I've Got a Date!

Knowing I needed to head to Seattle for my care I began my search again of the SRS site and comparing who was covered by my insurance and their qualifications and focus.  I had three doctor's names stand out to me and they all worked together in neurosurgery at the Group Health Capitol Hill Clinic.  I called the clinic and they let me know it was Dr. Rajiv Sethi who they referred all their scoliosis patients to.  Perfect!  He was one of the doctors I was looking at.  Needing to know this was the right choice we reached out to our family members and asked for their combined faith and prayers as we held a family fast.  Thank you to our wonderful families for their eagerness to participate in that and their uplifting words for me. We love you!

On April 1st I returned to my primary care doctor for a new referral.  This time to Dr. Sethi in Seattle.   When I spoke to my doctor about the referral he suggested another surgeon he hadrecently heard speak at a conference.  I was hesitant as I felt a calm reassurance that Dr. Sethi was the correct direction to go. I told him I'd go home and give him a call back later.  When I got home I did more research, this time I compared the two doctors qualifications and patient reviews.  It just confirmed once again that I was making the correct choice.  Dr. Sethi is very qualified and had a ton of very positive reviews.  It is just as important to me for the doctor to have the skills as to have excellent interaction with his patients.  If people are upset they'll put their opinion out there.  If people are pleased, I don't think their first thought is to write a positive review but, that's just how I feel.  The other surgeon my doctor suggested did not have good reviews.  There were many unhappy patients voicing their opinion online.  So, I called my doctor back and let him know I'd like to stick with Dr. Sethi.

The referral was approved quickly but I had to wait 2 months to get an appointment with Dr. Sethi.  He was fully booked out with surgeries and out of town for presenting at complex spine surgery symposiums.

Dr. Rajiv Sethi

Finally, June 3rd arrived and we headed to Seattle!  The office staff was amazing.  So friendly and helpful.   The moment Dr. Sethi walked in the room and introduced himself I just felt once again that this was right.  The whole visit was completely opposite of the other surgeon; One, I actually met with the surgeon directly.  Two, he told me I was a prime candidate for surgery.  (I'm young and healthy, my scoliosis is severe and progressing.)  I went in there ready to fight for my surgery.  I had my list of reasons:  progression, pain interfering with my sleep and everything I'd like to do, etc.  No fight necessary.  :)  I don't think we were mentally prepared for him to ask, "When do you want to have the surgery?"  I responded, "When are you available?"  So the big day is August 4th!!!