Should I get a second opinion to see a NS?

[lynn06072010ATL32]

I'm still new here and my condition, I was reffered to the neuro surgeon ( Dr. Gullick). I was very comfortable with him. He had explain and review the mri film and he took his time  and had given alot of imformation about chiari 1 with syrinx so that I can have a better understanding, he had explain to me that he's performed chiari surgery over a hundred times, also he gave a list of websites to do more research.... I don't know if I should see more neurosurgeons or should I let him perform the surgery? I am very scared because this is a major surgery, I never had any type of surgery, this would be my first...

[*Stormy*]

Hello

I realize the value of having a recognized Chiari specialist...however, in Canada I didn't have that choice. If it is an option for you to get a 2nd opinion than I would do so b/c it is brain surgery and you have that right. However, in my position, that NS sounds like a great one to have and a lot like mine. Although not technically a Chiari specialist, mine did a GREAT job on my surgery, I had no leaks, no complications whatsoever and my post op MRI showed that he accomplished what he intended. I was in a different situation, I came to him not even having a dx (just a bunch a jerk drs telling me it was stress). He gave me a hour of his time anyway, really looked over my scans and dx the Chiari. When I needed surgery, I had no doubts in my mind about getting him to do it..it was a matter of trust. So...get that second opinion...and then I would go with your gut!!

Good luck!
Carolyn

[selmaS]

HI ...I have to concur with CW...u need a NS that is a true chiari specialist. May I ask over what period of time these 100 surgeries took place. Many NS will do these, but may be ill equipped to handle surprises as a NS that only deals with chiari everyday.

I would suggest getting a 2nd opinion from  a true chiari NS to see the diff and go with the dr u r most comfortable with.
This surgery as all surgeries has risks....so u want the most qualified dr possible.


"selma"

[ChiariWolf]

Having done these procedures does this Dr claim to specilize in Chiari? The website doesn't list any specialties just states he is a NS.

Because of the type of surgery involved you are right to ask. It is of the utmost importance to find a NS that 'really' knows what he/she is doing. Not just a Dr who says 'Oh I can do that'. I do not have any knowledge of this particular Dr perhaps he is great perhaps not. But personally I do some research on him and see what his patients with Chiari have to say about him.

Selma has made a list of recognized specialists availble on Medhelp. I don't see this Dr listed there but perhaps some have used him and just not had the time to add his name???

Wolf