I learned that the hard way.
A doctor saved 20 minutes of his precious time, hacked through a muscle which he didn’t reattach (but this is not required) as part of a shoulder replacement.
I competed in the Army winter Olympics years ago (not sure they still have those). I’m in my mid/late 50s and had cancer, but I train almost every day. I was an airborne ranger. Physical fitness is important to me. I use my body.
Before the surgery I was explicitly clear about what I wanted and expected (all realistic), and the doctor assured me 100% that “releasing the muscle” will not impact the function of the shoulder in any way. He said you don’t use those muscles and I will not be impacted since the pectoral is attached in 5 locations and he’s just partially severing one.
He was wrong. I now have a bum shoulder that has no strength in certain movements.
Now I’m disfigured. The cut muscle went into the chest and gave me a round breast, and I have a big gash where the muscle is missing compared to the other side.
BUT I can get a spoon to my mouth and I assume that’s what he meant when he said it’ll work just fine. I’m sure the surgery was a success on the books and the doctor of course made his money.
McDonalds health care, you get 3 minute fries.
Can I sue or do anything? Not really. He followed the “standard of care,” what he did is permissable. 43 years of my life dedicated to physical fitness and training wasn’t worth 20 minutes of his A-holes time!
Should you trust a doctor? Hell no.
ONLY if you know the guy and he’s proven himself professional, ethical, and competent, actually listens to you and understands that he is working for you.
I’ve had similar negative results. In one case, years went by and doctors told me that surgeons don’t do the procedure any more because it didn’t work. Never mind that I was forever harmed. I was a guinea pig. I trust no one.