When the patient advocate also happens to be the patient

It's always enlightening to walk in someone else's shoes.

Well, this healthcare professional recently underwent a total knee replacement. As a result, I got to experience firsthand what it's like to be on the receiving end of our healthcare system.

As a patient advocate, I help people make informed decisions about the healthcare they elect. For my surgery, I knew I wanted:

• An excellent surgeon, one with extensive experience and good outcomes.

• A facility with low infection rates (in some hospitals, nosocomial infections run rampant).

• As short a downtime as possible. I have things to do!

I did my research and made my choices. As it turned out, the surgeon I picked was over an hour away from my home, but in the scheme of things, that wasn't important to me.

Planning pays off

In the weeks leading up to my procedure, I was careful to follow my doctors' instructions to the letter.

On the morning of surgery, I reported to my chosen surgical center at 5 a.m. Happily, all the pre- and post-op protocols were appropriate and thorough - and believe me, I was paying attention. Everything went smoothly.

I was back at home by 1:30 p.m., where my home health nurse and therapist met me. They continue to visit every day.

I've been careful to follow all my providers' instructions, especially the grueling physical therapy. These exercises aren't fun, but they are paying off - by day four, I was able to reduce my pain medications and walk without a walker or cane.

I'd been told to expect severe pain for at least two full weeks!

Takeaways for patients

I'm pleased with how my procedure went and how my recovery is proceeding. Here's my takeaways for others undergoing similar procedures:

• Do your research. When a doctor comes well recommended, dig deeper. Make sure he/she has a good track record and no malpractice claims. Make sure he/she will take time to address your concerns. Competent doctors aren't always nice, and nice doctors aren't always competent, but insist on one who is both. If you don't know how to research providers, find someone who can.

• Do your "prehab." If your doctor tells you to lose weight or increase your muscle strength before surgery, do it.

• Follow every direction your doctor gives you; it will give you a better outcome.

• Ask all the questions you need to fully understand what's happening.

• If you notice something is off, call your doctor immediately.

And finally, say thank you to those who are caring for you. Healthcare providers deal with many pressures, from rigorous oversight to dealing with insurance companies. It's just as easy to be a pleasant patient as a grumpy one, and everyone benefits - including you.

• Teri Dreher, RN, iRNPA is a Board Certified Patient Advocate and pioneer in the growing field of private patient advocacy. A critical care nurse for more than 30 years, today she is owner/founder of NShore Patient Advocates, the largest advocacy company in the Chicago area. She was awarded her industry's highest honor, The APHA H. Kenneth Schueler Patient Advocacy Compass Award, in 2015. She is among the first in her industry to earn the credential of Board Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA). Her 2016 book, "Patient Advocacy Matters," is now in its second printing.