The Power of the Second Opinion

For the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to treat a
very pleasant man who had unfortunately fallen on ice.

He complained of pain throughout his lower back, left hip, and
knee.  When he came to my facility he was using a walker because
he could barely walk. He could not shower or dress without help.
 I developed a treatment program to help him walk better and to
decrease his pain.

This man had been examined by an orthopedic surgeon before
coming to my facility. The surgeon took X-rays of his hip,
prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, and told him to return
a couple of weeks later.  When he returned, the doctor told him
that he needed a hip replacement because he has osteoarthritis
(loss of cartilage of the joints). He was escorted to the front
desk and scheduled for pre-operative blood work and a complete
cardiologic workup.

As you can imagine, the patient and his wife showed up in my
office significantly distressed about the idea of having a hip
replacement.

I asked him two simple questions. Did you have this pain six
weeks ago? His answer was “No.” Are you getting better?  The
answer was “Yes.”

I referred the patient to another orthopedic surgeon. After a
careful evaluation, he did not recommend the surgery.  He felt
that the patient should continue with treatment since he was
improving.

What do you think would have happened if the patient had not
gone for a second opinion? He probably would have had an
unnecessary surgery.

I have often referred patients for second opinions (and
sometimes third opinions, if necessary).  If you do not feel
comfortable with a doctor’s recommendation, it’s time to get a
second opinion. If a doctor is treating you and you are not
getting better (experiencing a decrease in the frequency,
intensity, and duration of your pain or managing your
condition), it’s time to get a second opinion.  You can’t depend
on your doctor to refer you to another doctor for a second
opinion; sometimes you just have to get one on your own.

Doctors are extremely busy and overworked. Quite often they have
a tendency to rush in and out of an appointment without focusing
on the patient’s needs.

When doctors are rushed, they may fail to answer patients’
questions.  Sometimes patients think of other questions after
the visit.

I suggest that you prepare a list of written questions for your
appointment. When you get home, write down any further questions
that you may have thought of after the appointment. If the
questions are urgent, call the office and speak with the nurse
or physician’s assistant.

If you do not feel comfortable with the answers and
recommendations of your doctor, get another opinion. It’s always
helpful to have a second pair of eyes look at and evaluate your
situation.

To Your Health, Wealth & Happiness!

Dr. Michael Kaye
Knowledge, Action, Results

P.S. Would you like a second opinion? Do you find yourself
struggling with your goals, nutrition, exercise program, or your
business? If you would like another pair of eyes to take a look
at what you’re doing (or not doing), please feel free to e-mail
at Michael@fromnpaintopersonalgain.com to learn more about the
Success & Wellness Coaching Program.