Do You Seek A Second Opinion?

Hi Lynn, Well perhaps I should recuse myself from commenting on this discussion, as I am well versed in my own condition and can rival any medical student, in my given fields. My doctors and I all have a relationship, that is a give and take. I am always free to ask questions, and sometimes even my doctors admit that they do not know. So I would always advise someone if they were unsure of a decision to see another opinion. Not just a second opinion but perhaps a third and forth if necessary. A Doctor should respect our need to being reassured, and not be afraid of a second opinion, or be offended that you want one. In fact I have had some of the specialists, I worked worth, request their own 2nd opinion of thier own opinions! A good doctor will admit they are only human and be as reassured my another opinion as you are. Happy Mylotting!

I will always get a second opinion for something major like surgery. I just think that Doctors can and do make errors. So its always best to get two opinions.

It depends what the diagnosis is whether I'll get a second opinion or not. When I had cancer, you can be sure I got a second opinion of what treatments would handle it successfully, and which Dr had the best success ratio. (And I'm here today lol, so I'm really, really, glad I did!) Another time my first opinion Dr, AND my second opinion Dr. both said I needed surgery to correct something, I went to a third one and he healed it with medicines and without any surgery at all. I think it is necessary to be our own advocate in medical situations, especially since there are many new therapies and ways of handling things. I don't think a person should worry about upsetting their Dr if they want a second opinion...if they're offended, then that says something about them and their 'This Dr is always right' attitude. If an insurance company will pay for a second opinion, then I think a person owes it to themselves to hear more sides to the story than just one. Even if a person doesn't have the best insurance, it's still important to seek a second opinion in lots of matters. Have you seen the commercial for the Cancer Centers of America? Like the lady says, her Dr said her Dr gave her 2 months to live, and her next opinion gave her hope and a cure...it's like that lots of times in the real world of medicine. (I was a nurse since the early '70s, and home hospice nurse for many years. I have some very strong opinions on healthcare and being your own advocate lol)

Well it doesn't really matter to me to have a second opinion but if I feel like I can't believe what the doctor is sying, I might as well get a second opinion. Gives me a peace of mind that the doctor is not lying and all.