Dr. Diagnosis/Opinions...How many are a bad idea? - Foot Problems Message Board

CJBermuda · 02-12-2004, 08:04 AM

Hello everyone,

I have something that has been on my mind for a while. It is to do with Dr. opinions and diagnosis. Even though sometimes it is good to get a second or third opinion, what happens when these opinions do not match, who do you believe?

As I read about everyone stories online, including my own and the amount of opinions I have had. I have come to the conclusion that, is it worth getting so many opinions? Do we get confused along the way? As doctors have had training at various institutions and have learned to diagnose in several methods, and we the patients end up with the results, when do you know who you should believe along with all of your xrays, MRI's , blood test, etc.. etc..?

Just my thought for the day...

Have a great day all.

CJ....
BERMUDA

sweetficus · 02-12-2004, 04:27 PM

the decision of having any kind of surgery is very anxiety provoking. The only remedy for that is preparation, that is, knowing ALL (or as much as possible) the information, options, possibilities available. A visit to a single doctor chosen at random out of the phone book is just not sufficient. Thank goodness we have the internet now to dispel some of our ignorance, plus use other qualified people's recommendations. Otherwise it is just blind faith on a doctor whom you may have never met before who tells you what is best, and there are some very sketchy doctors/podiatrists, out there

sailmaven36 · 02-13-2004, 06:59 AM

If we are talking real medicine hear, not the alternative stuff, The Diagnosis at the second opinion should match that of the first. If it doesn't, go get a third. Medicine done correctly is not subjective, it is objective, and what one Doctor sees should be the same as the next doctor. As far as treatment is concerned, In foot sugery there are different methods to treat the same deformity. One particular method might work better for a particular dr., another Doctor might prefer a slightly different approach. They both should address the same problem. Dont be shy, ask the Dr. why he feels one approach is better then the other. If you still do not feel comfortable, get a third opinion.

mediamom · 02-13-2004, 07:43 AM

Part of this issue is the orthopedist versus the podiatrist. I went with an orthopod, but made sure he specialized in foot surgery. I asked how many bunionectomies he's performed and how often. I didn't get a second opinion because I felt my guy was experienced and I immediately trusted him. He didn't encourage the surgery (didn't feel like he was out for the $$) and told me that most people opt for it when they just can't take the bunions any more. I felt ready to have it done, after many years of dealing with them. Thought about a second opinion but then found I was satisfied with my doc's experience in the area, his certifications and his overall medical training. I even checked out where he attended med school and did his residency. One caution about orthopedists though, be sure they have ample experience dealing with feet. It should be their specialty, not just something they do once in a while.

Good luck!

sweetficus · 02-13-2004, 12:12 PM

sailmaven - you have touching faith in the medical field; medicine IS both subjective and empirical, ie one approach will work for an individual patient and not for another depending on so many factors. Plus what is considered to be good in one period of time can get discounted in the next. QV the postmenopausal estrogen replacement backtrack just recently - 10 years ago hormones was pushed strongly, and now the new evidence is that is actually is bad for you! The doctors just went, OOPS!

marketing mom - curious what kind of exact surgery you had, to see if there is any difference in podiatrist and orthopod