Pros and Cons of Surgery - Dr. Cathy Raggio

Dr. Cathy Raggio joins us at our 2020 Virtual Summer Conference to discuss the pros and cons of surgery, as well as other management options. Dr. Raggio is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with over 30 years of experience and specializes in the disorders of the spine, skeletal dysplasias and metabolic bone and connective tissue disorders.

[@susanwillard1269]

Dr Cathy is so knowledgeable. I am a retired nurse. I do research on everything that goes wrong with me before I just take a Dr’s word for anything. I am your 90 percent hyper mobility EDS. For over seven years I have done all possible to avoid a surgery to replace an ankle. I have finally found a Dr in N.C. And we are willing to travel to have a Doctor who is capable of not only complete joint replacement but possibility of replacing ligaments with Cadaver or now artificial tendons. Duke university seems to have made the gold standard for ankles. I pray I am making the right decision. But something has to be done and fusion with having had 8 spine surgeries already see, Ms will throw me off more. I have had enough falls to fill a book. I am not a quitter .I will and have done the work necessary. In rehab for my last spine surgery they have said without repairing that ankle you can’t go forward. But yet as they say we have never had someone so committed in trying and when one thing was not doable I made the suggestion of other activities that might help. Thank you for giving so much information and orating in a completely understandable way. Wish me luck. Thank you again Dr. Cathy.

[@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi]

Thank you-great insight! In regard to “patient reporting,” patients often underplay negative outcomes and overplay positive outcomes because they don’t want to hurt the doctor’s feelings, appear “ungrateful,” unrealistic, etc.

[@albendavid]

I would say that if you can avoid surgery avoid it unless it is minor and you won't probably suffer more after the surgery.

[@NatFablife]

Hey friend hey! Just stopping through to show your page some FABlife support!

[@anndemaret9746]

What happens when you are in agony needing both hip and knee replacement? I really am so unhappy I am petrified of surgery but can't go on like this... what is the answer?