I appreciate the suggestions to get another opinion, and the idea that getting another opinion (as suggested by Spirogyra on another thread) and not asking for a second opinion makes sense to me. I don't understand how to do that, though, when taking my xrays would indicate that I've already seen another surgeon.
I don't want to go through the MRIs, myelogram, and CT scan again.
There is one ortho and one neuro in the town where I live. I've seen them both. I also saw a neuro in a town several hours away.
Thanks.
Stillwater
Last edited by StillWater; 10-06-2004 at 07:39 PM.
Hi,
Well it seems like you are kinda stuck. Your resources are minimal. I don't remember your story but I would say if your only option is the neuro or ortho that is in your town then you have to figure out which one is better. You have to ask yourself, who is more qualified , who has more experienced and who is going to be able to help you based on what you need. If it means going through MRI'S, CT scans as so on than so be it. You have got to look at what's best for you not short term but long term. I know it's frustrating and it's enough to drive you crazy but it's the big picture that matters. Take care of yourself and let me know how you are doing. Kristy.
Kristy, I saw the ortho here for two years, and had MRIs, ESIs, a myelogram, and CT scan. Then saw the neuro for a 2nd surgical opinion, then saw a highly recommended neuro in another town. Different recommendations were given. It just doesn't feel right to me. My insurance won't pay for repeating the same tests. Plus I never want another myelogram. It was terribly painful because of the severe compression, with no space for the dye to run through (the drs explanation of the pain, plus I saw the films).
But I don't see any way to get "another" opinion and have it be an opinion independent of the others.
StillWater
Last edited by StillWater; 10-07-2004 at 01:37 PM.
Okay I'm not entirely sure that I understand but bare with me ... Is it that you are wanting to have surgery that is performed by the other Neuro in the other town? Or are you trying to go non surgical? Or is it just that you are confused and don't know who to go with because 2 different opinions were given? I'm not sure why you would have to go through all these tests again, they should be able to transfer them to any doctor. Sure sounds like your being mislead. I know it's very frustrating and confusing. What are your symtoms? That will make it easier for us to chat and figure this out. Take care and try to get back to me with some more info. Kristy.
Hi Stillwater--I guess I started some of the confusion, so let me try to resolve it. Frankly, I don't think it makes a bit of difference whether you structure it as a "second opinion" or "another opinion." I entirely agree that going through an unnecessary series of retesting--MRI, myelo, or otherwise--is both unwise and frankly dangerous (myelo is intrusive test, as well as radiation issue).
Perhaps, whatever I said earlier was misunderstood. But what I will say now is that, if the docs you see come well recommended and are worth seeing, it makes no difference whether you call it (or they call it) "second opinion" or anything else. They will call it as they see it. And if you get a range of responses, I don't think it will reflect how it's framed; just the fact that different docs will see your situation in different ways. Most likely, they would have differed whatever order they were in the opinion chain.
The main issue is to work with someone you trust. Good luck to you!
