.xx
Try not to get ahead of yourself re meeting your specialist surgeon - and definitely try not to allow that one review to cause a barrier before you meet the surgeon .... it may have just been a personality clash with that one person. It can happen ..... You could look at the 'lack of comments' on the surgeon as being 'good' - cos if there were a HEAP of dodgy comments, THAT would be bad, eh? Whoever your surgeon ends up being, they'll be doing their very best work on you, as they absolutely want the best outcome for you too xx.
Yep, definitely stay away from Dr Google totally for anything medical ... as everyone's case is totally unique & a lot of stuff that pops up 'first' is often old & out of date too.
I went private for my surgery & public for Radiation & Oncology .... and I can't fault either, tho as you said, with private, there are often 'gaps' to pay, even with full private health cover .... which I was advised of early in the piece.
When you see the specialist, take a list of things you want to discuss - as it is easy to forget to mention some things, if not written down, in the emotions of the moment. Take a trusted friend or family member with you as well as an extra set of ears - and I'd suggest that you record the initial meetings on your phone too, to 'go over' later on at home, if you need to, specially after your surgery. Always ask for copies of any reports, too ....
Jump onto this thread that explains a lot of areas on the Forum - we even have some 'fun threads' re pets, gardens, art & craft & even 'funnies' (god knows we need a laugh!). There is also a link to another thread for some 'tick sheets' that you can download (at the bottom of the page) to fill in prior to your appointments, to 'self assess' your mental health & other stuff xx. Sometimes, it is easier to tick them off & give a copy to the surgeon/Onc to go thru with you - rather than have to 'say it out loud', which can be quite confronting & upsetting.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latestTake care & all the best for your meeting with the specialist xx
