@kjones612 - Welcome to Mayo Connect. First of all - good luck with your upcoming appointment. You are asking some good questions.

I had spinal work done in 2023 after much research, multiple images having been taken, and multiple consults plus second opinions. Here are some tips on that first doctor session:

1) Pre-write down some questions and have them on a piece of paper with you. Don't end the appointment until you've gone through your list. No question is unreasonable and you should not feel intimated about taking up the doctor's time to respond to yours. It's your spine and you deserve to know what the medical professional is thinking and why.

2) Two questions all pre-surgery spinal patients have are: Will this surgery correct all my problems and what are the chances of an undesired outcome? As frustrating as it can be - the doctor is unlikely to be able to give you an exact answer to either question. I would recommend you still ask those questions at least to engage the neurosurgeon in this aspect of your concerns.

3) I found it immensely helpful to have a second set of ears in the room to hear what the doctor was saying. That meeting can be emotion-charged and you might miss some important details and discussion points otherwise.

You should feel comfortable asking all your questions and you should expect a neurosurgeon to appreciate your interest in gathering information. These folks are hyper-busy and not all have great bedside manners...so don't be put off by a brusk manner. What you want is the best neurosurgeon you can find! Ask questions until satisfied!

Will you report back on your appointment results?