Excellent! This review covers three parts: before, during and after the appointment with Professor Povlsen. I first came across Professor Povlsen when a friend forwarded me one of his articles on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, with which I had recently been diagnosed. I then checked The Hand Clinic's site and was very impressed with a) how it is organised and patient-focused; b) the way in which Professor Povlsen explains each condition in a clear and informative manner, regardless of its complexity. I learnt more about some of the intricacies of my condition in as clear a way as possible. It was the best preparation I could have for the appointment. First appointments can be slightly nerve-wracking for me, as I usually have to explain a complex medical history very succinctly and rather quickly before getting to what brings me there. I saw Professor Povlsen at the Hand Clinic at the Shard. I was the first patient of the day and Professor Povlsen called me in 15 minutes before the appointment, reassuring me that there was plenty of time to discuss my case and I need not worry. I had sent exam reports and clinical letters in advance to his secretary, so the appointment started with Professor Povlsen, in the structured manner akin to that of his website, offering a summary of his understanding based on this information and leading on to a) an assessment of my neurological TOS; b) the intricacies of my particular case and how did it compare to others; c) what were my treatment options and their advantages and disadvantages; d) in his opinion, what I should do next and who would be the best specialists to do so (Professor Povlsen told me off the outset that he did not perform surgeries or conservative treatments himself); e) whether there could be a prognosis as such. He spoke in a calm and candid manner and was empathetic in conveying the severity of my case and how it had to be (re)viewed within a larger context. I quickly realised the importance of what he was explaining and that, had I not sought to see him, I would still have been very much in the dark in terms of what may effectively lie ahead and what can realistically been done about it. I was then given ample opportunity to ask my own questions based on what I had been told, which Professor Povlsen answered clearly and diligently. It was very much to his credit that my husband and I left the room feeling much more enlightened about my circumstances and, despite the not-so-good news, with the reassurance if being on the right hands (pardon the pun). The post-appointment care was also above and beyond. Usually, I need to make several calls to either arrange to see another, referred to, specialist, or research and organise treatment options. On this occasion, Professor Povlsen's secretary swiftly dealt with the logistics and kept me informed at each stage. As someone who has had to be seen by many consultants, I could not recommend Professor Povlsen highly enough. Both he and the Hand Clinic's service are excellent!
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