second opinions (doctor question)

If you ever went to get a second opinion from a doctor, what factors made you decide to do so?

Also, did you tell the doctor that he/she was the second one you were seeing for that issue?

I've been lucky until now with my doctors...but I saw one today that left me feeling very unsure and I don't know what to do.

Thanks!

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

If you are unsure get a second opinion. I have to have complete trust in my doctors.

ETA: When I got a second opinion I wound up staying with that doctor. I really liked him so much better than the first. He knew he was my second appointment.

Message edited 1/11/2011 9:04:26 PM.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I got a second opinion after my second miscarriage. She seemed to say it was a fluke but did testing and sent me to a hemotologist, I didn't feel comfortable with him so I went to a fertility specialist. My OB said it was smart to get a second opinion and I am soo glad I did!

Any good doctor will understand you getting a second opinion and fully support that, if they seem put out by it, then they aren't a very good doctor!

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

for big stuff, yeah...or any time I have felt uneasy....but especially if they recc surgery.

i have been known to go to 4 docs for opinions on the same issue. (and still have yet to go through with the surgery.....)

i like hearing all sorts of takes and opinions on things when I am unsure of a major decision.

i've also told each doc that they were a "second" opinion. you don't have too, though.



it can't hurt, you know?

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I often have and I usually NEVER tell them they are the second opinion. Drs get scared off going against another dr sometimes, so I never say it.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I trust my gut. Walking out of the office not feeling secure is my first clue.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I have gone for second opinions when the issue was complicated. I wanted to make sure that the first doctor did not miss anything or misdiagnose the issue. While I did not say to them that they were a second opinion, I did have the lab tests and they could see other doctors names so I am sure they were able to deduce that they were a second opinion. I had a complicated pregnancy issue which thankfully was successfuly resolved, but at that time it was absolutely stressful. I wanted to make sure that both DS and I had the best care possible.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

If I feel uneasy, unsure or just a sense that something was missed I always get a 2nd opinion. I've done it many times. You can just tell the doctor that you were looking for a 2nd opinion. They are used to it.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I've gone to a dr for a 2nd opinion, told him it was a 2nd opinion..ended up not liking the 2nd dr and went back to the 1st dr. The 2nd one basically reconfirmed my choice in the first one!

I say if you feel uncomfortable with a dr for any reason, then you should at least do yourself a favor and go talk to someone else

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I'm currently being worked up for MS and once I have a diagnosis I will be getting a second opinion. For one, it's a serious illness so why not be absolutely sure. Also, MS shares symptoms with a lot of other illnesses so I want to be sure.

I'm also not entirely thrilled with my current doctor's office. My doctor himself is great but they are taking FOREVER to get me the results (over 2 months now for a spinal tap result) and when I call, the 'coordinators' have no compassion. I think the demeanor and attitude of the office staff is almost more important than the doctor's bedside manner.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I have gone for a second opinion twice and the second time literally saved my life.

If you are uncomfortable at all, leave, do not go back. A doctor isn't someone fixing your car, it's someone who you are trusting with you life, it's a different kind of relationship and you should be comfortable and confident in that person.

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

Re: second opinions (doctor question)

I urge anyone to get a second opinion when facing a big medical decision!

I had to make a huge medical decision on having a complete hysterectomy when I was 32. My Obgyn actually insisted on getting a second opinion so I felt better that it was the right choice health wise for me.

I wish you well in what ever you decide!