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Tomaino Arm Care Network

Dr. Tomaino's Blog

Sharing Information Leads to Better Decisions

January 22nd, 2011
It goes without saying that being better informed probably improves one's ability to make decisions. When it comes to participating in your decisions regarding healthcare--being equipt not merley with information about your diagnosis, treatment options, risks and benefits thereof, and expected outcomes, but also perspective is undoubtedly of value.

Perspective may better enable the appropriate decision for you--given where you are in life in terms of functional demands, how much pain you are enduring, the liklihood that treatment will help you, and the potential downsides of living with things as is.

Yesterday I evaluated an 88 year old patient who visited me for a second opinion about his painful shoulder. This gem of a man has lived through colon cancer, and is active an enthusiastic about his next decade--never uttering a complaint about the colostomy bag he must carry with him permanently; "What good would complaining do?" he stated, matter of factly. He felt the same way about his shoulder, and after having read an article I wrote in "Healthy Living" magazine, recommending that "shoulder health" be added to one's list of New Year's resolutions, he called.

In Septemer, 2009 I wrote a blog about making sense of ambiguous information. Getting a second opinion is one way to do that. Another is more transparent--sharing information with family and friends--each of whom may offer their own perspective or past experience. Though not necessarily "scientific", dialogue may foster improved understanding and awareness, if only by raising additional questions to consider.

To that end, when I started the website: www.rearmyourself.com I added software to allow "public discourse." The Forums section allows anyone to register and to ask their own question or to comment on what has been posted. Each week I review these posts and offer my own perspective/opinion. When based on the available scientific evidence, I will say so; when based on mere opinion secondary to my experience as a shoulder, hand, and elbow specialist since 1994, I will stipulate.

To participate in this Forum please go to: http://www.rearmyourself.com/forum/

Click on "Register" and register to participate. To protect patient confidentiality, please use your first name only.

*POST EDITED BY DR. TOMAINO.

*POST EDITED BY DR. TOMAINO.

Replies

Gina Miller

I second the need for a second opinion without a doubt. 5 years ago I underwent shoulder surgery and continued to have pain after surgery. The original surgeon told me the pain was just something I'd have to learn to live with.....WRONG.

Finally at age 51 I decided to research the Rochester area for a shoulder specialist and Dr. Tomaino was the most recommended surgeon through several sources. Within 1 week of my initial contact my 2nd shoulder surgery was scheduled.

And I'm soooo happy to report Dr. Tomaino is a god send in regards to second opinions. I just had my stitches taken out. Seeking a second opinion was the smartest thing I've ever done.

I'm looking forward to a pain free gardening season.

Thank-you Dr. Tomaino

January 31st, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
Maryann Mazzaferro

Finding Dr. Tomaino was the turning point in my life. With two painful shoulders from previous surgeries I too researched the best shoulder surgeon in the Rochester area. Dr. Tomaino was the best. Now after only a little over a week since my second reverse revision shoulder replacement to say thank you just doesnt seem like enough. I will know what a pain free lifestyle will be like plus the ability to do many tasks which otherwise seemed impossible to me. I owe both of my successful shoulder replacements to Dr. Tomaino. He has been a true blessing in my life. Seeking a second opinion has given my entire life a whole new meaning and direction.

February 1st, 2011 @ 1:59 pm

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