Has anyone requested a second opinion for a medical concern?

[shh]

Background…I saw a specialist this week, who believes I have a “rare specific condition”. The Dr. believes the only way to confirm is with a very invasive biopsy. I had a list of questions, including, why isn’t the diagnosis and disease progression being done through imaging techniques. He believes the only way to get a true result is with the biopsy. He currently has 4 patients with this issue, and has had about 40 in his 40-year career.

The dr also did not like I had googled tons of info prior the appointment. And to me, it seemed like other medical centers only use a biopsy as a last resort (Ie if there are multiple medical conditions involved), and use a variety of imaging-related procedures. In his visit notes, he indicated I consulted with Dr, Google. I had to wait over two months for this appointment, of course I googled it. He also indicated I have high anxiety-which is true not only was he not listening to me, but also regarding the potential diagnosis.

So-as it was the only option presented to me, i reluctantly agreed to the biopsy. And the following day it was scheduled.

In the meantime, I again consulted Dr, Google about who the leading medical centers are that treat this problem, and there was a list of 5, including as #1 Mayo Clinic. Ironically, my healthcare is provided by a network that is a highly regarded medical center/teaching college that also does a vast amount of research, is well known across the country for many specialties, just not the one I have.

I now have an appointment schedule 1.5 weeks after the scheduled biopsy.

If you are still with me…do I just cancel the biopsy, or do I cancel and let the physician know. My current thought is, I have a PCP appointment (3 weeks before biopsy) about an unrelated issue, and can get her thoughts too.

And, just a side note, I do not appreciate this Dr’s use of the term in my notes…that this patient consulted Dr. Google. It is just not sitting well with me.

Are you female, by any chance? Because labeling a female patient as "anxious" when they are presenting physical symptoms or concerns is classic misogyny! Men are rarely labeled as anxious when THEY bring issues to a doctor.

Furthermore, wanting to reference something from online research is smart, provided you're researching reputable websites like cleveland clinic, mayo, johns hopkins, etc. (When I do this during an appt, I always make sure to immediately mention the source first, so they know right away it's credible: i.e., "Johns Hopkins specialists state XYZ...just wondering if you disagree with that?")

I make sure to bring it up respectfully - asking my doc's opinion about the findings vs challenging them with it. If they still resent or refuse to listen to qualified research from a top national source, they're clearly outdated and arrogant - a dangerous combination. Run far and fast before they cause you harm!

 

[shh]

I would get a second opinion. I once asked a doctor why he was changing my blood pressure medicine. He turned to his assistant and said, "Mark her record as non-compliant." I never went back to that doctor. I was just asking a simple question. It sounds like you have a similar situation -- a doctor who does not want to be questioned.

wow. I'd have reported that doctor to the state licensing board.

 

[shh]

I’m sorry this happened. You need to be your own advocate. I saw at least 6 doctors over a year before being diagnosed with cancer. I had 2 doctors write in my file I wanted attention and made up symptoms. You know your body. If something isn’t right or a doctor doesn’t treat you well go to another! Or 6!

Btw when diagnosed I called those 2 doctors let them know they were terrible doctors. I gave them 2 choices. They could apologize to me in front of their staff (humiliating for those egos) or I would sue/protest at their office. Their negligence led to me being stage 3B when diagnosed. No one wants a 29 year old bald cancer patient standing in front of their office with a sign saying they were negligent. I went into both and they apologized in front of there staff. They had several members of their staff leave after that. Be strong no one knows your body like you do.

Ms LoveDaisy - you ROCK. Can you imagine if every patient wrongly ignored who was later proven right did that?

 

[Neapolitan Ice Cream]

I've been referred to the medical hospital at Kings College London for a review. This will be on the NHS. Which is nice, as it will be free and comprehensive - but being the NHS, I'll have to wait a few months, to January. I guess I'll have to take what I can get!