My brother is mentally ill and, although he lives with my parents, he doesn't take very good care of himself. He hurt his knee a while ago and the doctor wants to do surgery, but I'm afraid that he won't take care of himself properly. Do the surgeons work with psychiatrists in these types of cases?
Many times, medical specialties overlap with each other and much of medicine is team work. For example, if a patient with diabetes has to have surgery, the medical care of diabetes is just as important as the surgery itself. The same thing happens with psychiatric illnesses.
If your brother will allow you or your parents, it may be a good idea to go to his surgeon's appointments with him in order that you can help explain the situation and your concerns to the doctor. You can also help by enlisting the help of community services, for example. With that sort of help, your brother's chances at a successful recovery may be better than if he is left on his own.
As well, your brother's psychiatrist should know about the upcoming surgery so preparations can be made and contact be made between the surgeon and the psychiatrist.
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