Second opinion

[lazycrazyjen]

Hi all. I'm curious how doctors respond when you want a second opinion. My current doctor just wants me to try every med out there. I'm on med number 8, and I have an appointment with a new doctor, to see if he has any better ideas. I'm not afraid to tell doctor  1, but what if doctor 2 can't help me any better than the first? Do I try a third doctor? Do I stick with Dr 2 until I find 3? Can I use 1&2 in tandem? Do I move to Colorado to meet Dr Oro?
I'm asking because I have an EMG in the books with Dr 1 just after my appointment with Dr 2. Do I keep it? Will Dr 1 continue to see me? Well he say I'm stuck going to Boston every three months now?

[auntij2746]

I had 3 NS opinions and was very fortunate that they all agreed I had classic symptoms obstructed flow with no syringe (yet) and that it was my decision depending on if I could put up w/pain. One was a chiari specialist in another state 2 were locals who were very familiar with chiari. what made decision easier was that I liked the specialist least and felt totally confident in one of the locals as did my dh. This all my children friends and grandchildren are here and that was important to me. I since my NS is not a true specialist (although he has done 100+ of these surgeries one thing I liked was that every time I asked him to check out any other conditions he immediately lined me up with a dr who would test me quickly.(thanks to Selma I knew what to ask for :) and I was never made to feel like a nuisance in this area. I the PA was a little gruff at times but he eventually softened. I Selma and others reinforced that once you meet the right doctor for you, but you will know it. I'm 3 weeks post op and have my 4 week check next week. I yes there have been ups and downs and until I am off meds I may not know full effects from surgery. I am also 62 and realize I may have a little bit longer recovery but the good news about that is that I do not have small children at home and can regulate visits from grandchildren so we shall see. I SO imho see other doctors until there is one you trust-you WILL know. And keep asking all those questions that you learn about here because the doctor who welcomes that is the one you will have the most confidence in. I you are in my prayers. I hugs and June

[actressmouse]

I had 4 NS opinions before I felt comfortable enough with one to trust him to actually do the surgery.  I, too, tried many, many meds...nothing worked for me.  As Selma said, get copies of all tests/scans to take with you to your appts.  You will know when you find the right fit....

[selmaS]

  Hi....if u count all the Drs I went to over the yrs I went to far more then 3, but once I got my DX I did see 3 diff NS's...one said u have it but I should not let neone touch me, the next said I did not, the next said I did but it was above him....(one of these was not a NS but a NL.....so my 3rd opinion was from a NS....I did not take into account the NL as I felt he did not have a clue.

Getting these opinions all depends on ur ins and if u need a referral....I did not...so it did not matter what one thought or felt, I wanted to get more info.

And I do agree with Dana, once u meet the right Dr u will know.

BTW- Have the EMG- most end up having to have this test done....so it is not worth putting off...just get copies of all testing so u have something to show the other Drs.

[Sexybare]

There's nothing wrong with getting numerous opinions my dear. And the best part is u don't have to tell your current dr. Only if u need a referral, but your family dr can do that ;). I didn't seek out a second opinion til after my surgery, when I got worse. I didn't know much than and it was a misrake. Now I have dr oro and wouldn't change him for the world. He's super great :). U will know when u have found the right one!! Good luck and hugs, Dana

[STL5]

After I got my first mri, the neurologist made me promise to get a second or even third opinion after seeing the NS she referred me to.  I followed her advice and did see a second NS.  He offered on his own to refer me to another NS, as well as send his notes and copies of the tests to another NS if I wanted to get another opinion.  I felt comfortable with him so I did not take him up on the offer.  I would recommend getting another doctor's opinion.  No doctor is perfect.

[linnielou232]

I actually went to 3 different NS until I found the one who would listen and I felt comfortable with.  I suggest you get a 2nd opp.  so you know if there is anything else can be done.  I wish you the best, because I haven been on this path and sometimes it does get flustrating.  Just keep being persistant and be an advocate of you and I'm sure you will find the NS for you.  Wishing you the best.
Linda :)