2nd opinion

[Garth949]

Hi everyone, wanted to know when you guys want to get a 2nd opinion should you tell your primary doctor that you want to get a 2nd opinion? Is that the right thing to do? I like the doctor that i'm currently seeing but just want a 2nd opinion.. and once you see the other doctor do you tell that doctor what the primary doctor dx with?

Thank You

[kadi]

When I got a second opinion about my IC, I did not tell my first doctor. When I saw the second doctor I told him what tests I'd had run & their results, but did not name the first doctor or my diagnosis. One thing that's very important is to not criticize the first doctor (even if he/she richly deserves it) to the second doctor because they are likely to close ranks & defend each other when you really want the focus to be on helping you.

[ICNDonna]

It was my urologist who recommended a second opinion and he sent records of tests with me. I did go for the second opinion, but returned to my original doctor and he treated my IC for thirty years before he retired.

Donna

[Goldfinch]

Getting second opinions isn't necessarily a judgment on an original doctor, often it's really about information gathering. I have learned something from every doctor I've seen, if only what I'm looking for in a doctor!

Are you looking for another primary or for another specialist? My primary always understands when I want a second opinion from a specialist, such as a uro (I saw three of them before I picked one) and she takes my opinions of these doctors very seriously, so she knows whether to keep recommending any particular one, or to add a new one to her list. I don't bad-mouth anyone, I just say what their strengths and/or weaknesses seem to be.

If you are looking to change primary docs you need only say you want a fresh set of brains on the case, and I would make sure to have copies of your records with you. Kadi's right though, you do have to be a bit careful about what you say--some docs are friends and talk to eachother.

[KarenAnne]

When I went for my second opinion, I didn't tell the first doctor because I didn't plan on going back to him. I did tell the second urologist that I was going to see another urologist, who just specialized in IC. I explained it by saying, "I don't want to offend you, & want to stay on here if necessary in the future. What do you think about me seeing Dr. So & So? He was relieved & explained that he didn't treat alot of IC patients, & would be there if I needed him. We were able to discuss this other dr. professionally & ended my visit on a nice note with the option of coming back. And now I keep him updated through his receptionist.

A good doctor will never be offended if you want another opinion. And you should keep copies of all your test reports for yourself & make extras. If a doctor is offended that you want to get another opinion, then that should send up a red flag about him or her. That's someone you do not want to go back to. Best wishes with all this, it is overwhelming. But everyone here is so helpful & supportive, you'll get it worked out.