Recommendation for spinal surgeons in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver or Hong Kong?

[fwhc022883]

My mom is diagnosed with osteophytosis, a form of bone-related degenerative disease, that is currently affecting her spine. She was first diagnosed in 2009 in Calgary and her surgery is scheduled for 2013. Her pain increase gradually until the last few weeks, her condition took a turn for the worse, had to take a steroids shot and will need a wheelchair very soon. There were times when she couldn't even get up for hours on end.

We are trying find any other doctors to get a second opinion and perhaps, be able to provide a surgery earlier. Can anyone suggest any spinal surgeons in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver or Hong Kong that I can contact?

Much thanks.

[shannn]

My mom is diagnosed with osteophytosis, a form of bone-related degenerative disease, that is currently affecting her spine. She was first diagnosed in 2009 in Calgary and her surgery is scheduled for 2013. Her pain increase gradually until the last few weeks, her condition took a turn for the worse, had to take a steroids shot and will need a wheelchair very soon. There were times when she couldn't even get up for hours on end.

We are trying find any other doctors to get a second opinion and perhaps, be able to provide a surgery earlier. Can anyone suggest any spinal surgeons in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver or Hong Kong that I can contact?

Much thanks.

For the procedure your mom needs, every spine ortho surgeon and/or neurosurgeon in Canada has a wait list for surgery that is a minimum 10 months unfortunately.

I'm not sure about HK.

Did you get your mom on the surgeon's cancellation list? So that if anyone cancels, your mom would get booked in ASAP.

[chibsta08]

When I had my surgery, I only waited a few weeks with my neurosurgeon. I'll PM you details about it OP.
I had an amazing neurosurgeon, he was very patient with me and the rest of my family.
He wasn't all about numbers & that's rare to find nowadays..most surgeons just want to cut you open.

PS He is in Etobicoke/Mississauga

[fwhc022883]

Thanks shannn and chibsta08 for the info. I'll definitely ask my mom to get onto the cancellation list.

[hdom]

I would think more carefully before calling them to cancel.

Instead, call your surgeons and info the condition has much worsen and see if they could move it up instead.

You don't need to call to cancel until your mom has already had surgery elsewhere and last time you want is the others don't work out and you are back to bottom of the list.

Also, check if your Health Care would llow you to go out of province for that type of surgery, I know you want your mom fixed up soon but the bill may not be easy to swallow after.

However, if money is no question, a private hospital in HK is likely your best bet for time and success. This is from personal experence with a family member who have had spinal surgeries done both in Calgary and HK.




Thanks shannn and chibsta08 for the info. I'll definitely ask my mom to get onto the cancellation list.

[chibsta08]

I agree, if it's an urgent surgery, they can bump it up..I only waited a month for mine.
They also mentioned that if there are cancellations, they will bump me up even more but they said that it's unlikely because other patients have waited months/years for their surgery.

[f33dme]

If you can afford it I highly recommend the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. My brother has issues with his back and needs surgery. 6 mths for a an MRI, 1 year to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon in Toronto. The health care system in Canada is a joke.

[Drew87]

If you can afford it I highly recommend the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. My brother has issues with his back and needs surgery. 6 mths for a an MRI, 1 year to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon in Toronto. The health care system in Canada is a joke.

Just curious - how much did you have to pay?

[Kris81]

The health care system in Canada is a joke.

You're right. Everyone who has a sick child should walk right into a hospital, get their baby healthy, and walk out with a 10,000$ bill.

[lordnikon]

If you can afford it I highly recommend the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. My brother has issues with his back and needs surgery. 6 mths for a an MRI, 1 year to get a consultation with a neurosurgeon in Toronto. The health care system in Canada is a joke.

Not a joke for those who can't afford it. The only problem is the waiting time. You wouldn't want to be in a situation where you're sick with no money. Medical fees/prescription drugs in the US is astronomical.

[jacksorbetta]

This guy is an amazing surgeon.http://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/40126/Dr-Richard-Chan-Vancouver-BC.html

Take the reviews with a grain of salt. No, he's not a warm fuzzy guy, but has the hands of a miracle worker. He saved my mom from permanent paralysis. We didn't like him personally, , but I'd trust your mom's surgery to him. He's also known as the celebrity Dr for saving Misty Cockerill's life.

[Toukolou]

I didn't think you were able to cold call specialists, you need a GP's referral, am I missing something here?

[jacksorbetta]

I didn't think you were able to cold call specialists, you need a GP's referral, am I missing something here?

Any old walkin clinic will do ;). Or, in the case of spinal diseases/injuries, Spinal Cord Injury BC can assist with referrals. That's how my mom got hers. The first doctor she went to wanted to do a very risky, unproven surgery on her, so she sought a 2nd opinion.

[fwhc022883]

Thanks for all your suggestions and advice. My mom went to see her GP again and asked them to update the surgeon with more info (i.e. more severe pain, etc). Hopefully, she can get moved up the waiting list. She also did ask if she can get onto the cancellation list (which might let her have an earlier surgery date) but so far, no luck yet.

hdom, you are right, she definitely won't want to cancel until after the surgery is done. Btw, do you still have the contact info for surgeon/specialist that you went with for your family member's surgeries in Calgary and HK? If so, can you please PM me? Much thanks.