Sorry Cooper, I promised I won't post in your thread, but I think this is the most appropriate place to respond.
The criticism and scepticism is valid. I am unknown in traditional CLL circles.
Nobody is under pressure to have surgery with me. The flow is as follows: private email contact(free), followed by skype consult(free), followed by personal consultation. Up until the day of surgery the patient has the freedom to cancel or postpone if something bothers them or if I don't live up to expectation...
The discount mentioned was based on a group discount for the first three cases, as they all wanted to come around the same time. This is not in order to draw more patients and it unfortunately cannot be repeated, as the discount amount means we are working at cost (no profit).
If you read the posts re my 'rule' of 165cm, I strongly discourage people to commence CLL if they are taller than this, but, at my discretion, I may consider people who are taller, provided they understand and have realistic goals. This is done at my sole discretion and does not really need explaining, as this decision will be between myself and the patient.
I hope this clarifies the issues.
With regards to talking to patients: when you come for a consult, you will see a variety of my patients in the waiting room, at xrays etc. You are welcome to talk to them at any time and discuss anything with them.
With regards to the insinuation that CLL is more complex than deformity work: This is simply not true. The type of reconstructive work we do on patients daily is extremely challenging technically and is absolutely excellent experience for CLL. If you don't agree, of course you're welcome to look elsewhere.
Sermon over.
On a lighter note: I am hoping to post some pictures of the hospital, team, offices etc soon in my own thread.
Cooper Precise Femur Journey with Dr. Birkholtz (Incomplete)
Hello doctor,
I'm glad you answered, but please don't use the word "sermon". You're not a priest, and I'm not a child. I understand why you answered but I was warning Cooper; I did not use defamation (I don't even know you) and I was not writing stupid things. Please let me feel free to discuss without fearing you will interfere each time we question a danger, an aspect of the surgery, and even a doctor.
In fact, I hope you didn't think I was personally attacking you (apart from my sarcasm about your "rule"). It is more about the dangers of Internet and I still believe you may have create something dangerous, and which will be difficult to control. I'm also still amazed: people here are so blind with their height neurosis, it is very, very easy to become the new best doctor. This is what happened on anold forum, with dr. Sarin, and it happened also in Paris with dr. Musy.
Quote from: HK on March 23, 2014, 07:00:40 PMHello doctor,
I'm glad you answered, but please don't use the word "sermon". You're not a priest, and I'm not a child. I understand why you answered but I was warning Cooper; I did not use defamation (I don't even know you) and I was not writing stupid things. Please let me feel free to discuss without fearing you will interfere each time we question a danger, an aspect of the surgery, and even a doctor.
In fact, I hope you didn't think I was personally attacking you (apart from my sarcasm about your "rule"). It is more about the dangers of Internet and I still believe you may have create something dangerous, and which will be difficult to control. I'm also still amazed: people here are so blind with their height neurosis, it is very, very easy to become the new best doctor. This is what happened on anold forum, with dr. Sarin, and it happened also in Paris with dr. Musy.
HK, the 'sermon over' comment was an attempt at sarcastic humour. I am sorry if it offended you.
You are most welcome to post what you like and warnings are welcome and important.
Me being on this forum is new and may be seen as dangerous. I have been dealing with patients via electronic media for years, so am comfortable with this.
I did deem it necessary to reply, but let's agree to leave it at that? I do not want this to escalate.
You make a very valid point about 'hero worshipping' a doctor that nobody here has met in person. I agree that making decisions solely on the forum is not the way to go.
Point taken.
Don't worry: nothing will escalate, you did not offend me and I'm not the kind of persons who would create a scandal on a forum. I'm just uncomfortable with paternalism.
Apparently, we agree about some points. I hope I'm wrong anyway. Cooper, good luck and keep us informed !
HK,
Your warnings are very true. I genuinely appreciate it. This is not a nose job or jaw lifts. We are talking about breaking one of the biggest bone and not one but two. This is already scary and picking a doctor without any type of consultation is even dangerous.
My plan is to visit Pretoria in end of May with possibility for the surgery on June 4th. I will check the hospital facility, talk to current patients and meet most of the staff. As I mentioned before if I am not satisfied 100% than I will take train to Johannesburg and have fun for few days and fly back home.
Thanks
Quote from: paco1 on March 23, 2014, 06:35:47 PMOk I see that you have made yours homeworks, good job.
I have done some but not enough as I want to. Therefore I am going bit early to check out the places before laying down in theatre room.
Hey cooper just to make it as transparent as possible are you getting any discounts for
any surgeries with Dr Birkholtz?
Secondly what are your lengthening goals?
Quote from: theuprising on March 24, 2014, 03:17:01 AMHey cooper just to make it as transparent as possible are you getting any discounts for
any surgeries with Dr Birkholtz?
Secondly what are your lengthening goals?
No discounts that I know of. I believe it will be going to be more because I might insert titanium nail after lengthening.
My goals is 6.5cm
Quote from: Franz on March 23, 2014, 06:48:07 PMSorry Cooper, I promised I won't post in your thread, but I think this is the most appropriate place to respond.
On a lighter note: I am hoping to post some pictures of the hospital, team, offices etc soon in my own thread.
No problem Dr. Franz. I will love to see the pictures though.
If any one has any concerns about my tentative surgery than please feel free to post here. I want to hear your opinion; hence all criticism are welcome. This is better for the forum and more importantly for me.
I might learn a thing or two. Plus I want to know everything I can now than later 
I am not offended or disappointed when you have question or critical of my decision. So please feel free to chime in, keep it coming!
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